Instrument cover cracking

[chiz]

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]

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.

[Pat Conlon]

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.

[ribbert]

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

[PaulG]

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/

[ribbert]

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

[Charlie-brm]

Can I ask how long you've had the bike with that part and what you've been using to clean it?

[chiz]

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