PDA

View Full Version : DIY: Interior Lighting Part 1 (Gauge Cluster)



Wiscon_Mark
09-18-2005, 08:29 PM
Since I don't have enough time to do everything at once, you guys will get this in pieces. The writeup has already taken longer than the actual process, In my estimate. Here goes:

What you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Standard Screwdriver
Small Phillips Head
Colored Sharpie / Colored Paint of your choice / Bulb Condoms of your choice
(if replacing bulbs) 4 bulb #194s
Sandpaper / Dremel Kit (recommended)

Note: This will not require you to remove your needles.

Step 1 (Removing the guage cluster)

Unscrew the following screws on the guage bezel:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterTopScrews-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterBottomleftscrew-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterBottomrightscrew-1.jpg

Now you will need to remove the wiring harnesses from the Cruise/defrost/foglight buttons
Press the tab on the wiring harnesses to pop it free:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/AccessoryButtonClips-1.jpg

Now you need to take out the screws holding the guage pod in the dash
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterTopInsideScrews-1.jpg (the two screws on the top, the photo only shows one as the clip for the second screw is missing and it can't be used)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterBottomInsideScrews-1.jpg (identical on the left side)

Now tip the guage cluster forward so you can get at the 3 big harnesses on it.
Pull the clips up with a screwdriver and push the harness back and it'll pop out.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/GuageBrace-1.jpg

now that you can pull the cluster out farther, you can get at the remaining two small harnesses and pop them out of the back. Now you can remove the cluster.

Note for automatic tranny drivers (poor souls :lol:) : you may have another wiring harness on the back for the indicators, I'm not sure.

You want to move the steering wheel all the way down, and pull the guage cluster out the right side, with it fairly upright. It's a bit of a squeeze, but you can pull it off. Just be careful, because if you crank on it, you'll rip your dash material:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/Scratches-1.jpg :? :?

Now, we get to the real work...

Step 2:

Undo the braces that hold the top of the guage cluster together (screw at the bottom of the 2 metal pieces)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterTop-1.jpg

Then take the back part of the cluster off so it looks like this:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/Cluster2pieces-1.jpg

Here is the back of the cluster:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterBack-1.jpg
You want to remove all the brown bulb holders (6 of them, 4 big, and 2 small [ones in the center])and replace the bulbs with the color of your choice and/or color them with a sharpie/paint. If you're not replacing the bulbs, you need to take the condoms off of them and then color them. Replace all the bulbs.

Note: you can't really see that the two small bulbs in the center are brown in the picture, but those are the ones you want to replace/color. edit: They are #74s. I do know that they ARE NOT #37s.


Now, remove all the silver screws in the back of the cluster. They are what is holding the clusters in place. DO NOT REMOVE THE NEEDLES OR THE BLACK SCREWS ON THE FRONT! It isn't necessary and removing needles is bad.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ClusterBack-1.jpg

Take the guage out, and sand off the back two layers on the guages. There should be a silvery layer, followed by the green junk that colors your guages. Dust the junk off after sanding it all down, and then color the back with the color of your choice (in this case, red).
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/SpeedoBack-1.jpg

Photo of the guages lit by natural white light:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/SpeedoNaturalLight-1.jpg
You can see that the bulbs aren't even the real factor in lighting, but every advantage counts.

Before you reinstall the guages:

There are walls that restrict the light to certain areas, and you may break them down. You can do so by hand fairly easily, and some might require a little work from the dremel tool, but try to get rid of some of them for more even, brighter lighting. I also used metallic tape to reflect the light towards the guages
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/GuageClusterSpeedoRemoved-1.jpg

Repeat the sanding process with all of the guages. To test the guages, plug just the necessary part back into the car, and see that everything works.

Now reinstall everything in reverse order, and enjoy!

Notes:
The parking light switch tends to be triggered, so you have to remember to shut it off when you have everything reinstalled.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/ParkingLightSwitch-1.jpg

Also, your trip odometer will probably be incidentally reset when you remove the guages.

Good Luck!


