Scratched Plastic on Odometer

gissentml

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Jul 20, 2024
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Brighton, Colorado
My 1958 odometer plastic is scratched. The micro scratches came from dust particles caught in between the plastic frame. I used a micro fiber cloth to clean and it pulled dirt from the groove. Then it got rubbed. I advise only cleaning with compressed air. I even used eye glass lens wipes by zeiss and it scratched it more. I’m pretty bummed.
 

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I noticed some scratches on the drive home from the dealer. I suspect that screen is ridiculously easy to scratch. Probably happened at PDI when they are quickly wiping everything down. Since the finish is matte I expect it would be difficult to cover with any sort of screen protector, though curious if anyone has tried. Agree with cleaning compressed air is probably the only "safe" method but that won't clean any droplets. Anyway, it's only noticeable when strong sunlight comes in from the side off angle. I notice it a lot less now that I have window tints, so there's another reason to get tints if you haven't gotten them yet. Don't let it bum you out; most people are blissfully unaware of these micro scratches.
 
I noticed some scratches on the drive home from the dealer. I suspect that screen is ridiculously easy to scratch. Probably happened at PDI when they are quickly wiping everything down. Since the finish is matte I expect it would be difficult to cover with any sort of screen protector, though curious if anyone has tried. Agree with cleaning compressed air is probably the only "safe" method but that won't clean any droplets. Anyway, it's only noticeable when strong sunlight comes in from the side off angle. I notice it a lot less now that I have window tints, so there's another reason to get tints if you haven't gotten them yet. Don't let it bum you out; most people are blissfully unaware of these micro scratches.
I agree about light hitting. My tint does help. It being very easy to scratch and likely hard to protect is my issue. I plan to take this vehicle everywhere and telling people not to wipe it will be stressful. Oh well! Thanks brother
 
I purchased a hardened glass overlay for it and the infotainment screen, but haven't had time to install them yet. Others that have installed them said the infotainment screen was a mofo to get on and I assume that's because they didn't remove the trim, rather just slid it in place.
 
@EOD Guy Please update us when you install... even if it doesn't hide the existing scratches would be nice to prevent new ones, assuming it fits and doesn't affect readability.
 
@EOD Guy Please update us when you install... even if it doesn't hide the existing scratches would be nice to prevent new ones, assuming it fits and doesn't affect readability.
IMO it would make the micro scratches disappear as the reflective surface would now be as smooth as glass.......LOL
 
I installed the kit from Screen Protech the other day and it turned out great.

It hid the micro-scratches on the gauge cluster. I went with the anti-glare version for the nav screen.

 
It would be nice if Toyota sold the plastic part on its own. I wonder if it separates from the screen, maybe a third party will make replacements in the future.
 
It would be nice if Toyota sold the plastic part on its own. I wonder if it separates from the screen, maybe a third party will make replacements in the future.
In my experience, most instrument clusters do come apart, however probably not a huge market for just the lens.
 
My 1958 odometer plastic is scratched. The micro scratches came from dust particles caught in between the plastic frame. I used a micro fiber cloth to clean and it pulled dirt from the groove. Then it got rubbed. I advise only cleaning with compressed air. I even used eye glass lens wipes by zeiss and it scratched it more. I’m pretty bummed.
I attached a screen protector to my odometer last night. Fits nicely and looks good. Here's a link: Screen Protector (includes a larger one for the multimedia screen, but I have the larger screen.) A little hint on installation - I attached some loops of tape to the front of the protector to hold onto while I installed the protector. Otherwise it's going to be really difficult to place the protector on the screen.

Here are some pics so you can see how close glass fits.

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I attached a screen protector to my odometer last night. Fits nicely and looks good. Here's a link: Screen Protector (includes a larger one for the multimedia screen, but I have the larger screen.) A little hint on installation - I attached some loops of tape to the front of the protector to hold onto while I installed the protector. Otherwise it's going to be really difficult to place the protector on the screen.

Here are some pics so you can see how close glass fits.

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That looks awesome! And with the scratch concerns on the display, should protect well. It looks shiny/reflective, is there much glare?
 
I attached a screen protector to my odometer last night. Fits nicely and looks good. Here's a link: Screen Protector (includes a larger one for the multimedia screen, but I have the larger screen.) A little hint on installation - I attached some loops of tape to the front of the protector to hold onto while I installed the protector. Otherwise it's going to be really difficult to place the protector on the screen.

Here are some pics so you can see how close glass fits.

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View attachment 26421View attachment 26422View attachment 26423
How easy it is to install? I absolutely suck at installing screen protectors, and it turned in to a phobia lol.
 
How easy it is to install? I absolutely suck at installing screen protectors, and it turned in to a phobia lol.
Very easy. The key to installation is having a clean mounting surface (gently wipe with glass cleaner and then something like carpro eraser or use the alcohol wipe). Plus, you'll need a way to hold onto the screen protector when installing it. Using the edges to hold is not great. I used two pieces of tape I attached to the front. Once you have it in the proper location, press the center and push out from the center towards the edges. I use something soft to push against the screen, like a microfiber towel. Be sure to get all of the bubbles pushed out.
 
I put one of these in too and agree it looks better than the original. It is super hard to orient because of the depth of the cluster and the lack of an edge to orient against (there’s a gap between the screen and the housing). I used two small suction cups as handles to place it. Hides all the scratches and should last for years.
 
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