The "clear" panel in the cluster is foggy and scratched. I woud like to try one of those headlight cover buffers to clean it up. Anyone have an idea how to remove it from the cluster? Thanks.

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1984 MB 300SD Turbo

I can't imagine the clear panel being scratched on the inside. You could probably wipe the inside with a soft cotton cloth and only polish the outside if you have to.

To remove the cluster as a unit, some folks use custom hooks. I just reach under and gently push from behind. The cluster should begin to slide out. Then you need to remove some wiring harness connections, the speedo cable, and the oil pressure tube.

To get at the inside, you remove the instrument cluster components one by one taking care not to damage them. While you're in there, you might see about dressing your indicator arms with a color that dries hard and doesn't weigh much. Check all your bulbs too.

These instructions are for an early 80's W123 but should be similar for other models.

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Codifex
1981 240D ChinaBlue (Got her running with a donor engine.)
1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof.
1984 300TD manual sunroof. (Electrical Gremlins)

SD is all electronic, no cable or oil line to remove, but still similar methods to remove.
the clear lens is glued to the black frame, so separating will require either cutting or prying to take apart. I'd not bother trying to polish unless it's obviously scratched and you think it'll work. crazed or foggy I'd just replace it with one from another of the dozens in the yards. (lucky for us, the 126 is a pretty popular find in the junkyards... for how long this will continue is not known... I'm stocking up things.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Hell, mine just fell out... The clear cover, that is.

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1987 300DT
2002 Ford F-250 7.3 Crew Cab Short Bed

I know how to get cluster out. Thought it might be an easy way to get the clear panel out without breaking something. The inside of panel is hazy, and does not clean up.

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1984 MB 300SD Turbo

I disassembled the cluster completely while leaving the clear and black parts glued together, then used a new, clean microfiber cloth to dust/wipe the inside. A paint stir stick can help get into the corners. It doesn't need to be perfect since the corners are in shadow when installed.

The haze should just wipe off.