Position of the knob to adjust time on the clock in a different position? that would cause it to be a different number.
what about the headlight polishing kits anyone tried them? Not the spray on wipe away kits the actually buffing with rubbing compound then polish?
I tried a couple of those polishing kits. I spent hours and hours on a particular lens one time - just to see if it was possible. If you do it long enough (and the scratches aren't too deep), the process will eventually bring the area around the scratch down enough so it blends in to the depth of the scratch. But that comes with a cost; even though the rubbing compound provided with the kit is extremely fine, the plastic - while smooth to the touch - develops an unavoidable slight haze from the abrasion required to level the scratch.
I suppose it all comes down to how picky you are. You can certainly see the gauges through that very mild haze easily enough. But, in most cases, that was also probably true even before you began the polishing process. I am a cheap MF and will do a lot to save a buck, but as far as this project goes...I say either leave as is and get used to it or just get a new lens.
These lenses have dropped quite a bit in price. They used to go for right around $100. Currently, Classic Parts lists all three at $49.95:
https://www.classicparts.com/1973-87-Instrument-Cluster-Face-w_-Gauges-w_o-Clock/productinfo/24-444/
