Custom Guages, HVAC, and Accessory lighting

[Wiscon_Mark]

I decided I didn't like neon green lighting. It wasn't very good looking, it was bad on my night vision, and I just feel the need to mod various things. So I dove headfirst into this, without having a clue how anything worked. And I'm pretty happy with what I learned and what I got out of it.

Here are pics. I would like to note that the lighting looks a lot more red than it does in the pictures, its just that I couldn't wait for perfect dark :lol:
(they're all very blurry, I'm sorry)


Guages:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/GuageClusterNightred2-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/GuageClusterNightred-1.jpg


HVAC:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/HVACNightred-1.jpg


Overall:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/InteriorNightRed-1.jpg

I will see if I can dig up some comparison shots, I'm sure I have some on the computer somewhere.

Another cool thing is, that this red doesn't clash with my blue highlights, because everything looks white during the daytime, because I colored the back of all the translucent parts, and not the front.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/HVAC-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/GuageCluster3-1.jpg

Yes, I know that the left side of the tach is dim. I have yet to find a replacement bulb, but it will happen.

Whaddya think?

[badbasser98]

nice, i have always loved red interior/dash lights.

-BB98

[Wiscon_Mark]

writeup next weekend :D

[fibuz]

not bad! paint or bulb condoms? Some areas look a little unever, and if you used paint I'd go over them again and try to even things out ;)

Looks good though...I did a similar mod a few months ago with the hvac and aftermarket headunit(yes, I was red crazy at the time).

fibuz

[Wiscon_Mark]

sharpie marker :D The unevenness is more from bad lighting and one bulb out in the guages. It looks even better in person.

As for the red crazy....you were my inspiration 8)

[fibuz]

awww ;)

I used some enamel paint that I found at the local hardware store...came in pens for easy application. Just draw on the bulb basically ;) This might help you keep a more even stroke, although I am unsure if the sharpie is removable now :shock:

Lookin good Mr. Mark!

Cheers,

fibuz

[Huffer]

I am bookmarking and waiting for the write up. That is hella hot!

I've seen the UK Impreza guys do the blue LED mod, but spraying the lights sounds pretty neat too.

I tried using blue rubber condoms on my Impreza, but the light came out aqua-ish. Maybe red is the proper color.

[HFSDevil]

I just did mine... Pics are a little blurry but oh well.

http://home.comcast.net/~samur_devil/dash.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~samur_devil/dash2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~samur_devil/dash3.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~samur_devil/dash4.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

I tried using blue rubber condoms on my Impreza, but the light came out aqua-ish. Maybe red is the proper color.

its the condoms, they don't reflect the light properly because they aren't thick enough and dark enough. when you're dealing with white light, you need to make the surface considerably darker than the look you're going for and rubber condoms just don't do it. The blue condom'd lights that used to be in the back of the guages only shined through as white because the condoms were useless (this was after I sanded the guages down).

[Disturbed_beast]

Dude your going to have to show us how you did that

[shazapple]

I just did it to my car, i think :shock: I removed the condoms and coloured the bulbs with a sharpie. Did it to the gas and check engine light as well, seems to be very red, but Ill have to wait until dark.

i broke almost every condom tryin gto get it off, is this a sign for other things in my life :lol:

[Wiscon_Mark]

i broke almost every condom tryin gto get it off, is this a sign for other things in my life :lol:

I hope not, mine did too :shock: :lol:

As for just coloring the bulbs...it may or may not work. It would be waaaaay more effective to sand the back of the guages and recolor them. It makes a much bigger difference and you maintain that stock look during the day :)

[gator gt]

Thats great Mark!!

I did this several years back on my Jeep Cherokee....just bought red bulbs from AutoZone and did the gauges up that way....and Sharpie markered the back of the switch gear logos for such things as rear defrost and fogs, etc.

I like the red instrument panels better than the green....it IS better for your night vision when done at the proper lighting levels.

I got the idea from my friend in college who changed out his desk lamp white bulb for a red one.....fricken cool.

Good stuff!

GGT

[Huffer]

As for just coloring the bulbs...it may or may not work. It would be waaaaay more effective to sand the back of the guages and recolor them. It makes a much bigger difference and you maintain that stock look during the day :)

What about this for an idea - sand off the green, remove the bulb condoms, and install a peice of red transparent film where the green stuff was?

