Topic: Refurbishing 1970 instrument plastic circuit board

[RocketScientist]

The circuit board on my instrument cluster looks intact but in places the plastic layers have come apart. Where it has come apart, the copper strips have oxidized and they look a bit green and crusty. Is there anything I can do to clean it up, or is the best thing just to leave it?

Part of me wants to make it look fresh but I am thinking that the oxidization is on the surface of the copper strips and it wouldn't affect the current passing through as long as the contact areas are clean.

Brad

[tobkob]

Contact cleaner should take care of the oxidation but it may not be worth the effort if there are other issues...

TOB

[Bob Gaines]

The circuit board on my instrument cluster looks intact but in places the plastic layers have come apart. Where it has come apart, the copper strips have oxidized and they look a bit green and crusty. Is there anything I can do to clean it up, or is the best thing just to leave it?

Part of me wants to make it look fresh but I am thinking that the oxidization is on the surface of the copper strips and it wouldn't affect the current passing through as long as the contact areas are clean.

Brad

The surface oxidation on sections not near a plug will not affect adversely the circuit yet but may worsen and cause a problem later.  It is best to get rid of the oxidation and then seal the section off with a protective sealer. As mentioned the circuit contact cleaner would be my first go to product. Any number of products can be used to seal the surface from clear fingernail polish to the rubberized paints. I prefer the clear type products.

[Coralsnake]

Mr Gaines you are using clear polish now? 😉

[Bob Gaines]

Mr Gaines you are using clear polish now? 😉

The red was too garish looking so I moved on.

[Coralsnake]