This really makes no sense to me, but two of my three factory gauges are cloudy/scratched/f**ked up for some reason or another. Initially it looked like some small smudges, which I tried gingerly to remove just with water and such (didn't use any harsh chemicals or anything). But everytime I touch the darn things, it gets worse. Even if I touch it with my finger.

When I rub my finger across it, the smudges seem to disappear a briefly...but they gradually come back and are worse than before.

I'm totally at a loss for what's going on, and only think that perhaps I have to replace the whole console.

Y'all ever seen this before or have any ideas?

 

clean them with alcohol.

 

Yeah, it looks to me like you've got a greasy film on them. Perhaps try some diluted dawn soap, or something that cuts grease and isn't too harsh.

 

well, that last thing I tried on 'em was some windex. (and before you say that might be what did damage, the gauges look almost the same as they did before I tried that)

as for the film and alcohol, it doesn't really feel like anything's on it. and wouldn't the alcohol be bad since they're plastic? if not, I can go that route and the soap one

 

Have you put any armor all or something of the sort on your dash lately?

 

have used armor all in the past....every few months I guess. haven't gotten it on the gauges though

(oh, and the gauges were kinda like this when I acquired the car from another seller, so not sure what he could have done. but again, it's odd b/c it won't clear up)

 

windex has amonia (unless you used the amonia-free version).
I don't think amonia and plastic is a good combo...

Maybe the previous owner used windex too.

Try using some plastic polish (the one they use to clean the headlights, you can find it at your local auto parts store).

 

Alcohol will not damage the plastic on it. Alcohol is actually the prefered cleaner of window tint. Alcohol is a non-abrasive cleaner and will remove grease and various other things that will leave a film on glass/plastic surfaces.

Agreed - ammonia is BAD for plastic (just like that used in window tint).

After using the alcohol I would follow it up with Maguires plastic cleaner and polish (2 step system, will also clean DVD's and CD's)

 

aight cool. I'll give those a shot.

and yeh, agreed on the windex thing. that might have been what was used on it in the first place.

what a pain! btw, I'm assuming I'd have to buy the whole console if I wanted to replace these, yes? I think this would be the part -- http://performancenissanparts.com/ca...oducts_id=1302

('cause it's so ugly to look at, if I can't fix it)

 

I would call Jason at Performance to make sure that is right. Honestly that price seems a little to low for those gauges.

EDIT: Here is what I found on performance's OEM web page. It looks like #17 is just the plastic covers. I would call Jason to confirm though.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...17&catalogid=2

 

If You Want To Change Them The P/n Is 24813-cd300 List Is 27.70 Where You At I'll Give It To You For My Cost
I Had The Same Problem With My Cluster Lens
I Just Changed It Because They Were Taking Out The Radio Anyway

 

wow, cool info. I'm located in DC.

is the install hard? I took apart the dash to install my DVD system, but didn't notice offhand how 'dem things come out.

thanks again guys. this is great

 

install is pretty easy. I have taken those gauges out before. If you installed a DVD system you will have no problem with these.

 

Looks like fume damage from Krazy glue. One of the trim rings probably fell out and the previous owner tried to Krazy glue it back in!

You ever try to glue a model airplane canopy with Krazy Glue? thats what happens.

 

went ahead & ordered that piece, guys. will let y'all know how it works out and thanks again for the advice