What exactly is this clear plastic window called and can I replace it? If so, where would I find the part? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Do I need to replace the entire cluster panel?
No, I haven't. That is my next step. Just didn't want to go through the dealerships due to high cost. I'm sure even a part like that would cost me a lot even though you'd think it'd only cost like $10
Have you called the parts department at your Ford dealer? When I worked at Ford in the 80s I believe you could order them as a separate part.
It is called the instrument cluster Bezel Lens. Get a bad instrument cluster out of a salvage yard with a good lens and figure out how to remove the lens without breaking the cluster. I did this for a rare BMW once, and I will tell you what I learned from the experience: After I unscrewed the back of the cluster, i had to go around the plastic housing sealed joint with a utility knife and carefully cut the two halves away from each other while running a screwdriver along to act as a wedge to apply a parting force. When I managed to to that, I found the lens was just sandwiched in between the two, so I was able to cut the new lens piece into the proper size and shape to match the old one. The new on came from another instrument cluster which had a larger lens, but the same thickness and same plexiglass material. I fitted it into place, and glued the two halves back together with super glue, and re-installed the back panel, and it was good to go.
