Dim Cluster Lights Help!

Its_Scott · 07-09-2008, 02:48 AM

I know this has been asked many times, but I cannot seem to find the thread where they had a comprehensive explanation on how to clean the reflectors. I remember seeing pictures too. I took out the gauge cluster the other day and found that the reflectors are stuck onto it. So how do I even clean it and how do others even spray or put tin foil over it? Can anyone help me out with the links to that thread or care to explain this situation? Thanks everyone!

Cking1975 · 07-09-2008, 03:24 AM

Yes,

I am interested in this as well...also why are the lights in the dash so DIM, and where do you get white guage faces ?

fbgh2o · 07-09-2008, 05:16 AM

There are kits that allow you to replace the light tunnels. Jager Engineering (offers one with LEDS. It is nicely engineered, but expensive quite and complex to install. I had good results with it.

I have also had good experience with a kit from Mark Whitesell who makes them mylar and LEDs. He has them for sale on eBay from time to time. It is easier to install and quite bright. PM me for his email if you are interested.

aj951 · 07-09-2008, 07:43 AM

Here is a related thread Just Completed the Dashboard Light Fix. I have done this repair myself and fingernail polish remover works pretty well for removing the old reflective paint without damaging the plastic light pipes. Clark's Garage has a good procedure for doing this. I used the Superbright L.E.Ds and they work great.

A.J.

lowbob84 · 07-09-2008, 03:12 PM

fbgh2o & aj951, could you guys please post what your dash looks like now? I mean its good knowing what you did, but a picture is worth a thousand words. i'd like to see what the finish product looks like. Thanks!

flash968 · 07-09-2008, 03:15 PM

lol - i turn mine all but off - it is better for night vision - bright dash lights may look pretty, but they cost you in visibility - i think that's why they designed them dim

Brando · Brando's Garage

The stock lights in original form are considerably bright compared to years of use and fading. I did a writeup about replacing the OEM bulbs with compact florescent lights (with an in-line inverter). Lemme see if I can find it for ya...

Haha! Here it is!

Just don't do like I did on the first run and install the UV/blacklight ones. They're unfiltered and it's straight UV light... Burns the eyes after about 30 minutes.

flash968 · 07-09-2008, 07:01 PM

but as far as i know, florescent lights aren't dimmable - what if i want them down a bit?

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Pics of the leds plz.

fbgh2o · 07-10-2008, 04:34 AM

I will try to shoot a picture in the dark tonight. The issue being that it needs to be a long exposure and I only have low end digital camera.

With respect to dimming, not all LEDs dim either - neither of mine do, but the brightness is just about right.

flash968 · 07-10-2008, 05:08 AM

i am not an LED fan either - i've tried a few of the kits out there, and they are all way too bright - the idea is to have them just bright enough to read them - that's it - reducing the number of lumens, especially in any wavelength higher than red/orange, is key to night vision

fbgh2o · 07-10-2008, 05:52 AM

I must confess I have only ever gone with the red ones and perhaps that is why I am happy with the brightness levels.

fbgh2o · 07-10-2008, 05:58 PM

Tried to shoot a picture, but my camera simply will not take a good picture in the dark. Not enough exposure control and too much camera shake.

hpservertech · 07-10-2008, 07:56 PM

This is pretty well written up on clarks guys. Very easy to do to.