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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 04-25-2008, 06:58 AM
Ookpik Ookpik is offline
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Hybrids: 2007 Camry Hybrid
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Default Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

I was wondering if anyone has a good way to clean the lens that covers the speedo, temp, feul gauge etc. I have always used a soft damp terry cloth in the past but over time it seems to leave hairline scatches which you really only see when the sun shines directly on it. I presume it is made out of Polycarbonate or maybe Acrylic. I don't know if you use a microfiber cloth that it would be any better. Anyways I am always open to a better way if you have one.
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Old 04-25-2008, 08:02 AM
Moptop Moptop is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

You might try using a plastic polish to get rid of the hairline scratches, and a plastic detailer to keep it clean. You can pick them up at any auto parts store. Never use ammonia based cleaners (ie. Windex) on plastic, it can ruin the finish. I use a plastic polisher for the lexan windscreen on my motorcycle and it keeps it optically clear. I always use a high quality mircofiber cloth, my experience with cheap cloths is that they tend to scratch. Also just to note, I believe that all plastics tend to have some hairline scratches, it's just the way it's manufactured.
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Old 04-25-2008, 08:05 AM
jbollt jbollt is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ookpik View Post
I was wondering if anyone has a good way to clean the lens that covers the speedo, temp, feul gauge etc. I have always used a soft damp terry cloth in the past but over time it seems to leave hairline scatches which you really only see when the sun shines directly on it. I presume it is made out of Polycarbonate or maybe Acrylic. I don't know if you use a microfiber cloth that it would be any better. Anyways I am always open to a better way if you have one.
I also have fine scratches as well. And I alway use a damp cloth. Any ideas on how to remove the scratches and prevent them in the future? (other than NOT cleaning the dust off the lens)
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Old 04-25-2008, 08:11 AM
Moptop Moptop is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

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Originally Posted by jbollt View Post
I also have fine scratches as well. And I alway use a damp cloth. Any ideas on how to remove the scratches and prevent them in the future? (other than NOT cleaning the dust off the lens)
See my post above.
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Old 04-25-2008, 08:39 AM
jbollt jbollt is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

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Originally Posted by Moptop View Post
See my post above.
Thanks, Moptop! I'll have a look next time I am at an auto parts store. Hmm..wonder when that will be? Just one of the nice things about the TCH is it doesn't need much care. I see mostly older cars on the parking lots of these places when I drive by. Have you ever seen the oil soaked parking spaces from the oil-leakers? My TCH will most likely be the most expensive vehicle there!

Anyway, do you have a brand of plastic polish to recommend?
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Old 04-25-2008, 08:51 AM
Moptop Moptop is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

I use the novex spray for cleaning
http://www.novuspolish.com/

or I've heard good things about the Meguires PlastX
http://www.meguiars.com/?clear-plast...Cleaner-Polish

The Meguires might be a little overkill though reading the description. Personally I would start with just a detailer spray before going to any sort of actual cut polish.
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Old 04-25-2008, 11:38 AM
GeorgiaHybrid GeorgiaHybrid is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

For initial cleaning, try a very soft interior detailing brush to gently remove the grit and dust on the surface (running a vacuum near the brush helps). Once the major grit is off, try using Plexus as a cleaner. Spray it on a good micofiber towel and then wipe on and polish the lens cover.

Plexus and Aerospace 303 are good for interior and exterior plastics (including headlight covers). Both were originally developed for the aviation industry and work very well with almost any plastic found in autos today.
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Old 04-25-2008, 02:12 PM
mikieboyblue mikieboyblue is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

I was about to post this same question...and now we have an answer...cool.
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Old 04-25-2008, 05:02 PM
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RedLdr1 RedLdr1 is offline
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Real Name: Wayne
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

I use a camera lens brush you can pick up at any Wolf Camera or similar type store. The soft lens brush will not scratch the plastic and the fine bristles get along the edges pretty well.... You can even get a small squeeze type blower brush to really clean the crevices if you're in to super detailing...

.

Wayne

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Magnetic Grey, XM Radio, Body Side Moldings, Splash Guards, Formula 1 Pinnacle 35 Ceramic Window Tint, PadsPlus Neoprene Rubber Insert Set, Putco Chrome Door Handles, Michelin Primacy P215/60R16 95H Tires, OEM Rear SE Spoiler

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Old 04-27-2008, 05:25 AM
Ookpik Ookpik is offline
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Default Re: Cleaning The Instrument Gauge lens

Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgiaHybrid View Post
For initial cleaning, try a very soft interior detailing brush to gently remove the grit and dust on the surface (running a vacuum near the brush helps). Once the major grit is off, try using Plexus as a cleaner. Spray it on a good micofiber towel and then wipe on and polish the lens cover.

Plexus and Aerospace 303 are good for interior and exterior plastics (including headlight covers). Both were originally developed for the aviation industry and work very well with almost any plastic found in autos today.
GeorgiaHybrid: Where can you purchase Plexus? On Youtube they have videos of it used for laptops, ipod / cellphone screens etc. Not sure if it can be used there safely (and I am not recommending it) but interesting!
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