Dash Lights Fix....What did I do wrong?

Marshall951 · 10-21-2001, 04:00 PM

Ok, I took my gauge cluster out and removed the plastic optics and cleaned what was left of the silver coating. I then taped off were the light enters and exits and painted it with chrome finish paint.

Well I put it all back together and the lights much worse now. What did I do wrong?

Thanks,
Marshall

seb928s · 10-21-2001, 05:02 PM

Did you replace the bulb?

Sergio · 10-22-2001, 05:53 PM

I made the same mistake the first time i tried it.... the problem is with the chrome finish paint.... Its chrome on the side exposed to the air, but will dry to a matt blackish finish on the plastic side..I tried it on a helmet visor after it didnt seem to fix the dash problem... It is easily remidied.... Get some brake cleaner and strip off the paint and tape you used. Then simply cover the top and sides of the optical elements with aluminum foil... shiny side on the plastic...Make sure you cover the beveled edge with as smooth of foil as you can, since this is the primary reflective surface from the bulb.
You will have to tape it in place but its easy.. Voila!! you will be smiling... My lowest setting is now brighter than the old cluster turned all the way up.

Sergio.

Marshall951 · 10-22-2001, 06:14 PM

Thanks Sergio, you are absolutly right.... Last night I removed all the paint and tried them with no paint at all and they were brighter on the lowest setting than they were on the highest before.

I didn't even put foil on the ends I just glued foil on the underside of the cluster to keep the light from shining on the floor.

I am too happy now.

Thanks,
Marshall