Here is a link to another writeup that uses a different take on the lighting that will help with unevenness: viewtopic.php?f=39&t=22903 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=22903)

Perdue
09-18-2005, 08:37 PM
I think Mark deserves a big round of applause for doing this, then going back for the writeup. The ease of this is unbelieveable and I'll also be doing it this weekend. Free mods that look this good can't be beat.

95legacyl
09-18-2005, 08:42 PM
thanks for the write up i prolly wait till the weekend to try this

CTGTDRIVER17
09-18-2005, 08:43 PM
i installed white gauge face overlays on my gauges, but i went throught the same thing mark did.....i should have changed my lights while i was in there.

also, mark, my gauge bezel didnt want to come fully out due to the alarm wires....they werent a pop out thing. i had to work around that....i dont know if any other 98's have that, but just giving a heads up.


oh, by the way, awesome friggen writeup mark!!

badbasser98
09-18-2005, 08:55 PM
nice, am thinking about doing the same thing this w/e, long as nothing else comes up...


excellent write-up Mark!

-BB98

Plays_with_Toys
09-18-2005, 09:03 PM
Question: When you remove the cluster, and you have the black piece and clear piece that go over the gauges, is the clear easily seperatable from the black shroud? I think giving the shrowd some color would be pretty sweet.

Also, good writeup!

Wiscon_Mark
09-18-2005, 09:19 PM
Yes, the clear part comes out. I actually colored it black with a sharpie to dim it because it was too bright with the front lighting.

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


Here's the final product (pic taken 10 minutes ago)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/GuageClusterNightred3-1.jpg

Yep, the "x1000 rpms" part is green....it just lit up when I replaced the bulb :? Gotta go back in and fix that one of these days.


Hey, thanks for the comments, you guys! It made my day! :D

shazapple
09-18-2005, 09:32 PM
Great write up! even though I already coloured the bulbs im taking mine apart again to sand them down.

What grit sandpaper did you use?

Wiscon_Mark
09-18-2005, 09:38 PM
dremel, heavy grit :D

I think if you rough up the back of the guages a little, they absorb the red sharpie a little better. it really doesn't need to be smoothed out, since you're not looking at it.

Wiscon_Mark
09-18-2005, 09:41 PM
I think giving the shrowd some color would be pretty sweet.

I think I missed the point of your question the first time around.

The shroud that covers up the edges around the guage faces is indeed removable (its quite easy, it may even fall out when you take the stuff apart) and I painted it a while ago to a glossy black.

2deadlegs
09-18-2005, 10:31 PM
Good show ole chap.

My local autoparts store sells the condoms in all colors for pretty much all size bulbs.

Huffer
09-18-2005, 11:22 PM
This is friggin' great Mark!

I totally wish I had known this when I had my Impreza... I bet the principles are the same...

I'm booking this mod to do in the next couple of weeks... Sweetness! 8)

95legacyl
09-19-2005, 10:30 AM
im just wondering if anyone out there could photoshop differnt colors im thinking about doing this but not set on a color yet and ive never sat down and learn how to use photoshop im sure its pretty easy once you no what your doing

phi11
09-19-2005, 11:06 AM
the hardest part about photoshop, is buying it!!!!!!!!!!lol :twisted:
give me some time, like i'm at work, but i'll do it.
what colors? :color: e

95legacyl
09-19-2005, 02:50 PM
im thinking about blue it might not be the best for your eyes but it looks good and if its not hard just play around with differnt colors and post the ones you thnk look the best

Huffer
09-19-2005, 03:27 PM
Blue?
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/BlueLEDS-1.jpg

MY99 Impreza dash...used blue LEDs. Not mine.

Plays_with_Toys
09-19-2005, 03:48 PM
Mark, you answered the question, thanks! Strange though, I have a green car, so I want to keep the green gauges. :twisted:

Wiscon_Mark
09-19-2005, 06:29 PM
I'd advise against using the blue...I tried blue bulbs, and even with green stuff sanded off, it still looked green :?

However, if you go with blue LEDs like Huffer did, it may work nicer and look a true blue.

