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View Full Version : Instrument Cluster dirty/foggy: HELP!



Bulten Rauder
07-21-2009, 06:15 PM
It looks like some kind of fluid/spray seeped into the inside of the instrument bezel/lens. Is this removable? How can I clean it? There's quite alot of dirt and dust back there too...drives me nuts!!:mad2:

Thanks,

Dave

KillJoy
07-21-2009, 06:33 PM
Remove the Dash.

Remove the Cluster.

Remove the Plastic Cover from the Cluster.

Is the "stuff" on the inside, or the outside?

Can you wipe it off?

If it is scratched, use FLITZ (Google it ;) ) and polish it with a Drem w/ a Cloth Wheel.

Well...??

KillJoy

Bulten Rauder
07-21-2009, 06:47 PM
Remove the Dash.

Remove the Cluster.

Remove the Plastic Cover from the Cluster.

This "sounds" easy...but is it? How is this done exactly? Can I just take the 2 screws out above the cluster?

The dirt and streaks is all on the inside!

KillJoy
07-21-2009, 06:50 PM
The dirt and streaks is all on the inside!

409 and a paper towel???

:confused:

KillJoy

Bulten Rauder
07-21-2009, 06:53 PM
Does the entire dash actually have to be removed? How is this done? Is the cluster cover just screwed on?

Thanks,

Dave

KillJoy
07-21-2009, 06:57 PM
Does the entire dash actually have to be removed? How is this done? Is the cluster cover just screwed on?

Thanks,

Dave

My level of care is soooooo low on this.... however:

Remove the Dot Matrix Trim

Remove all of the Screws.

Yank off the Dash.

Remove the screws for the Cluster.

If you have more questions regarding the removal, SEARCH (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/search.php)!

KillJoy

Bulten Rauder
07-21-2009, 07:02 PM
My level of care is soooooo low on this.... however:

Thanks! Appreciate the ten seconds taken to help me out!

KillJoy
07-21-2009, 07:05 PM
Thanks! Appreciate the ten seconds taken to help me out!


SEARCH (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/search.php) is your friend. Did you use it FIRST?

:confused:

If someone posts up with getting Bird Droppings on their Paint, do you expect such a timely and imformimitive replies? Nothing I gave is incorrect, or inaccurate.

Give a man a fish, he will b!tch for the rest of his life....

KillJoy

Embassy
07-22-2009, 05:47 AM
Play nice, Steve. :cool:

Here's some pics taken when I removed the cluster on my '98 P71.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/215595/fullsize/instrument-trim-panel-removed.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/215597/fullsize/lower-steering-column-cover-remove.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/215604/fullsize/gauge-cluster--being-removed.jpg

More pics:
http://www.supermotors.net/registry/588/26138



I'll be pulling the gauge cluster on my Marauder soon for some enhancements.

GordonB
07-22-2009, 07:51 AM
Bulten Rauder,
Keep in mind that there are several 'tricks' to be performed:
1. Fashion Radio removal tools from Thickest coathangar you can find -- use 2 ends (shoulders) from a coathangar and form large "U"s. Remove radio first.
2. After removal of instrument cluster clear plastic lense, there is ANOTHER clear plastic lense to be removed with about 6 hex-head screws.
3. THEN, you can vacuum out the build-up of dust, bugs and other assorted junk that has accumulated!!!
4. Use a PLASTIC cleaner/polish on BOTH lenses with a microfiber cloth.

Good luck. I've done 2 (see my sig below) to get out the bugs and dust -- 'bugged' me!!!
GordonB

Bulten Rauder
07-22-2009, 02:20 PM
409 and a paper towel???

:confused:

KillJoy

NEVER, EVER use a paper towel on plastic!

Dave

Bulten Rauder
07-22-2009, 02:26 PM
Friends,

I really appreciate the help! This site has been so excellent in helping me with tasks both big and small! ;)

I managed to get the trim panels off without removing the stereo...I just rested the panel off to the side. I removed the lens and cleaned/buffed it using a cotton towel and some Plexis plastic cleaner. I removed scratches, some quite deep, with my Dremmel and the cotton buffing wheel.

I then carefully brushed out the "bits" of dirt with a soft clean paintbrush and then blew compressed air gently on all surfaces.

It looks so good you can't even tell there is a lens now!:banana:

Ms. Denmark
07-22-2009, 02:33 PM
Glad it all worked out for you! Most members are extremely happy to be helpful with any and all Marauder issues. It is the best place to get answers so don't hesitate to ask if something else comes up. :)

RacerX
08-02-2009, 05:51 AM
I just found an awesome product for the clear plastic! Someone used a paper towel or who knows what to wipe the plastic cover and it was cloudy. I started looking around and found Meguir's PlastX. It's a cleaner and polish for platics. It worked very well!!! The cloudiness is gone, it's like brandy spankin new again! I even started looking for anything plastic to use it on! Headlight covers, no more cloudiness! And no, I don't work for Meguir's! :D