Do it yourself dash lights, part 1 pics

shocksyde · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 01:22 AM

The journey begins....

I got my 50 LEDs from ebay today, so I figured I'd get some preliminary work done on my DIY dashlights mod.

I've heard varying opinions on the available bulbs for changing your dash lights, and decided i'd do it right the first time.

Anyways, on to pics:

Each mini-board contains 4 LEDs soldered on like so:

Like pretty maids all in a row (tommy boy reference, anyone?):

After a flat-top haircut, these LEDs will have even light instead of "hot spots" (as you'll see in next pic):

Check out that even (but bright as hell) light. Keep in mind, this little test array is hooked up to a 9 volt battery. And it's only 3 LEDs, not 4. Soooooo it'll be even brighter than this:

Hopefully this weekend I can at least get some of the arrays in for a test run.

I'll keep you guys updated as I move along.

CrimsonRockett · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 02:04 AM

my bro bought this one diy cluster off of a .net member a while ago.

i'll try to find the pic with the dash lights on.

shocksyde · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 02:13 AM

well all i want to do is keep my stock gauges, just have them be purdy and blue...and BRIGHT

definately would like to see those gauges with the dash lights on, though.

rush0 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 02:16 AM

nice work, keep us updated.

silverSE · #5 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 02:18 AM

find that for me please crimson..that looks interesting

CrimsonRockett · #6 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 02:21 AM

i found a pic but it's small. i'll tell my bro to install it back on his car so i can take new/recent pics of it.

believe me...this thing looks amazing in person. that's why i'm gonna be taking new pictures of it once my bro installs it back on his car. i'll talk him into it and hopefully i'll have the pictures tomorrow night.

and yes...that's a clock instead of turning signals right there.

**jserrano** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 04:22 AM

Nice work on those LEDs. And instrument cluster looks hot too. How the heck is the clock set??

De[V]ot!on · #8 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 06:25 AM

hey crimson. where did u get that gauge face? do they have a place that sells it?

CrimsonRockett · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 02:43 PM

-you have to connect the battery right at 12am or pm so it can be right. you can't set the clock manually.

-idk. those face gauges are really old. idk if they even make those anymore. my bro isn't planning on selling the custom gauge cluster any time soon.

De[V]ot!on · #10 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 05:11 PM

how about the needles? arent they the ones from indiglow needles or wutever that place called? i saw the link on the advertisement on .net forum.

shocksyde · #11 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 11:36 PM

ah yes, i have planned this out horribly.

after taking out my dash gauges to get to the lights today, i see that i have a few issues i need to resolve before i can make this happen.

first, i've changed the clusters to 3 LEDs instead of 4, for fitment reasons.

second, and this may take some cunning on my part, i'm going to have to figure out a way to use the wedge plugs and attach my LED clusters to them. this way, they'll till "screw" in to the back of the gauges just like normal, and they'll be snug.

what i *might* be able to do is run the wires through the wedge by drilling two small holes into the base of it. then i can just hot glue the cluster to where the bulb would be and i'd be set.

anyone know where i can get the screw-in mounts that the 194 wedge bulbs plug into? i dont want to try this on one of my existing ones and **** it up to the point where i can't use it, and therefor not see part of my gauge cluster.

shocksyde · #12 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 11:56 PM

is it any of these?

http://www.happcontrols.com/lighting/49094100.htm

kmic617 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxCrimsonAltimaxX

that looks nice