Instrument Panel Lens
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
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From: Vonore Tennessee
Instrument Panel Lens
I bought a used 2005 C6 several years ago and have enjoyed it ever since, despite having to deal with some "first year" flaws. One lingering problem that still bugs me, however, is the fact that the clear plastic lens over the instrument panel has some blemishes that look like they were caused by some type of solvent overspray (e.g., Armour-All, winndshield cleaner, whatever) by the original owner. Since the instrument panel is a one piece unit, I cannot simply just replace the plastic lens. Anyone have a suggestion on something that might restore the clarity of clear plastic? The cost of an entire new instrument panel is prohibitive.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: Navarre Florida
I have used a Walmart brand generic plastic polish to removed the same thing you describe on my old dodge dakota's dash. It worked fairly good, but you have to be consistent in your 'rubbing' for lack of a better word.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, IL USA
I ruined my 2001 Toyota Solara instrument panel plastic the same way. I didn't realize there were over-spray cleaner shots that sat there for a couple of days, eating away at the plastic.
When I realized what happened I was sick about it, even went to the Totota dealer and they said that they replace the entire cluster as a unit...not just the plastic....so it was going to be a pricey fix.
So...it's still messed up.
I don't spray anything on the interior of my corvette because of this incident - just use the interior wipes they sell at auto-parts stores.
Mark
When I realized what happened I was sick about it, even went to the Totota dealer and they said that they replace the entire cluster as a unit...not just the plastic....so it was going to be a pricey fix.
So...it's still messed up.
I don't spray anything on the interior of my corvette because of this incident - just use the interior wipes they sell at auto-parts stores.
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,779
Likes: 2
From: NCM Lifetime Member
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20
I hope this is relevant to your C6:
On my purchased-new '99 C5, the lens got fogged over the first four years that I owned it. The dealer asked if I had ever used any ArmorAll or other cleaner on the lens. I had not.
Then I was told that this condition was a known problem and GM replaced it with no charge even after the warranty had expired.
Replacement was a quick job so it must be designed for relatively easy R&R. It may be similar on the C6.
On my purchased-new '99 C5, the lens got fogged over the first four years that I owned it. The dealer asked if I had ever used any ArmorAll or other cleaner on the lens. I had not.
Then I was told that this condition was a known problem and GM replaced it with no charge even after the warranty had expired.
Replacement was a quick job so it must be designed for relatively easy R&R. It may be similar on the C6.
Last edited by PeterSG; Nov 5, 2010 at 11:09 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 7
From: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '12
I bought a used 2005 C6 several years ago and have enjoyed it ever since, despite having to deal with some "first year" flaws. One lingering problem that still bugs me, however, is the fact that the clear plastic lens over the instrument panel has some blemishes that look like they were caused by some type of solvent overspray (e.g., Armour-All, winndshield cleaner, whatever) by the original owner. Since the instrument panel is a one piece unit, I cannot simply just replace the plastic lens. Anyone have a suggestion on something that might restore the clarity of clear plastic? The cost of an entire new instrument panel is prohibitive.
BTW...there are plastic polishes available now you can try to salvage it....
Last edited by tim414; Nov 6, 2010 at 07:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,453
Likes: 700
From: Sausalito CA
I'd recommend your remove the cluster to polish the lens.
The book shows the lens goes all the way over the pod so this removal will give you a great chance to 100% repair.
On the C5, this lens was removable from the dash gage pod.
C6 manual did not show this as being removable...yet maybe it is.
I also note that because of construction (liquid in gages as I recall), one should try to keep the gage pod vertical while it is on the workbench...just like it sits in the car.
There is dust behind my lens that I'd like to clean.
Let us know if the lens is removable from the pod.
The book shows the lens goes all the way over the pod so this removal will give you a great chance to 100% repair.
On the C5, this lens was removable from the dash gage pod.
C6 manual did not show this as being removable...yet maybe it is.
I also note that because of construction (liquid in gages as I recall), one should try to keep the gage pod vertical while it is on the workbench...just like it sits in the car.
There is dust behind my lens that I'd like to clean.
Let us know if the lens is removable from the pod.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Plexus works well on light marks and leaves protection. Otherwise Megs makes a two-step process that works well on plastic/plexiglass guage clusters.
http://www.autogeek.net/plexplasclea.html
or
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars1017.html
http://www.autogeek.net/plexplasclea.html
or
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars1017.html
