DIY: Brighton Tach & Stainless Steel Bezel Install (BD/BK)

[chuckthefuk]

I know there is another DIY about the tach install but its not very detailed.. And I couldn't find a SS bezel DIY either.

Questions & FAQ

Q. Are all clusters pre-wired for the tach?
A. Yes the are. Subaru used the same membrane PCB board for all clusters.

Q. Why would I want to swap just the tach and not the entire cluster.
A1) You don't have to find a year specific cluster to match the 2 or 3 tach signal in the rear.
A2) You get to keep your mileage without having to change anything.

Q. I want to just change my whole cluster... Can I?
A1) YES but if you do not buy the right cluster you will have to make your tach signal work for your car..
-> Not really a big deal since most people want the 220km cluster or the red needles.

Q. Are there differences between tachometers?
A1) YES. Some tachometers have different RED LINE ratings ..
A2) Your ECU will control your Red Line so any Legacy Tach will work regardless of whats printed on the gauge.

Q. Are all Brighton clusters the same?
A1) NO. Depending on your car some are SE (Special Editions) which have the red needles and not the white.

Q. Are all clusters similar?
A1) Yes and No.
A2) YES they will ALL fit in and use the same 3x large connectors
A3) NO they are slightly different, some models only have the DOOR AJAR light. Some can specify which door is open.
->) I assume that the cluster is wired to each door sensor but I can not confirm this.

TOOLS
1x Phillips Screw Driver (medium or small length)
Patients



Cluster Removal

I did not take pictures of the cluster removal since you can just refer to Wiscon_Mark's DIY
-> http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1123



PREVENTION!!
There are two ways to remove the cluster.. The right way and the wrong way!

The Right Way (10-15 minutes):

Remove the brackets holding the lens to the cluster and the steering column cover

NOTE: that I removed the brackets outside of the car.. This is not needed you can do it in the car its really easy.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0256d-1.jpg
Remove the metal brackets (2x Philips screws)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0257rp-1.jpg
Brackets removed

And the column has a few Phillips screws that are a PITA to remove then wiggle the cover off..

The Wrong (5 Minutes) Way:
If you do not do the above you are going to have to FORCE the cluster out of dash. A few things will happen.
1) You may snap the trip reset button off the cluster.. Sucks its not an easy fix.
2) Stressing your steering wheel since you will need every mm possible.
3) You will RIP your dashboard!!!!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/rippedo-1.jpg

This happened to me and many others.. LEARN FOR OUR MISTAKES!!


Lets start the swap.


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0258l-1.jpg
Brighton Cluster


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0260s-1.jpg
Brighton cluster w/o lens and bezel.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0261qo-1.jpg
Pull the tach-cover off.. It should be held in by pressure from the Top-Left and Bottom-Right tabs.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0262ow-1.jpg
Tach-area exposed (NOTE that these sample shots are from a GT cluster.. the Brighton cluster
does not have yellow & red lens.. so you will not have a vivid color (CEL, Oil Press, Airbag)
Its really not a big deal.. And personally looks much nicer without the heavy yellow CEL :-D

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0263o-1.jpg
Brighton Vs. GT tach.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0264kr-1.jpg
Back side.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0265n-1.jpg
GT tach backside.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0267we-1.jpg
These 3 empty holes are the "connections" to the cluster. You will need to reuse the 3x Phillips screws
you have from the tach you removed from the donor cluster.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0268p-1.jpg
Drop the tach in the cluster gently.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9094/dsc0269y.jpg
Install the 3x screws. Don't over tighten the screws just a bit of tension after its secured.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0270lg-1.jpg
Tach installed and resting in its final position.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0255i-1.jpg
Lens, bezel and brackets re-installed.. Time to slide back in and reconnect.


Stainless Steel Bezel Install

Steps are the same as the tach install just instead of tach and screws its a SS bezel. NO Glue, No Screws!


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0272l-1.jpg
Lens and Bezel

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0274as-1.jpg
Pull the Bezel away from the Lens. Just wiggle

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0275ga-1.jpg
Bezel

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0278z-1.jpg
Stock Bezel Vs. SS Bezel

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0279o-1.jpg
Lay the SS Bezel on top of the Stock Bezel. If you purchased a good quality SS bezel it should fit like a glove.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0280ao-1.jpg
SS Bezel installed.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0281m-1.jpg
SS Bezel vs Lens

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0283ev-1.jpg
Cluster and bezel(s)


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0282w-1.jpg
Pinch the SS bezel and the Stock Bezel from the center and slide it into the lens.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/dsc0284t-1.jpg
Reattach the lens and brackets and time to reconnect.

DONE!

[bulldozer24]

well done :smt023

[doobieinmyscoobie]

Brighton models didn't come with a tachometer? Or am I not following.

Also, where did you pick up the SS bezel? I might want to do this..

[chuckthefuk]

Nope.. Brighton is a base trim.. and I got the bezel years ago from Reason.. ask him
-Chuck

[bulldozer24]

I have seen those bezels on ebay for 20-25 bucks

[wentz912]

So, there are no "new" wires I need to hook up or anything like that? My first Legacy is a Brighton and the no-tach bit is probably what bugs me most about it!

[chuckthefuk]

wiring is already in the membrane circuit board. Just find 3x proper thread screws and install the tach.

-Chuck

[Wiscon_Mark]

The Wrong (5 Minutes) Way:
If you do not do the above you are going to have to FORCE the cluster out of dash. A few things will happen.
1) You may snap the trip reset button off the cluster.. Sucks its not an easy fix.
2) Stressing your steering wheel since you will need every mm possible.
3) You will RIP your dashboard!!!!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/rippedo-1.jpg

This happened to me and many others.. LEARN FOR OUR MISTAKES!!

Haha, I have the exact same rips in the vinyl on my dash too!


Good writeup, Chuck. It amazes me that Subaru chose to cut this corner, especially because so many Brightons were 5MTs.

[wentz912]

Sweet, that's awesome to know! I'll snag the tach panel out of whatever Lego I find one in while I'm at the yard tomorrow.