Gauge Cluster Screen Protector

[Jits84]

Hey everyone,

I've only had my Taco for two weeks and somehow already have scratches on the cluster... any alternatives to the ProTech screen protector? Im in Canada and not interested in paying $150+ for screen protectors.

Sponsored

 

[goin2drt]

How would your gauge cluster be scratched. It is hooded and tucked in. All it can get it a little dusty. Use a micro fiber towel to clean it with a damp cloth. Are you cleaning your interior with sand paper?

 

[Jits84]

How would your gauge cluster be scratched. It is hooded and tucked in. All it can get it a little dusty. Use a micro fiber towel to clean it with a damp cloth. Are you cleaning your interior with sand paper?

From the dust. I have not even touched it with anything yet. Thanks for your input tho.

 

[goin2drt]

From the dust. I have not even touched it with anything yet. Thanks for your input tho.

So then it isn't scratched if you haven't touched it. Take a new, clean micro fiber cloth, Get it damp with simply water and wipe off the dust. Dry with another clean micro fiber. No screen protector needed. All it will get is a little dusty.

 

[Baltimore]

One can be extra careful and it still get scratched. I was hyper aware on mine but all it took was some dust of a touch higher 'grit' and that light wipe dragged a scratch a few inches long on mine. Using some fine scratch remover, I got most of it out and down to about a 2cm/1in line still faintly there. I may try to buff it out more, but the plastic they have there could be a bit more dense. Right now it's down to the point that when the dash lights up you can't see it. Still, now reflecting whether to put a film on it.
On the main 14" I did a matte glass, but honestly that was all about glare reduction and not 'protection'

 

[TrustButVerify]

Easy to do. I took as many precautions as I could but these things are soft as clarified butter. Scratched it with a delicate microfiber wipe. Then foolishly got some sort of incompatible interior cleaner on it and it fogged slightly.

Here's what I used:
Amazon.com: Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish (10 oz) Bundle with Microfiber Cloth & Foam Pad (3 Items) : Automotive

Meguiars PlastiX clear plastic polish and cleaner.

Use a delicate touch with a very clean microfiber. Work out the scratches or in my case scratches and discolorations.

 

[ToyTaco]

One can be extra careful and it still get scratched . . .

Been there, done that. That clear plastic on the gauge cluster is wickedly soft. Easy to scratch even with a micro-fiber cloth--especially if there's already a built-up layer of abrasive dust. A bright light at just the right angle will expose a slew of fine scratches--even on a brand-new vehicle.

If used regularly from day-one, with a new vehicle (before the dirt/dust gets a stranglehold), pressured air works great. Be careful to not use too much pressure and don't get too close. Great at removing dirt/dust in areas that a rag/cloth or vacuum cleaner can't access very well. Works well on the gauge cluster, dash/console crevices, carpet, seats (especially underneath), doors, etc. Also good at removing water from crevices after washing a vehicle (exterior and under the hood). If we stay on top of things with the air, we rarely need to use a vacuum cleaner. Just follow-up with a micro-fiber and our favorite snake-oil.

 

[Baltimore]

Here's what I used (the fine scratch and then the polish), used a blue shop paper towel as the 'rag'.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091IPVEW?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

 

[Dirt]

Take a close look. The dealer may not have removed the factory plastic cover. They missed mine,

 

[ixo]

i had this issue when I bought my 24.

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...ing-scratches-out-of-gauge-cluster-area.10627

I used the product I mentioned and felt good about it for a day, then I was taking a turn and noticed in direct sunlight it still looks bad. I've kinda just moved on. in direct light it looks not great.

I've seen people get aftermarket "cell phone screen cover" type things and they supposedly "fill in" light scrathces during install, but meh...

Sponsored