[phi11]

ya, like translucent vinyl!!!!!!!

[badbasser98]

ya, like translucent vinyl!!!!!!!

lmao..


HFS, if you get time, would you mind doing a write-up to show how to get the cluster and HVAC outta the dash. Thanx

Also, what do you guys think about blue light instead of red? Is red the best color to see at night?

-BB98

[Huffer]

Blue is "nice" to look at, but I've found that driving cars with red dashes, at nighttime I'm far less fatigued and my eyes adjust better.

There is some scientific evidence about which colors are less straining on optic nerves, but I can't find it.

[Wiscon_Mark]

red transparent film looks pink....colored bulbs work better ;) I do have the 194 bulbs (4 of them) that go in the guages, but I recolored them with the sharpie to make them a darker red.

[phi11]

3M Translucent has like six reds
translucent = permitting the passage of light
transparent = fine or sheer enough to be seen through

[Wiscon_Mark]

the trick with red is that it doesn't make the pupil contract like other colors so your pupil remians quite open and you can see in the dark better...

[95legacyl]

im bored and want a simple project to do, do you mind writing a step-by-step guide (i no this cant be that hard but still im new to this and really dont want to be driving around with half my dash hanging out if i mess up lol)

[Wiscon_Mark]

I'm getting to it, I need some free time (like a few hours to document everything so people don't get pissy if they mess something up) to get pictures and write everything up. It'll come, be patient.

[95legacyl]

yay i cant wait oh and how hard is it to pull out the stock radio and hvac

[Wiscon_Mark]

yay i cant wait oh and how hard is it to pull out the stock radio and hvac

Subaru made it sooooo easy. But I'm not going to tell it in bits and pieces. I will do a FULL writeup come this weekend with detailed photos and how to take every thing apart. :D

[95legacy]

Write up not neccesary, for me at least, took some time after school, and in about 2 hrs had all my lights red. Looks awesome, sharpie was the way to go, quick and cheap.
Peace,
Kyle

[gator gt]

yeah, acetate (ass-i-tate) is a similar to a transparency from high school. I bought some in a red color and replaced the green directional arrows in my jeep with them. Turned out awesome....I totally forgot about that portion of it.

You should be able to go to a craft store and find some there.

GGT

[Wiscon_Mark]

Write up not neccesary, for me at least, took some time after school, and in about 2 hrs had all my lights red. Looks awesome, sharpie was the way to go, quick and cheap.
Peace,
Kyle

good to hear. But I'll do a writeup anyways...I love sharing info with other subaru enthusiasts :D It's so satisfying. I guess its why my parents became teachers...

[shazapple]

I did everything red as well, although I might have to recolour some of the gauge lights. Also, the bulb that lights up the shifter doesnt work anymore :(

[Wiscon_Mark]

I had a light go out on me too...not sure why, maybe they're not supposed to get a lot of skin oil on them?

Good thing they're cheap...if you buy just the bulb.

[jdmconnected]

Oil shouldn't matter on that type of bulb. Moving things around probably helped weaken the filament and it broke when power was applied, but its also likely that electrical contact is not being made if the bulb socket is dirty or the connection is corroded.

I found the following website a few weeks ago, its simply beautiful stuff. Too bad they don't make anything for the Legacy. It does have some good ideas for general mods though.

The site is a little hard to navigate, so I'll post a couple links:

http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~AWD/enight.html

Installation instructions including painting and calibrating needles.

http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~AWD/ehow2.html

Thumbnails of NB stuff to make you drool and wish that they made this stuff the Legacy:

http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~AWD/nball2.html

[slip]

Write up not neccesary, for me at least, took some time after school, and in about 2 hrs had all my lights red. Looks awesome, sharpie was the way to go, quick and cheap.
Peace,
Kyle

Absolutely the way to go. Sand off the green crap, take off the factory bulb condoms, and go over the back of the gauges with a sharpie of your choice where you want the color to show and your done. No flims, no condoms, and takes no time at all.

BTW I explained how to do this before, but mark didn't do all the steps 8) http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=587

[Wiscon_Mark]

BTW I explained how to do this before, but mark didn't do all the steps 8) http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=587

Oh, I did, it'll be in the writeup...no walls for me! 8)

[slip]

Oh, I did, it'll be in the writeup...no walls for me! 8)

haha, yes the walls...

but whats up with your tach being only half-lit?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yes, I know that the left side of the tach is dim. I have yet to find a replacement bulb, but it will happen.

