Replacing Instrument Cluster Plastic?

When I took my Tundra in for service last year during covid, their valets were spraying disinfectant everywhere when entering the vehicles. Apparently it was ammonia based because this is how it looks now, even after cleaning…


I’m assuming this thin plastic is basically shot and can’t be cleaned in a way to remove the discoloration… so is it possible to replace just this plastic and not the whole instrument cluster?

What are my options here?

I haven’t talked to the dealer yet, but since this happened a full year ago I’m sure they’ll deny any wrongdoing. If I wasn’t so lazy and tried cleaning it off right away I’d be in much better shape if I complained then, but I dont expect to get far being like “Hey, you guys damaged my truck last year and I’m only bringing it up now…”

 

Why did you wait? I would have had them fix it asap. Try Meguiars plastic polish.

 

I figured it was just some dried residue that would come off when I got around to cleaning it, and I didn't try cleaning it until now.

I'll give that polish a shot.

 

If you know of a good auto detailer give them a shot at cleaning the dash plastic. Those guys usually know the latest and greatest for tough issues like yours. Worst case scenario you get your car cleaned but the plastic is still a mess.

 

This is a good solution especially if you know someone you trust. Call and ask what they would charge just to polish it.

 

I’m sure if you really went to town on it you could polish that back to life. Maybe even take the cluster out so you can have it on a bench or your lap. Similar to polishing headlights. Start with something simple like Maguires plastix to see if it even makes a dent. If that’s not cutting it, you may have to get more aggressive with a grittier compound. I always start with the lightest polish I can. If that’s not taking scratches or imperfections out, I step to a heavier grit. Once you get to the grit that seems to be effective, then you have to polish yourself back in steps to the finest polish. Finer scratches to take out heavy scratches.

i’d also be willing to bet that you’re not the only customer that this happened to. You might want to just show them and see what they say. Explain your situation, even go as far to say that you didn’t feel like coming in if it wasn’t necessary during Covid. Now you want your shit fixed LOL

 

https://www.sparksparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-cluster-lens-838520cm10

There you go, 31 bucks. Apply a protective film before installation and you'll never have another problem. This is what I plan on doing in the future

 

I changed mine out on my last Tundra (2015). Previous jackass had stickers all over it, leaving scratches. I don't remember what the oem part cost, but it was well worth it and a piece of cake to swap it out.

 

This is the way. The clear plastic on the Tundra cluster is super easy to scratch even when trying to clean with micro fiber. I had no luck with polishing. Changing is the way to go just be super careful when you install it's also really easy to break.

 

Wow, thanks guys. Now that I know what the thing is called I was able to track down some instructions on removal and it does seem pretty simple (taken from another thread here): http://www.hypertech-inc.com/ProductManuals/InLineSpeedo/730119_VSS_Instlltn_Prcdr.pdf

Great idea on the protective film.

I’m actually due for inspection soon so when I take it in I’ll see if they’ll take care of it, but if not… it’s not the end of the world.

 

when you do replace it and get a screen protector I used ScreenProtech for the touchscreen and instrument cluster. really good quality stuff.