Another alternative to getting brighter gauges

[Lukesportsman]

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.

[Lukesportsman]

[Lukesportsman]

[Lukesportsman]

[DRACO A5OG]

Whoa, Nice. Does it dim as well?

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Lukesportsman

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.

[Kroggers]

Nice...

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

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

[86911cab]

I think I just found my next project.

Thanks Luke!

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

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.

[ljowdy]

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

[mthomas58]

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)



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

[DRACO A5OG]

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.

[jpnovak]

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.

[RWebb]

looks like a very clever trick

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

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by RWebb

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.

[carslutt]

that looks like a nice upgrade

[DRACO A5OG]

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.

[Lukesportsman]

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

[DRACO A5OG]

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.