This how-to will show you how to light up a 2g gauge cluster with led's. I thought this looked so clean and so much better than stock that I had to do it! This idea is fully credited to azdave. I have azdave's permission to write this how-to.
Check out azdave's short writeup at this link (you have to become a member to view the forums):
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All questions / comments should be left on this thread: Gauge cluster LED project - DSM Forums
The stock brighness control has handled the LEDS just fine and our cars come with PWM brightness control which is perfect for dimming LEDs correctly.
Now, on to the project!
Goal: To make a sweet looking gauge cluster!
Time needed: Depends how fast you work. It took me nearly a month to finish, but I worked slowly. This can be done much faster than I did.
Materials needed:
1. Flexible led strip (color of choice) - One 38" strip will be sufficient
Flexible LED Strips
Can also be found on ebay for cheaper
2. 1206 smt led's - find on ebay
3. 22-24 gauge wire
4. Tiny gauge wire
5. Jewelers screwdrivers
6. Hobby knife
7. Soldering materials
8. Electrical tape
9. Styrene (or anything else you can use, see later on for details)
10. Sandpaper / sanding sticks - varying grits
11. Small files
12. Fork
13. Tons of other stuff you'll find out you need along the way
Optional materials:
1. Spare gauge cluster to work on
2. Helping hands - great for soldering by yourself
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
A. Removing the gauge cluster from the car
1. (This step is not necessary, but may make removal a bit easier.) Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by removing the 3 screws located on the bottom. Tilt the steering column in the down position, carefully separate the covers, and remove them completely.
2. Remove the 2 screws from the top of the gauge bezel.
3. Carefully remove the gauge bezel by pulling straight out on it. (On the bottom, there are 2 clips, marked by the blue arrows.) Use a screwdriver to carefully pry the bezel way from the dash if necessary.
4. Unscrew the 4 screws that hold the gauge cluster to the dash (marked in red). Remove the cluster by carefully pulling straight out on it and remove it from the dash. You will have to tilt the cluster to get it out.
Check out azdave's short writeup at this link (you have to become a member to view the forums):
HiDPlanet.com :: Log in
All questions / comments should be left on this thread: Gauge cluster LED project - DSM Forums
The stock brighness control has handled the LEDS just fine and our cars come with PWM brightness control which is perfect for dimming LEDs correctly.
Now, on to the project!
Goal: To make a sweet looking gauge cluster!
Time needed: Depends how fast you work. It took me nearly a month to finish, but I worked slowly. This can be done much faster than I did.
Materials needed:
1. Flexible led strip (color of choice) - One 38" strip will be sufficient
Flexible LED Strips
Can also be found on ebay for cheaper
2. 1206 smt led's - find on ebay
3. 22-24 gauge wire
4. Tiny gauge wire
5. Jewelers screwdrivers
6. Hobby knife
7. Soldering materials
8. Electrical tape
9. Styrene (or anything else you can use, see later on for details)
10. Sandpaper / sanding sticks - varying grits
11. Small files
12. Fork
13. Tons of other stuff you'll find out you need along the way
Optional materials:
1. Spare gauge cluster to work on
2. Helping hands - great for soldering by yourself
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
A. Removing the gauge cluster from the car
1. (This step is not necessary, but may make removal a bit easier.) Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by removing the 3 screws located on the bottom. Tilt the steering column in the down position, carefully separate the covers, and remove them completely.
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2. Remove the 2 screws from the top of the gauge bezel.
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3. Carefully remove the gauge bezel by pulling straight out on it. (On the bottom, there are 2 clips, marked by the blue arrows.) Use a screwdriver to carefully pry the bezel way from the dash if necessary.
4. Unscrew the 4 screws that hold the gauge cluster to the dash (marked in red). Remove the cluster by carefully pulling straight out on it and remove it from the dash. You will have to tilt the cluster to get it out.
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