broken VDO guages needed for LED project

[jdowty3]

I'm looking for 5-7 or so broken VDO guages to use in working out how to get the BA9s wide angle LEDS to mount correctly.
To get the BA9's to work, it will require replacing the socket and modifiing the tube the current socket slides in to. The only guages I have right now are the one's in my SC and I'd like to work out a few details prior to modifying the guages in my daily driver.
If anyone has broken guages that they are willing to donate or let go for a minimal cost, please PM me. I will be glad to cover the shipping cost.
I plan to work up a detailed Install Guide with a parts list,directions and pictures for everyone to use who wants to try this type of upgrade.

[jdowty3]

Jerry from Euroest has graciously donated a couple broken gauges to the project. Anyone else have a guage or 2. I think this will be a great interior lighting upgrade at a fairly low cost once I have all the install kinks worked out.
Any and all bump postings are also appreciated.

[jdowty3]

bump for the evening crowd

[jdowty3]

Friday afternoon bump. Anyone else out there have some 'beyond-repair" guages for donation or sale cheap? Even shells would help me figure out how to mount the larger BA9 socket securely.

[Mysterytrain]

Jim, you beat me to the punch on this project. I was planning on doing the exact same thing. I was also looking at the flexible led strips as an option. Let me know if I can assist.

[jdowty3]

Thanks Ron.
I have already sourced a couple places for the 9mm bayonet sockets. Now I just need to engineer and document a way to trim the existing brass socket holder tube and secure the larger socket with the LED deep enough to deliver good illumination.

[buch911]

Sounds Great, I love modifying things, I'm currently doing about the same thing to my tail lights. I don't know if this will help but i found LED's That fit in the OEM base. I'm currently using them, are they brighter, I don't know about that but whiter thats for sure.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/BA9S6_specs.htm

[jdowty3]

Yes the BA7's will fit but don't give good light dispersal thoughout the gauge because of the way LED's focus the light forward. The special wide angle BA9's have a true wide angle design which throw the light outwards more like a standard incandescent bulb.

[buch911]

Yea, Thats what i assumed you you going for. I have an old clock that you can have. I would love to see what you come up with.

[jdowty3]

Thanks Buch911. I'll send you a PM with my info.

[k9handler]

so do I get the guage back fixed with LED's? =o)

[jdowty3]

That service may be available later.