SC30097

I have a 97 SC300, and i did something really stupid. I used a glass cleaner on the dash (where the dials are) and removed some of the tint. I called lexus and they said the part was only 40 bucks, but the total cost with labor would be 330 dollars!

I want to replace this piece and would like to do it myself. Does anyone know how difficult it would be to do this and where i can find a manual for this procedures.

Also, do you guys think a auto body shop would do this?


Thanks in advance for your help

HotBoy

I think you are referring to the plastic piece that covers the speedo and tach and stuff. If you are then don't sweat it man. Mine was pretty bad when I bought my car.
To take it of you have to remove your cluster, don't sweat it it isn't that hard. There is a great how to with pics at Lexus pros.com
Once you get the cluster out it is easy to take apart, you will see the screws that hold that part, getting the cluster out and apart is about 30 minutes max man don't let it scare you once you get into it it is really easy.
Take that piece off, I used a 3M rubbing compound on it and it cleared up a lot you might want to try that , if not then $40 seems a pretty good price for a new one and they are easy to put back on.
If you need any help PM me.
PEACE

buuzy

It took me over 2 hours to remove my cluster and ended up breakup the tabs that hold the three wiring harness in place. It's a little difficult because there's not enough slack to pull the cluster all the way out to push down on the tabs. As long as you know that you need to push down the tab pretty far to pull or pry the harness out you should be okay. My harnesses are tight enough that it doesn't really need the tabs to hold it in place. Good luck, man!

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

I personally wouldnt remove the cluster, there is no need. if you feel you must for some reason, here is how:

http://www.lexuspros.com/tutorial7.htm

What you need to do is go to the store and get 3M scratch remover and buff the faceplate with it 2 or 3 times and it will be as good as new. total investment- $5 and 30 mins. + no need to remove anything.

Vegassc400

When it comes to gauge clusters, OLT's word is golden. I'd follow his advise.

SC30097

I went to autozone to find some 3M, If you dont mind could you be more specific, and maybe let me know of a place where I could find it. The only thing i found was stuff called bluemagic: says it takes off scratches from plastic and plexiglass. Thanks

HotBoy

You could probably use that stuff but I haven't heard of it. At Auto zone go to the place with the fine grit sandpaper and bondo stuff, they should have a 3m rubbing compound that is what I used but there is a lot of stuff you can use.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

http://www.d-angelopbe.com/3mcarcare.htm

SC30097

Sorry to be a pest OLT. Thanks for the link i really appreciate it. Which one from that page would you recommend using, help would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks Again I really do appreciate it.

SC30097

Any help and I would appreciate it

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I've used the two below with good success on scratched plastic for headlights:

Plastic Care

3M™ Plastic Cleaner
A good first step for removing fine scratches or haze
from automotive and other plastic surfaces. #39017 8 oz.

3M™ Plastic Polish
For use by itself or as a second step after using 3M™
Plastic Cleaner (above) # 39010 8 oz.