How to remove interior plastic panel scratches?

[mikec5vert]

I just scratched some of the interior plastic panels. Some of them I can use my finger nail to remove some scratches.
Anyway, can I use super fine sand paper to smooth them out?
Thanks,
-Mike

[TrailDust]

Mike, I wouldn't do that on the Highlander's interior plastic. I camp and haul lots of stuff and have gotten plenty of scratches and gouges. The best way to make them disappear is to use some Vaseline--no, seriously--and rub it on the problem area. It'll all but disappear with no reapplication necessary. If there are rough edges then use your finger nail or exacto-type knife to remove them, then use the Vaseline. I've found the plastic in the Highlander to be very susceptible to scratches, and sandpaper (even very fine) would make it much worse. Give it a whirl.

[Deanq4]

WOW... so that is what Vaseline is for...

[homeskillet]

Traildust; are you talking like center consol shiny plastic or matte plastic on the doors? Also Vaseline...how the heck did you come up with that???

[becks]

Vaseline is the child of Duct Tape and WD 40..they are all good for what ails you....


TD....Congrats on the Super Mod.....!!!

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by homeskillet

Traildust; are you talking like center consol shiny plastic or matte plastic on the doors? Also Vaseline...how the heck did you come up with that???

I'm talking only about the matte plastic found on the door panels and other paneling in the rear. Now that you mention it, though, I've come to find that the shiny, hard plastic in and around the center console is susceptible to scratching very easily, so I usually take a very moist towel and very gently wipe those surfaces down. Then I follow it up with a terry cloth towel to dry.

And, Deanq4, yup, that's at least one additional use for Vaseline I can think of. Actually, I got that tip (if my memory is accurate) from Admin humanoid in the Detailing & Car Care forum a few months ago. I was astonished how well it worked, and have been sharing it ever since. Too cool!

And, becks, I'm not even going to ask what you would do with Vaseline, duct tape, and WD-40 in one project...I can only imagine.... Thanks for the congratulations, I really appreciate it! I'm here to serve and not be a pain in the behind.

[mikec5vert]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I'm talking only about the matte plastic found on the door panels and other paneling in the rear. Now that you mention it, though, I've come to find that the shiny, hard plastic in and around the center console is susceptible to scratching very easily, so I usually take a very moist towel and very gently wipe those surfaces down. Then I follow it up with a terry cloth towel to dry.

Hi TrailDust, thanks for your tricks!!!
But actually my original question was for those hard shiny plastic panels
Thanks!
-Mike

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by mikec5vert

Hi TrailDust, thanks for your tricks!!!
But actually my original question was for those hard shiny plastic panels
Thanks!
-Mike

Ah, okay, Mike...sorry for the detour. I hope someone can come up with a good way to eliminate those scratches since I've got a few to get rid of too. I'm very careful now in the driver's area not to scratch those surfaces up, but it's hard to do sometimes because I get some pretty abrasive dirt and dust in my Highlander when I'm out in the desert. Hope we can turn up a solution.

[AXMACD]

I'm gunna give that a try! The gray interior trim of my sport is pretty scratched already! I will let you know how it works! I have been holding off with the armor-all because I hate the shine it leaves on the plastics. I like the texture of the leather and the dash, it's like a matte finish. I don't want to gloss that up quite yet :P

The plastic trim around the shifter lifts up pretty easily, but I haven't been able to get it to fully remove it!

[rykohl]

I found a great way to fix (almost perfect) scratches and gouges in the colored plastic trim pieces such as the glove box door, rear cargo area plastic, door panels etc. I take a blunt, rounded, hard plastic and massage the sratch/gouge directly on top of it pushing with medium force up and down the direction of the sratch. I used the top to an eye drop bottle cap (specifically, GenTeal) as it has a hard round top that won't transfer the color from the cap to the plastic. Basically with enough force and motion the plastic will deform on the surface and the sratch will be at least 80-90% better. In some places I have almost made them disappear unless you look really close.

Experiment on a scratch in a not so noticeable place for practice first. It is worth the effort. Since the plastic is colored all the way through, you cant really cause more damage then was there already.

[rockey]

Do any of you know where to possibly purchase a new shifter surround and center storage which are the pcs that on my highlander are scratched as well?
Thanks

[rykohl]

I have the whole console with cup holders etc, in gray in almost perfect condition for sale. What color do you need?

[TrailDust]

to Toyota Nation, rockey!

Check you private messages for information about your request....

[UCLABruins805]

Hi All. I just bought a used 2008 Highlander in Gray last week. I love the car but unfortunately it also has all the scratches that come along with buying a used car.

I'm also interested in buying replacement parts, particularly to replace the shiny gray part that is around the shifter and cupholders up front (tons of scratches on the plastic here) and the black plastic trim that runs along the bottom of the window near the middle passenger seat on the driver side.

My other idea is to get one of those wood trim kits to cover the scratches in the front. Anyone have experience with those kits?

Any other ideas? Thanks for your help!

[rykohl]

I have the entire gray with wood console including cupholders from a Limited in like new condition, with one very small scratch for sale. Contact me at ryan@kohltech.net for pics if you are interested.