Blue=bad night vision, though

But sometimes you have to make sacrfices :lol:

phi11
09-19-2005, 08:00 PM
ummm..........ya, So I said I would do it.
tryed. It's not going to happen today.
( need a better photo ) sorry.
I lose.


EDIT
photo chopp'n colors, man.
ya,:smt017 I don't type well. I'm all skater :smt017 :smt017 brained . :smt017

Wiscon_Mark
09-19-2005, 08:04 PM
???:(

gator gt
09-19-2005, 08:09 PM
Mark...WELL DONE SIR!! Well done.

This will have to be done on mine...at some point in time... :twisted:

GGT

09-29-2005, 11:45 PM
incandescent blue bulbs will never look right. The more yellow the light the more green it will come out... kind of white if you're lucky. Blue LED's are the way to go but while I was reading this whole thing I was trying to figure out how to retrofit LED's in there... shouldn't be too hard, but I think I'd have to pull my own cluster out to figure it out... and I'd have to look up what kind of resistors you'd have to put on.

phi11
09-30-2005, 02:19 PM
I found this on the MN forum ( www.mnsubaru.com (http://www.mnsubaru.com) )

this is it!!!!!

www.superbrightleds.com (http://www.superbrightleds.com)
:wav: :blob7: :wav:

CTGTDRIVER17
10-01-2005, 05:28 PM
wow. now i want the LUXART® LED Light Modules for my car......see what u did phi11

Perdue
10-02-2005, 09:11 AM
I've figured out the x1000r/min thing. The problem is that you can't get to that part of the gauge face to sand it. This leaves a couple of options, you could use whiteout or tape to cover it as Mark did with the KPH notations on the spedometer (see pictures), or you can undo the two screws that hold the gauge face to the electronic module. These are very small and will probably require a jeweler's screwdriver. I was fortunate enough to have a screwdriver small enough at the fire station when I did this. Take the screws out with the gauge facing you. Once they are out, rotate the gauge face gently and carefully as to not bend the needle or it's post. Once the gauge face is inverted on it's module, put the screws back in. Now flip the assembly over and you can access the x1000r/min with sand paper. Just paint/color it before reversing the process and you're good to go. Hope this helps.

Edit: Would anyone care to try a blue sharpie or clear blue paint on their gauges, rather than bulbs to see if it would work? I hadn't thought to do it while I was working on mine. If it doesn't work, it can just be sanded back off.

Wiscon_Mark
10-02-2005, 11:27 AM
blue would probably just come out dark.

Incidentally, I didn't black out the km/hr section...It just never lit up.

P-body, post some pictures :)

TheBigJesus.
10-03-2005, 09:05 PM
This looks really awesome, and it sparked a cool idea within me. Would it be possible to perhaps cut out an area somewhere on the face of the rpm or speedometer with a nice little SLi design and get it lighted?


It'd look something like this http://www.jdmpartstx.com/pics/S202clusternew.jpg

Wiscon_Mark
10-03-2005, 10:45 PM
you know what would be even cooler? getting those into a 2nd gen cluster :D

but I digress...

It would be a cool project to work that logo in there, but to do it well, you'd have to remove the guage face, and that would mean removing the needles.

Needle removal=baaaad

I'd advise against it going directly on the guage face, but feel free to do it elsewhere, like the guage bezel or something :)

phi11
10-04-2005, 06:39 PM
http://www.redfaktor.com/dump/sti_desktop2.jpg (1600x1200)

shazapple
10-04-2005, 07:00 PM
Heres mine

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/5828/red10jj.th.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=red10jj.jpg)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9746/red28iu.th.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=red28iu.jpg)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2653/red38mz.th.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=red38mz.jpg)

gil_ong81
10-04-2005, 09:16 PM
i'm thinking my "tank empty" bulb may be blown. any idea what part number that is?? went to the dealer on saturday, adn all they were willing to do is to sell me a complete kit, something like $41, which included ALL the bulbs in the dash.

Wiscon_Mark
10-04-2005, 10:13 PM
ick. I haven't been able to find the small bulbs either. I think the really small ones for all the accessory type lights (like CEL, oil, etc) are 37s, but I haven't tested it.

