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Instrument cover cracking

Started by chiz, May 01, 2016, 07:23:04 PM

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chiz

May 01, 2016, 07:23:04 PM
Hi
I bought a replacement instrument cluster because my original clear cover is cracked up all over. Is there a treatment for the clear plastic that will prevent cracking

Lez

FJmonkey

#1
May 01, 2016, 08:33:30 PM
Quote from: chiz on May 01, 2016, 07:23:04 PM
Hi
I bought a replacement instrument cluster because my original clear cover is cracked up all over. Is there a treatment for the clear plastic that will prevent cracking

Lez
Maybe a time machine.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

Pat Conlon

#2
May 01, 2016, 10:48:00 PM
Lez, there is nothing that I know of...

I try and not leave my gauges in the sun. El Sol does not play nice with the clear cover, he also bleaches my gauge needles. If I need to, depending on parking, I put my gloves over the gauge cover.
1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3

ribbert

#3
May 02, 2016, 07:14:39 AM
Quote from: chiz on May 01, 2016, 07:23:04 PM
Hi
I bought a replacement instrument cluster because my original clear cover is cracked up all over. Is there a treatment for the clear plastic that will prevent cracking

Lez

As far as I know, there is no way to protect anything "clear" from UV rays, certainly not from surface treatments, and plastic doesn't like UV rays.

This is not a common problem with FJ's (the screen and shroud tend to offer reasonble protection) and I can't recall anyone having a similar issue so I would say if you have replaced it, and don't leave it baking in the sun, you should be OK.

Noel
"Tell a wise man something he doesn't know and he'll thank you, tell a fool something he doesn't know and he'll abuse you"

PaulG

#4
May 02, 2016, 07:32:07 AM
What about using a piece of window tint?  They claim blocking 99% of UVs.  Maybe a minimum tint of 10 or 20% would be enough to see the gauges still?


http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Automotive/
1992 FJ1200 ABS
YouTube Channel Paul G

ribbert

#5
May 02, 2016, 07:44:52 AM
Quote from: PaulG on May 02, 2016, 07:32:07 AM
What about using a piece of window tint?  They claim blocking 99% of UVs.  Maybe a minimum tint of 10 or 20% would be enough to see the gauges still?


http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Automotive/

You're right Paul, it does block the rays but it's also not "clear" and this is not a widespread problem, in fact, I've never heard of anyone having this problem before.(not saying it hasn't happened though, but it must be rare)

Noel
"Tell a wise man something he doesn't know and he'll thank you, tell a fool something he doesn't know and he'll abuse you"

Charlie-brm

#6
May 02, 2016, 03:52:15 PM
Can I ask how long you've had the bike with that part and what you've been using to clean it?
If someone wants to see any images I refer to in posts, first check my gallery here. If no bueno, send me a PM. More than glad to share.
Current Model: 1990 FJ1200 3CV since 2020
Past Models: 1984 FJ1100 - 2012 to 2020
1979 XS750SF - 2005 to 2012

chiz

#7
May 02, 2016, 06:21:22 PM
Only had it about 2 years and always cover it or park it in the shade. Funny thing it went wild with cracking two winters ago when it got evil cold.... Got to thinking seeing as though automotive clear coat is designed to give UV protection could I give this a try or likely the concoction of chemicals that has to go into the stuff might melt the plastic?
Lez Thanks for the feedback
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