Instrument Panel cover or shield.

[Honeyman]

The clear plastic cover/shield over the "instrument panel" for the Yanmar (tach, warning lights, key switch, buzzer) on my 35.5 is weathered to the point of being almost opake. Not scratched, cracked, etc., just very "hazy". When wet with water on both sides from cleaning it looks almost new and clear. Isn't there a polymer conditioner, wax, cleaner that will fix it up for awhile? Seems I've read somewhere about a treatment for plastic windows in dodgers and/or bimini surrounds that might do the trick. Any experience with this out there?

 

[John/Illinois]

Buffer

A simple buffing will bring it back. If you have exquiment and a little experence it is a DYI. If not, take it to a glass shop and have it buffed. This should be less then $20. Ask around, many vocationa schools or high schools will also have this equipment,

 

[jimq26]

Use 303 Protectant - available right here!

go to their website and you will find solutions for exactly what you describe.The chandlery here has it in stock.303 Aerospace Protectant cleans up Plexiglass!Plexiglass is a term used loosely to refer to several “hard” clear plastics used in lieu of glass, two of the most common being Lexan® and acrylic. You see this material every day. The enclosures at the bus stop; the windows on subway cars, buses, trains and aircraft; the windshields on race cars; the domed vent covers on the roof of a motor home or travel trailer; the clear panels that keep party-ers from falling out of the sky boxes at football stadiums and protect fans from 100 mph hockey pucks; a motorcycle’s windshield, the visors on fireman and motorcycle helmets…and a thousand other uses.

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

DIY

Further on the DIY solution, start with 600 grit paper then move t0 1600 then 2400 or emery cloth (also called crocus cloth) with rubbing compound. Failing that try a small corner with toothpaste and your dremmel polishing attachment. At this point you have very little to loose by experimenting.

 

[Ross]

Not to make things complicated

but the buffing compounds sold for automobile finishes are just about right. 600 Grit will give you the most wonderful ground glass opaque finish that you could ever hope for. Get the liquid compounding material and follow the directions.

 

[JoeB]

becareful

Just becareful ours "was" the same way and we tried to buff it and it broke due to being so brittle from UV exposure.

 

[Chuck Creel]

glazing problem

Be carefull but if you mix baking soda and water to form a paste, you can bring it back i believe. I have used this method on both eye glasses and watch faces with good results.good luck

 

[Neil McDonald]

Cleaning Clear Plastic

Meguiar's have variety of products for marine applications like this. In my experience they are not cheap but the quality is excellent. See the link.Neil

 

[letterman]

describe it

I have some plexiglass in various sizes and thicknesses that are scrap. If the piece can be replaced easily, then measure it up and let me know and I will send you a piece.Tom Htho52mas@aim.com

 

[barneyflynn]

MAKE A NEW ONE

Look up plastics in the Yellow Pages. The supplier may be able to fabricate the piece for you. I did this with a Hunter 30 which has an angled cover for which the supplier did the bending and also the drilling ($25). I also had a cover for the keyhole fabricated which is a a round piece 0f 1/4" x 4" ? red (harder to lose) plastic that pushes in snugly. ($20). If I did it again I would use a smoked plastic to hopefully cut down on the UV. Definite improvement on the OEM.