T5 dash perspex badly scratched...

[blaast]

I have an 8 month old 2009 Caravelle and the perspex/plastic protecting the dashboard components is very badly scratched.
The scratches are invisible when in shade, but as soon as the sun hits it, it is near impossible to view.
I have cleaned it all of two times...with a soft duster!

This is quite disappointing, and somewhat embarassing, to have a 'VW' with such a rediculous build quality problem, particularly one that you look at every time you drive it (we absolutely love the car otherwise)!

Is anyone else's like this?
Can the perspex only be replaced?
Can it be fixed, eg. polished?
Is it a warrantable item, or because it is scratched then I must have caused it so it won't be covered?

Cheers!

[Transporter]

There is a polish for the plastic. I use Mothers Plastic Polish from Super Cheap auto $20. approx. It's worth to try.

[Tornado T5]

yep, especially when a carwash uses a vacumn cleaner to clean off the dust....I have to ask though, if you have only used a soft duster and no-one else has cleaned the dash gauge cover how could it have become scratched?

[blaast]

I have to ask though, if you have only used a soft duster and no-one else has cleaned the dash gauge cover how could it have become scratched?

I don't know...is the plastic too 'soft'?

[MultiplexMan]

blaast - I would not say the instrument cover is "too soft". 3 years and no scratches on mine and I travel into the dust bowls of the Cooper Basin, Pilbara and Kimberley.

Dust and dirt particles are acrylic's enemies. Scratches are a classic "three body" problem - glass + dirt + applicator. The softest body loses...

I seek out polishes as used on glider canopies. A canopy has a lot more surface area, it is exposed to the elements and it is a bit more expensive than an instrument "glass".

The fact that you have scratches means you will need to use an abrasive to polish the "glass".

I would also check your duster. I have a fabric cleaning glove that is only used for instruments. It is stowed in the glove box. No excuses from me if I scratch something...

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi Blaast,

I concur that it is very very easy to put light surface scratches in the dash perspex. I use a very soft and slightly damp soft yellow furry dish cloth because I felt that a soft microfibre cloth was even too abrasive. In the end though it is difficult to avoid scratches to some extent. Plastic polishes such as Maquires PlasteX will mask it for a while but can leave a bit of a residue.

Yes the perspex is way too soft.

Another beef of mine is the hard plastic section where the light switch area. It gets scratched around a bit by keys dangling when driving.

Cheers,

Scott

[Philbie]

i use a shaving brush to clear away the dirt and dust then wipe over with a chamos........works every time.