The middle sized backlighting bulbs are hopeless...

gil_ong81
10-04-2005, 11:02 PM
maybe i'll just have to bite the bullet for the betterment of the community.

gil_ong81
10-08-2005, 05:17 PM
ick. I haven't been able to find the small bulbs either. I think the really small ones for all the accessory type lights (like CEL, oil, etc) are 37s, but I haven't tested it.

The middle sized backlighting bulbs are hopeless...

Mark:

looka t my other post in your other tread (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=1079&start=30).

are these the small bulbs you're talking about?

http://www.myphotohost.com/uploads/20e54b01ec.jpg

Wiscon_Mark
10-08-2005, 05:47 PM
no, but those could be applicable. The base looks fairly similar...

The bulb itself (in the guage cluster) is much taller than that. But it doesn't have to be the same height if it works with the same base...

:shrug:

95LegacySTI
12-04-2005, 09:16 PM
This is an awsome DIY! :smt023

BAC5.2
12-06-2005, 03:28 AM
I wonder how similar this would be to my forester. I have the Impreza style digital odo/trip but everything else was just like my 3g Legacy IIRC.

Huffer
12-06-2005, 10:46 AM
Should be similar.
Digital odo doesn't separate easily from the cluster, but I think (from memory) that it can be worked around.

95LegacySTI
12-31-2005, 12:44 PM
How do you get the rear defrost light and all of the HVAC gauges red?

Wiscon_Mark
12-31-2005, 12:46 PM
take a screwdriver (flathead) and pop the buttons off, prying on the bottom of them, then color the back of the buttons red.

badbasser98
12-31-2005, 04:47 PM
take a screwdriver (flathead) and pop the buttons off, prying on the bottom of them, then color the back of the buttons red.

did you do this so that you know they won't break when pried off?

Wiscon_Mark
12-31-2005, 05:59 PM
yeah, they come off quite easily, they won't break, I did it myself.

Like I've said previously, the color of the bulbs doesn't matter nearly as much as the surface they're lighting up.

gil_ong81
12-31-2005, 07:15 PM
just remember that plastic becomes brittle when it's cold.

Wiscon_Mark
12-31-2005, 07:18 PM
just remember that plastic becomes brittle when it's cold.

yes, very true

95LegacySTI
01-01-2006, 08:15 PM
Ok, so I popped off the little buttons and colored them red but its not very bright but I guess thats ok, how do I get to the little lights underneath the buttons and the numbers and light on the fan speed?

Wiscon_Mark
01-01-2006, 08:25 PM
you're going to have to take the assembly out.

I think there's a link to a scoobymods thread in my gallery thread about this that explains the process of removing that stuff.

Good Luck.

turboguerrilla
01-10-2006, 11:09 PM
hey it looks great and everything, but i have little problem. the right side of my speedometer and the left side of my tachometer don't light up so well. any ideas?

Legacy4Life
01-11-2006, 05:53 AM
I have the same problem because they are smaller bulbs in the center then the sides. If you noticed the pattern when you were sanding it off, it was actually done heavier in some areas than others to even out the light.

I actually found that the sides were VERY bright so I used a black marker to color the tips of the bulbs on the sides. That helped to even things out quite a bit. But even then there is still a little difference. I know some guys have used reflective tape to increase the light pattern. I'd be interested in knowing too if that really solves the problem or not.

Wiscon_Mark
01-11-2006, 08:01 AM
to even out the light, I did the "headlight lens" thing. I colored the tips of the bulbs dark, so they wouldn't cause as uneven of light, and used metallic tape for reflection. So, yes, basically what you described.

turboguerrilla
01-11-2006, 07:30 PM
UH OH. well i think i messed up pretty bad. i used aluminum foil to better distribute the lighting. when i put the guages back in, there was a burning electrical smell, then my car died. i've checked all the fuses, but none are blown. ive tried jumping it, but it runs for maybe 45 seconds then dies. any ideas?

Wiscon_Mark
01-11-2006, 07:47 PM
aluminum foil?

that shouldn't do anything, as none of the wires are actually exposed.

