Custom guage cluster finally done!

[swiftG35c]

WOW......that is off the hook!!!!! Great Job!!!

[accordfreak]

Originally Posted by chanycrazy

So basiclly its easier than older models???

i never got the change to access the LEDs.. but once you do, it should be cake. (taking it all apart)

[Espresso]

You guys got some great soldering skills. These are tiny SMT LEDs right?

[Deftronix]

^ Everything in the center cosole, window switch/door locks are smt leds.
For everything else I use a combination of 3mm,5mm,8mm leds.

Seat heater switches - 3mm
Shifter lights - 5mm
Cigarette lighter ring - 5mm
VDC/Dimmer - 3mm's
Gauges - 8mm
Clock - 5mm
Key ring - 5mm

* Random: I wanna also get the 05+ steering wheel so I can do the lit controls

[MidnightG35X]

Originally Posted by Deftronix

^ Everything in the center cosole, window switch/door locks are smt leds.
For everything else I use a combination of 3mm,5mm,8mm leds.

Seat heater switches - 3mm
Shifter lights - 5mm
Cigarette lighter ring - 5mm
VDC/Dimmer - 3mm's
Gauges - 8mm
Clock - 5mm
Key ring - 5mm

* Random: I wanna also get the 05+ steering wheel so I can do the lit controls

What size SMT LED's are they? I'm guessing somewhere around a 0603 or a 0805? Also, how do you take apart the heated seat switch to get to the LED? This is one of those projects I'll get to this summer....

[SagiSRP]

Nice.. you must have a lot of time on your hand.. I did that to my 00 eclipse before and afterwards didn't feel it was worth the time and hassle because your gauges won't be as accurate as it should be, plus taking it all apart is not fun.. also the blue can tire your eyes out

did you have to use any resistors on the leds?

[Deftronix]

^^ Actually not all that much. I work full time an hour away from home so that takes up the majority of my time. Plus I have quite a few other things going on.
Making my kitchen my workbench definitely helped out. Multi tasking is key!!

Yes 330ohm-510ohm resistors were used.
I am still trying to get everything to match so I will post exactly where I used which values when its done.

I also did this to my old car as well (lexus gs) and I still find it worth it.
Im just a sucker for blue!
"tire my eyes" - Beauty is pain my friend!

[Wicked_limitz]

looks nice! Reminds me of AccordFreak custom gauges! good job.

[Larry@Showtime]

WOw.. that looks great.. excellent job!

[swiftG35c]

How did you get the dash apart where the clocks located?

[Deftronix]

^^ Thanks guys!!

^ To take the ac lcd/clock out I found that pinching the top part above the lcd on both ends and pulling was the best way. You have to use quite a bit of force, it is quite nerve-wracking. Be careful! Under are 2 screws that are easy to spot. You can esily take it out after.

** I put up another pic on the first page with a better shot of the non led mods on the cluster **

[madchef]

Looks good....except the mix of orange too....nothing you can do about that right?

[swiftG35c]

I am going to start on this project this weekend. I am picking up the gells this weekend. I ordered 3 different colors, that way i could see exactly which color i liked....I got Cobalt blue, Diamond Blue, and Tokyo blue.

[RocketG35]

Where'd you source those chrome rings? Our V8 Touareg has the same chrome ring trim...

[Deftronix]

^They came as a part of an apc gauge dressup kit for a 94 accord lol (Thanks Accordfreak!). I wanted to retain the full ring and not cut them so I had to shave down the needles slightly, and dremel the clear plastic on the cluster near the bottom (not visible) to fit them (this did not impact accuracy).

I found the kit on ebay. Most sellers will include in the auction notes that they come with the rings
WARNING: Not every auction will include the rings so be sure your not wasting your money!
If you want to look for just the rings, the size of them are 105mm