Clocks - light scratches.

[68dicky]

Hi, first post and first BMW.

Picked up an ex. BMW Management GS last September and very impressed to date (previously owned a KTM SMT - great bike/no dealer backup!).

Bike I have is immaculate other than what I would describe as very light scratches on the face of the clocks - possible cause I thought was the previous owner maybe throwing their gloves in that area when filling up.

I have carefully run my finger across the scratches and cannot feel any deep scratches so asking the question is their a suitable way of polishing these out without making things worse? Failing that is a replacement lens possible or is it just new clocks??

It's not a major problem, more annoying when the sun catches the dials.

Thanks in advance.

Andy

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Hey up and welcome tot he site

There have been a few threads mentioning this, it seems a common problem so a search on the topic may throw up some answers?

Andres

 

[Weatherald]

Check out nippy Normans. They have a product that polishes fine scratches, screen etc.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[DING-DONG]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xerapol-P...cratch-Removal-Restoration-Kit-/221737855274?

 

[Sooty09]

I posted a similar question several months ago, the plastic is so easily damaged and is annoying in sunlight. One suggestion was to apply Mister Sheen polish, I gave it a go and can report it works very well. it dose not repair the scratches but seems to cover them for a while.

 

[68dicky]

Many thanks for replies - I did try a search but couldn't find anything posted, so apologies on this.

The paste option looks like a solution - big risk though if it all goes wrong though! Has anyone used this for the actual clocks on the GS.

Again thanks.

Andy

 

[oldnfat]

not used it on the clocks but i have used it on the screen...takes a bit of effort but does get the surface back to like new.

 

[Fanum]

Non-abrasive toothpaste with a clean micro-fibre cloth
Silver polish also works well (I've used that on helmet visors and on an acrylic watch face), or (and I haven't tried this I admit) baking soda and water mixed to a paste

 

[Big Derek]

i sell this cos its good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-P...r-boats-planes-visor-windshield-/221480125890

 

[Nutty]

Many thanks for replies - I did try a search but couldn't find anything posted, so apologies on this.

The paste option looks like a solution - big risk though if it all goes wrong though! Has anyone used this for the actual clocks on the GS.

Again thanks.

Andy

Yep, I've used it on my clocks.

The plastic is quite soft, and I got home one day after a ride, and the clocks were covered in scratches. I couldn't work out how it could have happened, but realised that I had been resting my gloves, metal protector side down, on the clocks every time I stopped.

All scratches are now gone, thanks Xerapol.

 

[DING-DONG]

I applied some ventureshield over the clock screen to prevent this happening.

 

[Myke Rocks]

Use what the trade uses.

Brasso. Will polish scratches out of Perspex without any bother.

To take an extreme example. You have sawed a sheet of Perspex and wish to get a polished edge. Sand the edge starting with coarse, and after you have achieved the bevel you desire, working your way down to the finest wet and dry. When perfectly smooth, it is still opaque. Finish with Brasso on a rag, and in a few seconds it it perfectly transparent.
Myke

 

[David Nimrod]

Funny, there's no scratches on the clocks on my R100RT, and that's... oh yes, 36 years old!

However the speedo of my '89 R100GS is nearly opaque... BMW quality obviously dipped at that point

 

[Fluffmeister]

As said, you don't need trendy or expensive plastic polishes, what you need is a 36 year old RT or some very mildly / lightly abrasive polish, Brasso, Duraglit wadding, AutoGlym Silicone resin polish (SRP) is pretty good to, just go lightly at it and all will be fine.

Mines done 11k now in the year I've had it and there is not to much wrong with the clock cover, but I am anally retentive on cleaning. A lot of surface scratches on the clocks and indeed the plastics are caused by using a sponge for cleaning or using the same shitty water without a "rinse" bucket, mainly because the materials used in the clocks are thinner, lighter (cheaper).

 

[jolly green giant]

Isn't there any protective film available, like that used for GPS screens.

 

[Fluffmeister]

Isn't there any protective film available, like that used for GPS screens.

Ventureshield and cut to shape, but when do you stop? is it all about wrapping it up in cotton wool or riding it

 

[David Ryan]

Some jealous twat deliberately scratched the screen of my sat nav and the plastic on my clocks. Looks like they used a key or something similar.
Tried xerapol and one or two other things without much success. For years i have been using a non embedding mild abrasive polish called Flitz. I'm in the gun trade and it's great for cleaning the blueing on gun barrels!
Anyway, i tried it on the clocks and nav screen and it's done a really nice job. Scratches are not yet completely gone but another session should do it. No detrimental effect on the plastics.
So I'd recommend it. It's also marketed in the UK under the name Peek and i think B&Q sell it.

 

[Fluffmeister]

This is the stuff

I've got some of the paste and liquid and have used it to renovate plastic car headlights, good call Mr Ryan

http://www.thepolishingshop.co.uk/acatalog/Car_Cleaning.html

Look at the bottom of the link for a free sample, that should be enough to clear the scratches from your clocks if it's bothering you

 

[Gonzo]

I was directed to this video about restoring car headlamps....ranging from the quick and easy DIY to the seriously obsessive. But a good watch. If the clocks are made of the same sort of stuff it might be relevant.

And I have no idea why I can't embed YT videos all of a sudden.

 

[Fluffmeister]

I've just played around with some of this stuff http://emails.mobilefun.co.uk/2A2X-8UHZ-3Q56K7-3D1EP-1/c.aspx as I had a pack lying around after doing the iPad, applied it to the clocks, and top banana, water beads off, crystal clear display and may prevent scratches. Worth a punt if you are concerned.