I would say coincidence.

Pull the cluster and take a look.

turboguerrilla
01-11-2006, 08:53 PM
well it must be something else. for instance my battery is spewing all over itself and my cars very low on oil. i just hope i can fix this all myself. i can't afford another big bill. you're probably right, just coincidece. bummer... suggestions are appreciated. :)

badbasser98
01-11-2006, 09:18 PM
well it must be something else. for instance my battery is spewing all over itself and my cars very low on oil. i just hope i can fix this all myself. i can't afford another big bill. you're probably right, just coincidece. bummer... suggestions are appreciated. :)

wow... that sux... As far as the oil though, should be checking that regularly :wink:

Wiscon_Mark
01-11-2006, 09:34 PM
I bet its the battery. Get a new one, and things'll be looking up.

As for the oil...that could be bad :?

turboguerrilla
01-12-2006, 09:37 PM
things are definetly looking up! got a new battery today and changed the oil. car runs well again, but none of my guages are working. the lights light up (red looks great). i called subaru and they said it would be nearly $300 to change them. i already checked the wire connetions and they seem fine. i guess ill pull it all out and do some continuity tests. also, what fuse should i check? thanks alot.

steve0skate0
02-24-2006, 07:16 PM
anyone know what bulbs are in a '94? cause i just bought 3 sets of #74's, and I really hope that those are them, because i havent taken my dash out to check yet, so i bought blind :roll:

Wiscon_Mark
02-25-2006, 01:35 AM
194s are the big bulbs, I dunno what the small ones (I'm guessing they're the same)

Turbogurilla- if all of them went out at the same time, then I'd guess its a fuse. I don't remember, but its a very clearly labeled fuse, and it should be easy to find. (Illum or something like that).

Legacy4Life
02-25-2006, 04:10 AM
anyone know what bulbs are in a '94? cause i just bought 3 sets of #74's, and I really hope that those are them, because i havent taken my dash out to check yet, so i bought blind :roll:

The small ones on the instrument cluster in my 97 are #74's, both for the center 2 and the warning lights.

Reason
02-25-2006, 04:19 AM
Map light
DE3175

Dome light
168
DE3175

Instrument-general
158
74

____________________________________________________

steve0skate0
02-25-2006, 02:06 PM
i think that the gauges on a '94 are different because i cant seem to get the green off, its like its in between the gauge face and the back, can someone help me on this?

Wiscon_Mark
02-25-2006, 05:37 PM
no, that's how it appears on the 95s, but its really just a thin layer. Try sanding a bit (the very back is all black, but its an extremely thin layer) and seeing how deep the green goes. You're not going to damage anything as long as you keep away from all the other stuff. It would be really hard to sand all the way through the guages :lol:

steve0skate0
02-25-2006, 05:48 PM
yeah i just quit cause i dont have a good record or trying things and not damaging them haha, it looks like the green is actually on the front, and i didnt want to sand the front. i went into this with high hopes but its turning out horrible

Superu264
02-25-2006, 06:06 PM
all you have to do is sand that grayish/black layer off to get to the green.. and after that its just 1, 2, 3

dont give up! its worth the effort

Legacy4Life
02-25-2006, 06:28 PM
If you go to the very first post of this thread by Wiscon_Mark you'll see some good pictures. If your gauges look the same then it's just a matter of sanding off the back film. I've done it too and it was easy to get the green off.

steve0skate0
02-25-2006, 07:04 PM
well, my gauges arent the same, and when i put it back the tach and none of the lights worked, would that have something to do with the speedo cable? cause that was a bitch to get on, or is the tach electric?

Wiscon_Mark
02-25-2006, 11:20 PM
^^^that post confused the hell out of me.

