BigJohnny Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Well, I seen it in another thread, and it got my gears turning. I didn't like the idea of purchasing a smaller #37 replacement LED and just dropping it in the slot.... simply was NOT bright enough for my tastes. So I decided to take a bit of a different route. I took the entire unit apart, and using a dremel I carved holes into the clear plastic light guide, and inserted LEDs into various spots that would shine the LEDs light right down the guide, and at the spots that catch the light. a few well placed LEDs light up the entire panel beautifually, however, don't be fooled, this was really really hard. It took me 5 whole hours to do all of the soldering, wiring, testing, and fitment, which required modification of the housing in a few spots because each of my LEDs has it's own resistor. I wasn't going to waste resistors that came with the LED's and the electronic stores weren't open at that hour. I also had one of the black wires break after I got it to fit finally..... and had to take it apart to resolder it. I used a lot of superglue to hold the bulbs in, as well as reinforce some of the spots with the wires shoved into the holes so they wouldn't move.... basically I encased the wire bunches in glue so they would never move. I soldered the final connections directly onto the circuit board in place of the bulb sockets. the socket contacts ont he board were easily solderable. 5 LEDs installed, and superglued into place. Wiring was a PAIN, and in one spot I had to run the leads up, around, and under the guide just to get the wires on the right side of the housing and still have stuff fit. Sorry for quality, night pictures are hard without a tripod. It looks like the right side of the right dial is brighter, but it isn't. the ONLY trash thats SLIGHTLY dimmer than the rest is the Max A/C trash.... but it's still plenty bright. I opted not to light the buttons as there didn't seem to be a point, and it would have been near impossible. that piece is important for holding the switches and I didn't want to risk it breaking.... there's only 3 for god sake, I think I can figure out where they are. I also haven't replaced the green lens over the display yet. I haven't found a piece I like yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumproast789 Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 thats so damn cool dude. No joke. The smallest things can make a huge difference.... Quote 2002 ford explorer 200 amp rewound alt single 18" Fi btl fully loaded 2 1750's 2 c&d tech 88amp/hr batts 2 ought wiring cdt component set up front, cdt coaxials in back Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X693 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohnny Posted June 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 wait'll you see my new gauges and the needle mods I'll be doing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qu1cks1lver56 Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) whenever i get my new truck/car/whatever the hell im getting im gonna do the same thing with the a/c controls, headlight controls, window switches, and gauges. edit: looks sick btw Edited June 11, 2009 by qu1cks1lver56 Quote First Gen Xterra: Always changing DNX 690HD RF 360.3RF T3002RF T4004RF T10001bdSilver Flute 6.5"s Tang Band 1" TweetersSundown X18 in 7cubes net tuned to 32hz Trust me .25 Blows your Load. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordArcane Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 nice work, got my gears turning now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
may03LT Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 looks good man tuned in for gauges : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohnny Posted June 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 looks good man tuned in for gauges : they're on the way. Though I may need a second gauge cluster to play with, the needle mod seems a little harder but makes the needles look fuckin sick.... like little light sabres on my gauges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SundownTL3.2 Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 i was thinking about doing this with all of my interior lights... i dont kno though Quote 2004 Chevy Tahoe LT........... THINKING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knowledge Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 very sick! i wanna know more so when i do mine i wont screw it up Quote REFF'SMy linkEBAYhttp://feedback.ebay...ck&myworld=trueI love car audio so much because I will never be done. I can never win, and I will never get it finished or perfect. It always has me coming back for more, I can never get my fill of it, but I get what I need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white4d96 Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 ...The temptation is great to get another gauge and climate cluster and send them to you for work lol. If only I had money and you didn't live in Ontario! =( GREAT WORK DUDE!!!! *thumbsup* Quote Too many projects, too little time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.