Gauge Cluster Question

[LKWTSI]

I'm modifying my gauge cluster to have the boost gauge and my electric oil pressure mounted inside the cluster. I've gutted the car so have aftermarket gauges for temps and such. The car is going to strictly track or strip and have no need for parking brake lights and door open lights, so in the process of getting this mounted I'm looking at cutting the tape conductors for the cluster lights and there is a diode bridge that is in the way.
My question is that the plugs for the cluster will have dead ends if I cut them and even though I don't care about the little warning lights and such, DO they create any feed circuits for the ECU, that would be affected.
I've attached a pic' of what I'm trying to cut through and why. There is grounds and feeds for the cluster backing lights as well as the warning lights. It's the warning light circuitry I'm worried about??

 

[Ducky90GSX]

Looks complex.... good luck

 

[LKWTSI]

Looks complex.... good luck

It's really not that hard to do, MY, biggest concern is the flexi connector bands on the back. Some of them obviously get signals from the ECU, ie, the CEL. I don't believe the ones I'm attempting to sever are that particular one, but I don't want any short circuits to get signals back to the ECU, such as the boost or the battery light. Neither one is going to be used in it's original form, but I hate to have stray voltage for the signal getting crossed due to me cutting it or something.

The mounting was really easy and I've seen it before, just couldn't find it again when I went to look for the guy who did it.

 

[paultheninja]

I have recently seen a lot of people putting after market gauges in the stock cluster, someone should do a write up. Looks good

 

[motozachl]

PM ravewolf, awd-tsi, or infinitegsx - they've all done this mod and could give you the info needed

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/appearance-interior-exterior/379396-cluster-ownage.html

 

[LKWTSI]

PM ravewolf, awd-tsi, or infinitegsx - they've all done this mod and could give you the info needed

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/appearance-interior-exterior/379396-cluster-ownage.html

Sweet... I have to admit I was rather hasty in my search yesterday and didn't find this thread, but thanks. This was probably the one I saw that sparked my interest in doing it. I'll PM the guys to see what they did about the problem I'm encountering.

I read the thread and pretty much came to the same conclusion, I didn't want to be looking over to the heat control knob area for info, when I'm out on the track, hence, putting them in front like this.

I'm also replacing my mechanical oil gauge for the electric one that's in the cluster. So I don't have any fluids coming past the firewall now

It's not that difficult to do. Getting the cluster apart is just a matter of being really careful not to snap the locking clips as you pry the clear off then separate the gauge face from the cluster itself. the gauges are screwed in from the back and a couple small screws on the front and out they come. Then just dremel out some of the plastic moulding for space and using a dremel sander, very carefully go around the edge of the gauge face, just enough to allow your aftermarket gauge to slip in, with just a touch of friction so it doesn't rotate easily. I haven't figured out yet if I need to secure them from the back (it'll be tight back there) hence don't over do the sanding. Once I get some more info on the cutting of the back electrics, I'll post a more detailed process and some pics.