You have a mechanical tach and/or speedo?

that shouldn't have anything to do with the lights not working...go through and tell me everything you did.

steve0skate0
02-26-2006, 05:30 PM
well, I dont know, when I plugged the gauges back in, everything worked but the tach or the lights, but I think I know why the lights dont work. Im pretty sure I wasnt thinking when I was putting the reflective tape on and covered some things, which, come to think of it doesnt really make sense because theres no way that I could cover the front If I put it on the back. OR, Water got into the bulbs because I washed the sharpie off, my friend colored them while I was out getting sandpaper, but I was being pretty careful not to get any in them. Im so lost :? . Im just going to go to a junkyard, grab a new one, throw that in, and mess with this one, see what happens :roll: . But I cant find any '94 or below Legacy's anywhere, :evil: .

Superu264
02-26-2006, 06:03 PM
:smt104

steve0skate0
02-26-2006, 09:55 PM
yeah, I guess all my posts are pretty confusing

Legacy4Life
02-27-2006, 03:31 PM
Can't say much about the tach, unless when you were pulling on wiring harnesses you accidently pulled something loose.

If those bulbs have been in there since 94, then I'm willing to guess that it's highly probably that pulling them out to color them burned out alot of them. When I did it on my 97 I had to replace most of them due to burn out.

steve0skate0
02-28-2006, 12:44 PM
well I didnt pull them out, i just colored them while they were still in the socket thing. Would that still do the same thing?

bgwagon
03-12-2006, 01:26 AM
dudes...on ebay.... they're like $1.50 reverse glow...and they look pretty nice...i'll get another pic tomorrow...here's one from far

well...u really cant see anything except BRIGHT!!...lol

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/Image028-1.jpg

im happy with em!

Wiscon_Mark
03-12-2006, 10:20 AM
I'm not entirely sure what you're referring to, BG wagon... :?

shazapple
03-12-2006, 11:46 AM
I tink hes referring to the reverse glow gauges, which you can see in that picture, sortof

Wiscon_Mark
03-12-2006, 11:54 AM
I've been working on blue interior lighting as well, it's much harder to do than red...

HimBigChief
03-20-2006, 06:00 PM
Just done this mod to my Outback, with blue LED's for the backlights and I also fitted reverse glow gauges and a stainless bezel surround. figured may aswell do everything at the same time! Took me about an hour and a half all in, which ain't bad. Just need to refit the dials and wire up the power supply in the car and that'll only take about a half hour or so and I'll be done! I'll try and do that tomorrow night and see if I can't get some pics to see if the blue LED's show through the new dials, just to give you an idea of colour.

Also, on the back of the dials on mine, if I sanded the green for a little bit, it went though to like a greyish colour. I've done this on most of the dials, so hopefully that should transmit more of the blue from the LED's.

James

Wiscon_Mark
03-20-2006, 06:44 PM
yeah, it'll come through white without that green stuff there.

HimBigChief
05-03-2006, 05:04 PM
Well the blue from the LED's can't get through both the standard dials and the reverse glow dials, so I think I may take the reverse glow dials out, as they're not really to my tastes. So I shall see how it works with the blue LED's on the standard dials, and try to get some pics.

At the moment, there is the tiniest amount of light coming through on the very edges of the mileage readout and trip meter, but I can't see what speed I'm doing at night, so I carry a torch to flick on every now and then, just to check I'm not breaking the speed limit too much! :twisted:

James

TheSiege
01-26-2007, 12:17 AM
I just spent 3 hours calculating resistance of led's, soldering, etc... and I finally got all of the lights replaced with green led's... Looks exactly the same as the standard green :mad: I think I will just do it again with 12 volt purple led's, that should look cool (and 12v wont need a resistor) anyone know where I can find some?

LunchBox04V
03-19-2007, 01:52 PM
Does anyone have the gauge cluster in blue LED's? I think it would look good, but I am having trouble visualizing it in my head. Nice write-up Mark!

HimBigChief
03-19-2007, 03:44 PM
That's what I've now got on my BG! :) Took the reverse glow off as they were pretty shit, however the LED's look pretty cool. I shall try to get some pics up shortly.

TRUBLU
04-01-2007, 02:25 PM
One thing that you need to wary of when using is LEDs is that they only thhrow light forwards and not off to the sides.

You may run into issues with this causing dim/bright spots through out the cluster.

