Another alternative to getting brighter gauges
 

I know we've had a very long thread going in regards to brighter gauges. In that thread many ideas have been thrown around, mostly focusing on LED options. We've pretty much ruled out the LED replacement bulbs, though they produce a different light, as they don't really make it easier to read. LED strips seems to be a good option, though not all that easy for a DIY. Halogen replacement bulbs increase light but may over drain the wiring harness.

Here is the option we are discussing on the XKE's Smith gauges that illuminate a similar way to our VDO's. Here is the link below, though it is further discussed in later threads. Cheap and seemingly functional plus reversible.

http://forums.jag-lovers.org/tv.php3?eNotkEsKwkAQRG+TnTCd/gdyGMEsslFRF3p7YapWj57+vGIer3M/77fju1z34/L5PY/lvYu0mvo2aUIG6CvJfrCOJBtMIwusATb2fGDPZZAKKmv6XeF1R w7vIuEJgTdW1swbhf0UeHLFXPJ+KvKl470EnuZcB+50zlw24LG h028yyAC9p8cC/2Mltf0BZx9LKQ==

I tried the above link by copy/paste and it worked fine on my browser.

Whoa, Nice. Does it dim as well?

So the right one is the orignal Guage without the El-Tape?

Well, I think I will experiment on my spare clock, :) GREAT FIND!!! I found the white tape and will post when done.

Nice...

I tink the right one is the original speedometer "guage" without the tape, not a second tachometer.

I think I just found my next project.

Thanks Luke!

So how do you find this stuff? mutantmods.com takes me to a site called startech.com, where a search for "electroluminescent tape strips" brings up nothing.

try this? http://www.glowhut.com/5-feet-electroluminescent-strip--el-tape-with-connecto.html

Here are some links. Subscribing to follow trail blazers on this one. Could be interesting!

http://world-electroluminescent.com/new_EL_products.html

http://www.tapesolutionsinc.com/photoluminescent-tape.html


This is photoluminescent tape (glow in the dark)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1238331412.jpg

This one looks promising:

http://electroluminescence-inc.com/ELtape.htm

Automotive applications here:

http://www.glowhut.com/electroluminescent-strip--el-tape-set-with-car-lighter-plug.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkU_0dZZVu0

http://www.aircraftextras.com/EL-Panel1.htm

Dash lighting project using electroluminscent tape:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Electrical/EL.htm
http://www.teamchicago.com/imperial/imp-el.htm

I found a company that sells white El tape for those that don't want the Disco effects. I will post later.

Apparently not as popular because it emits a light blueish tint like most LED White light do.

I wonder why they can't make White, is it because it isn't really a color inversely black has no color or absorbs color?

Just notice the Jag owner also used Green Blubs too.

I like this better than the LED.

The reason LED and EL materials have a bluish tint is that they rely on phosphors with Red, Green, Blue mix to fit the entire spectrum. Each has a different efficiency and it is hard to fill a full visible spectrum with three overlapping colors. Generally, the lower wavelength, higher energy colors (violet, blue, green) are more efficient at energy conversion.

looks like a very clever trick

I wonder how long before the tape unsticks itself and peels away from the rim?

One sight suggest using silicone to attach it. I doubt that would ever come off.

that looks like a nice upgrade

This company claims to have Brighter El Wires in 3.2 & 5 MM sizes in WHITE:

http://www.elec2go.com.au/category13_1.htm

Yeah I think the tape will lose it's adhesion over time and heat. The wire would keep it's shape but would need to be silicon (RTV) down I suppose.

Will play around with my spare OEM Clock to see.

Yes the Tach on the left is modified vs. stock (old) speedo on right. I'm glad others found this as informative as I did. I've been thinking about doing something and this seems the best and still affordable even with the added inverters.....simple. Gives a more authentic appearance than the LED and barring some silicone, no mods to housing. Unlike the E-types, our 911's are unlikely to bring a 100k unless its a RS so modd'n the gauge housing isn't quite as scary. On the flip, the XKE is certainly costing me more to restore too :)

Hey Luke,

Do you know if one needs a inverter per guage or is there way to use one inverter and in our case 5 El Wire/Tapes connected to one power source and ground.

Can't imagine this device drawing that much current anyways.

Webpage says 15 m of tape per inverter. I would hope you aren't using more than that...

http://www.glowhut.com/12-volt-dc-inverter-for-el-wire--el-strip--el-tape--el-pan.html

Subscribed.

I've been using the LED replacements and they're not that great, actually there pretty bad. One big advantage to this is it has the ability to dim with the factory light switch.

I just bought 5 feet with a 12v inverter to experiment with on an old 911 clock. It was only $25 for everything, so if it doesn't work not a big loss.

Very Cool Speed!

Please post pics. I agree the LED effect is not that great because of the un-even spread of the LEDs. I just like it took away the yellow tint an dit matched the LED display of my Stereo.

I just need to update my vent control lights too.

Why stop at the gauges? :)

http://www.elec2go.com.au/images/car2.gif

Ha ha, Well it is a VW in that pic. LOL

This is indeed a very nice idea! I had best results with standard bulbs that simply had higher wattage rating, but I must say this approach will evenly distribute light.

The only negative would be you need to open the gauges.

