2024 XLT - Cluster Lens Etched

[tysonbisme]

Long story short, I cleaned my vehicle with 303 Vehicle Interior cleaner and evidently, it etched my gauge cluster on my XLT.
I ordered a lariat cluster lens (Cluster Lens - Ford (M1PZ-10890-A)) - and this lens does not fit the XLT//XL trucks.
Despite contacting Ford corporate, my local ford dealer, and numerous parts suppliers, not a single soul can find a new gauge cluster lens part number for the XLT models.
Do these exist, and how can I get this ordered to end the suffering of etched instrument cluster plastic?

Thanks in advance, everyone!

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[Carlitos_92]

I would try using a plastic polish on it first. Maybe with a Dremel with a buffer attachment. Plexus is a good product motorcyclists use on their windscreens, visors, etc. The usual auto-detailing companies Like Meguiar's have products as well.

It would be messy, but probably worth trying before you tear into the dashboard.

 

[tysonbisme]

I would try using a plastic polish on it first. Maybe with a Dremel with a buffer attachment. Plexus is a good product motorcyclists use on their windscreens, visors, etc.

It would be messy, but probably worth trying before you tear into the dashboard.

something tells me i've already torn into the dash to remove the cluster to verify the part fitment didn't work

 

[tysonbisme]

I would try using a plastic polish on it first. Maybe with a Dremel with a buffer attachment. Plexus is a good product motorcyclists use on their windscreens, visors, etc.

It would be messy, but probably worth trying before you tear into the dashboard.

Thoughts on Meguiars PlastX?

 

[Carlitos_92]

something tells me i've already torn into the dash to remove the cluster to verify the part fitment didn't work

That's funny. I mean, probably not really, but I am laughing with you.

Thoughts on Meguiars PlastX?

I actually went back and edited my post because I didn't want there to seem like there was only one solution. I have no experience with Meguiar's but I bet it's fine, just like Mother's or Griot's or anything else.

If you have that plastic lens already out, then it's a slam dunk. I would definitely throw $10 and elbow grease at it.

 

[tysonbisme]

That's funny. I mean, probably not really, but I am laughing with you.



I actually went back and edited my post because I didn't want there to seem like there was only one solution. I have no experience with Meguiar's but I bet it's fine, just like Mother's or Griot's or anything else.

If you have that plastic lens already out, then it's a slam dunk. I would definitely throw $10 and elbow grease at it.

My concern is that the plastic is sooooooo soft on these. i cleaned the new cluster lens with a chemical guys microfiber and it finely scratched, so I am not convinced that plastx would help.

any suggestions on method of application? You said a buffer attachment, but I am wondering if i should start in a small area masked off with a couple brand new microfibers.

Thanks,

- tysonbisme

 

[clos0791]

Long story short, I cleaned my vehicle with 303 Vehicle Interior cleaner and evidently, it etched my gauge cluster on my XLT.
I ordered a lariat cluster lens (Cluster Lens - Ford (M1PZ-10890-A)) - and this lens does not fit the XLT//XL trucks.
Despite contacting Ford corporate, my local ford dealer, and numerous parts suppliers, not a single soul can find a new gauge cluster lens part number for the XLT models.
Do these exist, and how can I get this ordered to end the suffering of etched instrument cluster plastic?

Thanks in advance, everyone!

Wow, that sucks. I use 303 on my cars with great results. This is disappointing but good to know.

 

[tysonbisme]

Wow, that sucks. I use 303 on my cars with great results. This is disappointing but good to know.

i suggest not overspraying it and only spraying onto towels OUTSIDE of the vehicle, and far away... there are numerous reports online of differing vehicles that have had this happen using it.

 

[Carlitos_92]

My concern is that the plastic is sooooooo soft on these. i cleaned the new cluster lens with a chemical guys microfiber and it finely scratched, so I am not convinced that plastx would help.

any suggestions on method of application? You said a buffer attachment, but I am wondering if i should start in a small area masked off with a couple brand new microfibers.

Thanks,

- tysonbisme

I think you are on the right track. One of the corners that isn't in the way of a gauge is probably the move for a test spot.

If you screw something up, you can always try a different brand of polish to see if it is better - or hopefully someone will find that part number to replace the whole thing as a last resort.

 

[tysonbisme]

I think you are on the right track. One of the corners that isn't in the way of a gauge is probably the move for a test spot.

If you screw something up, you can always try a different brand of polish to see if it is better - or hopefully someone will find that part number to replace the whole thing as a last resort.

This really drives me nuts, because Lariat lenses are available. Why only the most expensive model, and not the ones that most people will mess up on?

@Ford Motor Company please let us know if you intend on making the cluster lens part available for XL and XLT guys, There is no reason that a lariat can purchase one, and we cannot. I contacted your offices with my VIN and everything, and they referred me to a third party who was NOT in the mood to help.

- tysonbisme

 

[clos0791]

i suggest not overspraying it and only spraying onto towels OUTSIDE of the vehicle, and far away... there are numerous reports online of differing vehicles that have had this happen using it.

I have both the cleaner and protectant. I wonder if it is just the cleaner that causes damage? I think I've only used the protectant for outside plastic, inside door panels and dash. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[tysonbisme]

I have both the cleaner and protectant. I wonder if it is just the cleaner that causes damage? I think I've only used the protectant for outside plastic, inside door panels and dash. Thanks for letting us know.

I'm going to say the "cleaner" caused this. either way, i learned a valuable lesson here. always spray the agents onto your cloths outside of the vehicle. this was an overspray situation

 

[MrShadetree]

I don’t know why the “lense” would be different between trim levels.

 

[tysonbisme]

I don’t know why the “lense” would be different between trim levels.

It is. all of the mounting points for attaching it to the cluster are different.

i don't know why it is either... perhaps @Ford Motor Company can let us know...

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I have looked all over on that bottle of 303 multi surface cleaner.
I cannot find any warning not to use it on clear plastic.
If there is no warning on your bottle you may want to get a hold of Gold Eagle manufacturer of 303.
It cannot hurt to get them involved.

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