It's being fixed as we speak (I'm working on the writeup so everything is apart again ;))

[gil_ong81]

on the topic of dash lighting, here’s a small contribution from me.

My AC button light has never come on. Figured that the bulb was blown, but I could easily live with it. Last week, I needed an excuse to go visit the Subaru dealer, so I decided to I need to pick up some touch up paint, and the AC bulb.

I described the problem to the guy at the parts counter. Simply that when I turn on my AC, the button does light up. he sold me a bulb that looked like some of the ones I had bought before, but I figured they would know what they’re talking about. WRONG.


This is the bulb you want. Do a visual before you leave the parts counter just to be sure.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/


The switch itself is extremely easy to remove once you get the whole unit out of the dash.

Here’s a pic with the unit upside down, and looking at it from the rear. Simply pull up (actually down, since the unit is upside down) on the tab and slide the whole switch forward (towards the front). No need to disassemble the whole thing like I initially tried to do.

http://www.myphotohost.com/uploads/2f9c084d82.jpg


Bulb sits in this hole.

http://www.myphotohost.com/uploads/09bb6c5059.jpg


Hope this help.

Now I’m gonna have to head back to the dealer sometime during the week, and rip apart my dash again next weekend.

[Legacy4Life]

I had a similar problem. About 6 monhts after I purchased the car my AC On indicator lamp burned out. But in my case, they wanted to sell the whole switch assembly telling me that it couldn't be replaced. I forget the price, but it was rediculous.

I ended up taking it apart, and showed them the bulb, but then they "couldn't" source that particular bulb! Said Subaru didn't make it seperately. So I got fed up and ended up getting one from a Climate control system at a scrap yard. It's worked ever since.

Michael

[gil_ong81]

i bought this "kit" today, $36.42 + tax. supposed to be all the bulbs in the dash, but obviously not.

I was hoping to replace ALL the bulbs in the dash, since i have no idea what warning lights are not working, and it's just too much trouble to physically check/inspect each one.

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/7883/dashlights85066ac0003ep.jpg

[gil_ong81]

I got in touch with an online vendor hoping to be able to source these bulbs. No luck.


This is the email I sent them.


Hello.

I'm looking to get a set of bulbs for warning lights in the dash. I was told to get 85066AC000, but that package of bulbs is not the one I need.
The local Subaru dealer has not been able to locate a part number either. I'm hoping that it comes in a pack that will allow me to replace all the warning light bulbs.

Further, I’m also looking to replace the one little bulb in my AC switch, and the one for the “re-circulate” switch right above it.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.



Their reply.


Subaru does not service the A/C switch light or the Recirc switch light separate from the heater control.

The warning lights also are not serviceable separate. The bulbs would come with the unit they are attached to. 85066AC000 is the meter illumination kit. In all cases if the bulbs are removable we are not supplied with a replacement part number to order for you. Could be because in most cases people damage the unit trying to replace them or lack of a supplier to attain them.
.
.
.


They suggested that I just get the “Heater Control Assembly”, listed at $235, their price $180. NO THANKS!!

[Huffer]

How about just pulling the bulb out, there should be a number on the base of it?

[Wiscon_Mark]

not that I could tell....

:?

[shazapple]

Just go to Radioshack and find a 12v bulb approximatly the same size. it doesnt have to be exact. Thats what I did for my Hazard, HVAC, and cruise

[Legacy4Life]

When I was looking for bulbs for mine I tried a couple of Subaru dealers. The one here in town didn't have any stock of bulbs and wasn't really sure what to order. So the next time I was in Saint John I stopped in there.

They had a tray full of bulbs and I picked out the ones I wanted. They're a little expensive (for the size of them) but they usually last a donkey's age so all in all not too bad. In fact I picked up a couple of extras to keep in the glove box for the next time. I had to go looking because when I took them out to color them most of them burned out. Probably the original bulbs for most of them, the new ones were brighter anyways.

Looks like the ones that were bought in the package are mostly for the instrument panel. There are four 194 bulbs (which can be bought anywhere) and two 74 bulbs (same thing). These can be pulled out of the old sockets and be re-used.

