Instrument Cluster plastic!!!!!!!

talon88005 · 09-22-2003, 09:11 PM

I just bought a used awesome 97 saturn sc2. which runs awesome but the only problem I have is the viewable plastic. I guess the previous owner used armor all to clean the cover panel and some leaked in the plastic where the instrument gauges are. I took apart the cover panel, the plastic cover between the gauges and the steering wheel. Well to make the story short i got it out. i tried cleaning it with everything.

I was wondering, could i wash it in the dishwasher? Is it microwavable safe? Could i try cleaning it with some other source? Or the last question Do I buy another one from saturn, or is there any other shop on the net that sells is it cheaper

Robert-sl2 · 09-22-2003, 10:38 PM

Microwaveable?

If you have tried everything... Including all glass cleaners (I reccomend Invisible Glass by Stoner (hehe)) then it may be permanently discolored. I dont know about dishwasher safe or whatnot mainly because I dont know of anyone who has ever tried that. You can check local parts yards and see if you can get the plastic or they may just sell the whole cluster. Also, if that doesnt work, Drop Joey a line @ www.6thplanetusedparts.com and He'll hook you up.

And finally... Welcome to the SPOT!

Robert

KAdams4458 · 09-23-2003, 07:54 AM

I gotta wonder about the microwavable part, too. What the hell is that about?

Anyway, I'm guessing that the problem is the plastic is fogged up somehow. Certain chemicals will do this. Simple Green is one of them. (Great cleaner, bad for that clear plastic part.)

If it's sort of milky looking, then there's only two ways to go about dealing with it.

A. Replace it

B. go to your local auto supply store and buy some polish specifically designed for clear plastic. If it;s minor, going over it with the polish may do the trick.

if it's very damaged, you may want to wet sand it with 2000 grit paper or so before hitting it up with the plastic polish. I had to do some repairs to the instrument cluster in my truck once when a girlfriend tried to clean up the grime-coated steering wheel with Simple Green. By the time i was done, it looked like new again. I couldn't say that for the steering wheel.

talon88005 · 09-23-2003, 05:04 PM

When I said microwavable? i meant to say could it be dishwasher safe. I don't know if the plastic will melt in the dishwasher.

RiceRocket · 09-23-2003, 08:53 PM

lmao, I think he wanted to cook and eat it.

talon88005 · 03-29-2004, 10:03 PM

i used simple green which worked great but over spring break which was last week! the spots and the haze came back again. Im thinking about just cutting the clear plastic. would that fix my problems

monkeyracing · 03-30-2004, 05:23 AM

Use a mild solvent to dissolve the oils from the Armor All. Clean thouroughly with mild soap and water.

The clear plastic is a polycarbonate, so your best bet is to use a high quality plastic polishing compound, and a very soft, clean cotton or microfiber cloth.

That should get it good as new, without repeat incidents.

Jim

RiceRaper · 04-01-2004, 08:13 PM

i say throw it and a couple of body panels into the microwave! It might not come out quite as juicy as the oven... but it would make for excellent research. Maybe these cars really are mircowave safe.

talon88005 · 04-02-2004, 12:43 AM

i am a freaken

at the that piece of crap plastic thing i just wanna get a dremel and hack at it...

davemac2 · 04-02-2004, 03:49 AM

There was a Saturn TSB on this issue actually. They recommend a mix of water, ammonia and mild dish detergent. Or as an alternative some plastic polish such as Meguirer's as already mentioned.

davemac