So what Light strips where used with good success?

Subscribed! good luck!

Update: WOAH, serious potential here!

I ordered the kit Sunday night, got it in the mail today. I'm in Indy and it came from California, so that's pretty quick shipping. I installed it in my spare clock. I spent about 5 minutes on this (literally) to see what it would look like, no installed gauges or anything. And, I cannot seem to keep still enough to take a picture in low light so the pics are a little blurry. See my initial results below:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1238623101.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1238623129.jpg

Wholy Crap!

That is awesome!

Details please Where, What ( do they have WHITE ) and How? Did it dim OK? :eek:

One more with the SLR.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1238623876.jpg

This kit was $25 shipped to my door and came with 5 feet. I should have enough to do all of my gauges. I still have to figure out how to wire it, but it looks pretty straight forward. The stuff is very sticky on one side, but I'd probably still add some RTV or something. The inverter is about the size of two small match boxes stacked (~1"x2"x0.75") The only problem I've noticed so far (aside from having to split all of the gauges to install), is that the inverter makes a whining noise. I noticed though when dimmed, it didn't wine much. Still need to investigate that.

glowhut.com. That is white. It is exactly the same color as white LEDs (which are currently in my gauges). I haven't fully experimented with the dimming feature yet, but I did try it with a 9v batter and it seemed dimmer. Gotta go for now (dinner plans), but I'll play with it more later.

You could always put the inverter in the trunk behind the fire wall or Dynamat?

Sweet! Thanks for the update.

Wow, that almost looks modern. When you get a chance, can you show the insides, and reveal where you got the kits and all the other stuff we need to know? Thanks.

I've yet to discover a clean way to disassemble the instruments, and then how do you recrimp them properly?

Man - those look bright! I looked at this stuff on their website. It comes in 5' segments so it obviously needs to be cut to length per gauge. How do you then wire the cut up strips?
I have the stock lighting setup right now. The 2 left gauges are ok, speedo is marginal, tach and clock are really weak. The wiring behind the gauges is mighty interesting...

jt
-84 targa

Nice update, thank you...

The only way to recrimp the instruments "properly" is to use whatever the special tool is that the instrument-maker uses to roll the soft flange back into place. Failing that, you just have to tap-tap-tap the crimp as neatly as possible, though it'll never be perfect.

Spoke to Mark at GlowHut, nice guy.

Here is what he recommends after looking at pics of our dials and proximate dimensions:


5' El Wire (2.2MM thick)

He believes it would better emit light due to it's radial structure to fill the knooks and cranny of the guage with light, he believes it would be easier to work with (we'll need the RTV glue) and you can solder the splitters if you wish. Tape is very difficult to solder.

2 12Volt Inverters (may get away with one and splice the 2 3-way splitters)

To service two 3 way Splitters

2 sets of the 3 way Splitter ( one terminal will not be used, maybe a red map light or shifter knob light under the Ash Tray??? I would get one of those red rubber slip cover )

Optional, 4 Accessory Kits (2.2MM) at $1.00 each.

These extra parts include connectors for the cut wires for each guage and end caps for the exposed ends of the wires possibly to avoid shorting. Shrink Wrap and so on see site.

I am going this route so I can take out the dials individually if in need of servicing in the future.

Whole Cost $28 before S&H, he is in Chino so he will let me Will Call. Hell it will cost me more for gas but I want to make certain I am getting the right stuff. I will bring my spare clock just in case.

I asked him about the Brighter Wires out there in the market and he replied, "Why would you want it to be that Bright?" Good Point.

Jim

As far as crimping, I used the end of my screw driver to roll it on and it seemed to work fine. I just made sure I did not pry all the way around the guage, just enough to pull the rim off. with the rubber outer seal can't see any side effects of cracking her open.

I did find another company with US made inverter at (3Khz others are only 2Khz) and parts for $25.85 but no end caps www.coolight.com

Found another that has a 5-way splitter but their site is broken, can order everyting except the wire, strange www.vibelights.com

DRACO: I think your spot on. I tinkered with the tape, and it would be destroyed if you tried to solder it. There doesn't seem to be any way to get to the wires and solder new leads on without destroying it. That would mean buying a 5' section for each gauge and cutting the excess. Quite a bit of waste. I think I will go the wire rout too since you can add connectors to it. The only problem I see with the wire is how to get it to stick to the can without covering it in RTV.

As far as brightness: after my experiment, my concern is that they would be TOO bright. The pictures I took were in my garage in daylight. The lights were off, but it was still pretty bright in the garage, and the gauge was VERY bright. It will dim just fine though. When I hooked it up to a 9v battery it was at least half intensity. I still need to try it with a rheostat though.

No good way to re crimp the gauges as FSW stated. I probably spent at least an hour slowly taking that clock apart. I leave it uncrimped so that I can experiment with it for things like this. I originally bought the clock to try to add more LED bulbs to it to see if that would make it brighter. That one failed. I have also taken the speedometer apart to repair my odometer gear, and that one took me about 2 hours. I was extremely careful though so I didn't damage the ring. It will be one gauge at a time on a rainy weekend project for me.

I wish I didn't have to do this work thing, otherwise I'd be fiddling with this stuff more.