The warning lights I couldn't find anywhere else but at Subaru. Perhaps others had better luck. If you want to test them easily, just twist the bulb out and use a 9V battery. They should all be 12V lights so it would let you know at least if it's working.

For the AC, switch, I was told the same thing. But after taking the switch apart I found a bulb in there and they had it in stock too! Go figure.

Like I said at the beginning, some dealers are more savy when it comes to that stuff then others.

[Wiscon_Mark]

the two smaller ones are 74?

I couldn't find those anywhere!

I'll try it, thanks! :)

[Legacy4Life]

Yes. The two smaller lights towards the center of the instrument cluster are 74's. You can get them at most automotive part outlets. You don't need the bases either. The lights come out, although they take a tight grip on a tiny bulb!

I believe the low fuel light is a 74 too.

By the way, this is all on my 1997. I suspect it's the same from 95 to 99. (USDM models that is)

[gil_ong81]

leagcy4life, where did you get these bulbs?



wonder if these will work.

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2266427w345.jpg
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=search (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103780&cp=&fbn=Type%2F12+Volt&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2F12+Volt&fbc=1&kw=bulb+components&parentPage=search)


http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2160277w345.jpg
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=search (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062368&cp=&fbn=Type%2F12+Volt&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2F12+Volt&fbc=1&kw=bulb+components&parentPage=search)

[Legacy4Life]

If you're refering to the 74's I got them at a Car Quest store one night on my way back home. I think they were $1 each. Probably most auto parts stores would carry them. I don't know what you have down there.

By the way, I don't know what the bulbs you have there are, but the 74's look like small 194's. Same wedge type design.

[blackgtbeauty]

those led's look like sperm seeking a dashboard...

[Huffer]

I just pulled my dash apart last night, it's a bigger PITA than the equivalent imprezas. Anyway, I found blue covers on the four big main bulbs.

Did anyone else find these?

And when you sanded off the green, did anyone remove the needles, or did you only sand where the numbers/marks are?

I have to take the dash apart again when my white overlays arrive, so I'll post pics then.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I just pulled my dash apart last night, it's a bigger PITA than the equivalent imprezas. Anyway, I found blue covers on the four big main bulbs.

Did anyone else find these?

Yep, its that way on all of them. They're the "bulb condoms" that were referred to.


And when you sanded off the green, did anyone remove the needles, or did you only sand where the numbers/marks are?

I didn't remove the needles, and I'd advise you don't either. I just sanded around the edges of the plates where the numbers are.

[Huffer]

Chur!
(that's "Thanks!" in Kiwi-nese)

[gil_ong81]

i took a trip to radioshack today and brought my AC switch bulb with me.

i think i might have found it.

Micro Lamp
#7219
12 volts 60mA Wire-terminal base

a pack of 2 for $1.49 + tax.

http://img430.imageshack.us/img430/556/acswitchbulb39mf.jpg


EDIT: decided not to wait and installed it. it lights up. :thumbright: now we'll have to see if it at least last a few days.

[BAC5.2]

60mA isn't much of a draw, so it should be good for a while. Why not bust a multimeter out and compare a known good OEM light and the Radio Shack lamp from a 12v power source? That should give you a good basis.

Post the readings on resistance, and draw of the OEM bulb too! Anyone got a few seconds to do that?

Check to see if it will dim with the dash lights!

[95LegacySTI]

I'm in the process of doing this. I took my gauge cluster out and I dont know wht green backing I'm supposed to sand off. Behind the gauges is black and it looks like there is green in between the gauge face and the back. They're back lit if that makes a difference, I dont really know. Do you color the bulbs red or where you sand? Write up as soon as possible please, this is a good DIY!

[Wiscon_Mark]

hey, check the DIY forums, there is a writeup. it explains all.

[95LegacySTI]

Could I use touch up paint from the dealer to paint the black gauge housing (not the gauge plate but the housing around it) the color of my car? Has anybody tried that? Good idea, bad idea?

[Wiscon_Mark]

yeah, go ahead, the housing comes apart, just make sure you prime it first :)

[NewGenSTi]

ALso went ahead and did this one. easy as pie. I have a burnt out light in my hvac, but its all getting replaced by red leds soon anyways. I just did this for Sh!ts and giggles because it is soo easy. anyways here a picture with my flash on, off, and radio/safc/xmradio
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/01/000_0157-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/01/000_0152-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/01/000_0154-1.jpg