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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: Masher on 16 September 2009, 19:39

Title: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Masher on 16 September 2009, 19:39
Guys - don't know if I'm supposed to ask this in the "Cosmetic Matters" section or here in the MKVI section but anyone know how easy/hard it is to replace the glass/plastic in front of the speedo?
Mine's got a big scratch in it but I didn't notice until a few days after collection when the sun catches it at a certain angle. Now the stealer has gone strangely quiet and not returning calls - I'm wondering if it's because its a nightmare thing for them to change?
I'm thinking I might have to get used to looking at it every day for the next 3 years or so.......... :sad:
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: gizzywizzy on 16 September 2009, 21:01
Why should you have to put up with a scratch when the car is still under warranty.  If it was there wnen you collected the car it is up to the stealer to repair it for you.  Stand up to them we're right behind you!! :wink:
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Steve_PD on 16 September 2009, 22:00
You can rub the plastic down using wet and dry and then polish it, but the clocks would have to be out the car to do this
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: FroGTI on 17 September 2009, 08:26
Why should you have to put up with a scratch when the car is still under warranty.  If it was there wnen you collected the car it is up to the stealer to repair it for you.  Stand up to them we're right behind you!! :wink:

In theory, yes, but proving that you didn't scratch it after delivery is going to be hard. Imagine if you got a scratch on the bodywork after a couple of weeks, they certainly wouldn't do that for you under warranty.
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: DL on 17 September 2009, 09:28
That plastic they use is shocking. We have had 3 generations of Golf and they are all the same. Wiping with a clean dry/damp micro fibre cloth or the softest material I can find always leaves scratches on the plastic. In all my other cars I can dust the dials without leaving marks behind. Is this just me or do others here find the plastic covers always end up covered in minute scratches? 
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: p3asa on 17 September 2009, 09:40
One of my work colleagues got a new Clio a few years back and she had me out to show it off. First thing I noticed was the heavy scratching on the plastic covering the dials. She had noticed it but just thought it was some condensation from the inside and wasn't going to do anything about it. I persuaded her to take it back and they replaced it for her. I think it was the whole dash that had to come out. Anyway she already had the car for around 10 days but no questions were asked.

If I was you Masher I'd persevere with the garage.
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: R32UK on 17 September 2009, 10:06
That plastic they use is shocking. We have had 3 generations of Golf and they are all the same. Wiping with a clean dry/damp micro fibre cloth or the softest material I can find always leaves scratches on the plastic. In all my other cars I can dust the dials without leaving marks behind. Is this just me or do others here find the plastic covers always end up covered in minute scratches? 

Sounds like good 'ol "air in a can" is in order  :grin:

(sounds stupid... works great :wink:)
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Hairy Porter on 17 September 2009, 10:27
Don't sneeze on it though.
Air in a can just smears the snot.
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Ess_Three on 17 September 2009, 10:35
You can rub the plastic down using wet and dry and then polish it, but the clocks would have to be out the car to do this

I wouldn't use wet & dry...but if you find a local 'Detailing' guru with a polishing machine, I'm sure they'd cut out with some very fine finishing compound and a few minutes work.
Plastic front and real lights polish up like new, so instrument cluster 'glass' should do too.

You'd need to get it off the car...but I'm sure a competant detailer would have it like new in minutes.
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Hairy Porter on 17 September 2009, 10:50
You can rub the plastic down using wet and dry and then polish it, but the clocks would have to be out the car to do this

I wouldn't use wet & dry...but if you find a local 'Detailing' guru with a polishing machine, I'm sure they'd cut out with some very fine finishing compound and a few minutes work.
Plastic front and real lights polish up like new, so instrument cluster 'glass' should do too.

You'd need to get it off the car...but I'm sure a competant detailer would have it like new in minutes.

The trouble with using any sort of grinder is the anti-reflective coating.
You'd just grind it off.
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Ess_Three on 17 September 2009, 12:00

The trouble with using any sort of grinder is the anti-reflective coating.
You'd just grind it off.

I can't say I've ever notice any anti-reflective coating...or if there is, it's bloody useless.
So why fret about it?
Surely the angle has more to do with it not reflecting light, than the plastic coating?

I suppose the OP would have to decide whether reflections he might get are worse than scratches he already has...and decide from there.

Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Hairy Porter on 17 September 2009, 13:12
If you were to remove the plastic using a sharp knife then there would be no reflections or scratches.
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: Masher on 17 September 2009, 20:22
:grin:
If you were to remove the plastic using a sharp knife then there would be no reflections or scratches.

Nice one!!  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone ever replaced speedo glass?
Post by: ub7rm on 20 September 2009, 11:10
I assume the mk6 has the purple tinted speedo glass the mkv and other VW's have?  As hairy says this is an anti reflective coating.  While it may or may not work, you will make a terrible mess if you try and polish any scratches out...

Complain at the stealers to get it sorted.