Best product to clean black plastic dash gauge housing?

MrNorm · Post by **MrNorm** » Tue Sep 04, 07 12:14 pm

Title says it really, I've washed and scrubbed with water/washing up liquid to get rid of the dust (have you ever seen the dust in my garage

) but it needs a better clean.

What do you guys use for this, I'll also need to do my door panels, dashpad etc in due course. Ideally something that cleans deeply into all the grain.
If I need to apply something after that then let me know what you like to use, though preferably not armour-all type products (silicon), even though they do leave a nice even finish, it's just too shiny (but if you like 'em convince me!)

Thanks

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Sep 04, 07 12:17 pm

Gavin,

I have been told T-Cut is great for bringing lenses to life - I have the same rpoblem with my rear light clusters (tried toothbrush and warm soapy water).

Be interesting to hear about vinyl cleaning

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Tue Sep 04, 07 12:25 pm

Brasso.
Brings our "solvent sensative" OHP fresnel lenses up a treat. I use it on all plastics and have for years. I wouldn't use anything else. It is an AV techs "secret".

aussie pete · Post by **aussie pete** » Tue Sep 04, 07 12:35 pm

T-cut is too coarse and will leave the lens hazy.I used Greygate plastic polish (available on e-bay under soft top rear screen cleaner) to clean the rear screen on a streetka rear screen.For vinyl i use Mer `PVC & vinyl interior cleener `or Mer` bumper & external vinyl cleening gel`

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Sep 04, 07 12:54 pm

Interesting tips.

I must admit, I havent used the T-Cut way, but I am glad I didnt take the advice.

Might give the brasso a go on a small 'innocuous' lens, then try the GReygate.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Sep 04, 07 12:55 pm

Oh, would you think a small buffing head on a Dremmel would be too harsh (melt the plastic)? Should the polishing be done by hand (so to speak - and no crude jokes please

)

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Tue Sep 04, 07 1:57 pm

Just polish by hand in circles. You don't want to use anything mechanical.

Try the Brasso in a small area and report your results. Just dampen the cloth with it and make sure the cloth is clean. I bet you like it.

aussie pete · Post by **aussie pete** » Tue Sep 04, 07 1:59 pm

don`nt take the chance, polish by hand!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Sep 04, 07 2:42 pm

Point taken Dave / Pete, I suppose there are no shortcuts to be taken with this little job, especially with light cluster scarcity being what it is.

I will take a few before n after photos once I have had a go. This weekend hopefully.

Good tips.

MrNorm · Post by **MrNorm** » Tue Sep 04, 07 7:52 pm

No No Stop!!!

Sorry if I wasn't clear but I'm not talking about polishing lenses, I'm talking about cleaning the housing.
That's why I mentioned cleaning into the grain, and door panels, armour-all etc etc

You know, this is the black plastic housing that surrounds the lenses. that's what I need to clean up.

(My lenses are already done, including the rear ones Clive check out my buildup post for before and after)

So - reset! any cleaning recommendations??
Thanks!!

latil · Post by **latil** » Tue Sep 04, 07 8:09 pm

Methylated spirits and a small soft nylon brush. Then wash in warm water with non biological washing powder dissolved in it,finally rinse with cold water and leave to dry.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Tue Sep 04, 07 8:23 pm

Same again. Brasso.

Brings the gloss back to your bath as well if you want to keep your lass busy.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Sep 04, 07 9:18 pm

Sorry Gav, genuine mistake. No hijack intended.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Wed Sep 05, 07 5:09 pm

have fopund the foam in a can from halfords with plastic bristle head to work well on deeply garined plastic alfa romeo interior

gets off milky baby sick (tenacious stuff) and fag ash

and that dust you make when sanding filler. (passes the time when parked on the M25)

lenses

fine use all them things but hand polish with arm and hammer bakeing soda toothpaste is very good too

Works on ya lenses works on ya 4th and 5th gen I-pod screen

Dave

MrNorm · Post by **MrNorm** » Wed Sep 05, 07 8:50 pm

Cheers so far guys, keep 'em coming. No worries Clivey, it's all good, just needed some answers for this problem

Dave, what was the Halfords foam in a can stuff - plastic cleaner, upholstery cleaner etc??? thanks

latil - I might try that one. I did clean it all with panel cleaner, which although not meths is another mild solvent, don't know if that would (should?) have worked the same? the washing powder is worth a look, I think we only have liquid, might try that! Actually dishwasher detergent seems to get recommended for lots of things, but we use tablets!