Scratches on Instrument Cluster and *CRACK*

[NCJack]

Hi all!

I have a stubborn problem! Some time ago, I cleaned my instrument cluster, you know, with the gauges behind the clear plastic, and it left swirl marks all over.

Now mind you, I used a brand new cotton cloth and it just scratched it all up. I've looked all over the web for a good answer and found none. I ended up buying Mequiars PlastiX or whatever it is called to no prevail.

Eventually, I got so fed up with it, I decided to take the cluster out to see if I can remove the clear plastic and use a buffer on it or some other method. Anyways, heres what happened during my attempt...I may have cracked it ever so slightly. With the parts all put back together, the crack is only visible at an angle.

The way the crack looks, I can chock it up to manufacture defect, after all, the car came from Arizona, and the heat does a number on lots of plastic. Itcould have been damaged and/or brittle before i started

Would this crack be covered under my warranty, which expires in 2000 miles or 6 mo. Or am i screwed?

How would I get these scratches out? Can i get a new clear plastic cover somewhere?

Thanks all!

Regards,Jack
Modified by NCJack at 4:18 PM 2/25/2010

[Andrews Chalmers]

Um... so you admit you ruined the plastic - and want our input on how to commit fraud by claiming it was a manufacturing defect?

[NCJack]

Um... so you admit you ruined the plastic - and want our input on how to commit fraud by claiming it was a manufacturing defect?

umm...no. well maybe. But seriously...do I have any options to fix this?

I wasnt asking for suggestions for fraud, I was asking for my options to fix this...and how to remove swirls in the plastic.

Modified by NCJack at 4:19 PM 2/25/2010
Modified by NCJack at 4:21 PM 2/25/2010

[Francesco]

I have seen instrument clusters on Ebay for a reasonable price. I bought one for a different car in the past and was very pleased with the new cluster that included a tach which my original did not have.

Frank2009 Versa sedan MT-6 with 11600 mi

[Bubs daddy]

I would continue to clean clear plastic with all purpose polish. I have used this for years on cars and it keeps headlight clear plastic, instrument covers and such beautiful.

They have used this at auto shows and dealers for decades.

Great for paint, plastic and chrome.

[NCJack]

Thanks. But what kind of cloth should I use? I suspected it was the cloth that caused the damage anyway. When I used the PlastiX, I used a brand new microfiber towel, the only fabric smoother and softer is silk, and it still left swirls. I found the plastic lens online for 100 bucks, and If I get this replaced, Im using canned air only and hope I never sneeze.

Regards,Jack