Being the electronics geek that I am, I'm in the process of making a "network" of LEDs that will mount behind the dials. It will also be very high contrast.

grayguy
04-03-2007, 03:50 PM
I was just wondering, on a LGT with the factory alarm, is there anyway to disconnect the Valet button/light in the dash so i can get the bezel all the way out? I didn't see any connector in there.

stanz
04-03-2007, 04:28 PM
im sure id like blue gauges. im positive that i wouldnt like red since that reminds me of horrible audi lights :-?

what im thinkin is, whats wrong with stock? you ricers! someone go match your gauge lights to their double din clarion, quick!

i kid i kid

Ural
10-10-2007, 05:37 PM
and this is mine
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC00155-1.jpg

Also those light bulbs are 180(medium)

Ural
10-10-2007, 05:46 PM
[quote="shazapple"]Heres mine

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/ (http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=red10jj.jpg)


I want to do the same thing to mine... thats hottt!
did u do any write up about the mid section?
Cuz i gotta do mine anyway (the lights are out) :wink:

AkumaMax
06-03-2008, 01:50 AM
If I sand down the back of the gauges will they appear white?? I'm trying to change all of my interior lights to white or normal light. The cluster is the last thing I need to change. I wish I would have caught this sooner since I just replaced every bulb in my cluster yesterday!

1-3-2-4
06-03-2008, 08:51 PM
bump so I can subscribe

and yes if you sand off the green it will be white.. so I guess I can go ahead and buy a bunch of 74 bulbs.. I wonder how many I need.

also question the lights in the twist lock does the bulb pull out or do you have to replace the whole twist lock socket?

legacyB4RSK
06-03-2008, 09:56 PM
Man!! That's alot of trouble just to get a different colour, I myself prefer authentic stock parts(JDM). If it doesn't come stock than there's no point in changing it, ends up looking silly. Luckily for the BE we have the BFMs available to us. That's my opinion.

1-3-2-4
06-03-2008, 10:01 PM
the JDM cluster for this car IMHO is a waste of money.. all it really is, is a change to orange for the color...

The BFM is nice but I prefer the type that comes on the BL Legacy's

AkumaMax
06-04-2008, 02:17 AM
well I got around to doing this today and realized when I put everything back that I had put 168 bulbs in the cluster instead of the rated 158. I'm pretty pissed to because when I was sanding the speedo with the dremel I had it set to high. I went of the side and cought the face of the gauge and now there is a little light coming through by the 110mph. A Tip for those trying to get to the X1000rpm sign. I just kinda pushed it out with my fingers and got in there with a round(tube)style sanding bit. Worked great just have to be careful with speed. I have a cordless dremel that has 10spds. I pretty much kept it between 2-4rpm's. I'm not sure what grit the sand paper was but it worked well. They should come in a standerd starter package. Also for the 2 smaller brown plugs I just used 74's and kinda messed with the metal pieces in the holder to keep them in there. One last thing To get the best lighting effect from the gauges is to remove as much as the green silver/black layer on the gauges. Even if it's an area that does not need sanding do it anyway. The black/silver part is what tones the light down so removing this plus any walls that you can will make the best for the lighting effect. I just can't beleave how much of a difference it is with all new bulbs and all the gauges cleared out. Very bright!!!

AkumaMax
06-05-2008, 01:54 AM
I think I may have found the M.I.A. smaller brown bulbs(The ones in the center of the cluster). I will check tomarrow to see if they fit but they look close enough to me. The number on them is #24

scooby97
08-11-2008, 12:53 AM
Just dont forget to unplug the negtive of the battery just to avoid a air bag accident lol. Sweet right up i just pianted the black plastic bracket silver after the JDM sti look but im def doing the gauges tom. Thanks from mass.

Wagonista
08-12-2008, 01:33 AM
Here are mine:

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/Django/Subaru/gauges.jpg

Those wiring harnesses are WAY too short. Were I not extremely skinny this would have been impossible.

scooby97
08-13-2008, 12:38 AM
Ya def use a sharpie and not a mark-a-lot marker they suck i just had to redo it. :evil:

chuckthefuk
08-25-2008, 06:35 PM
So.................. anyone try plexiglass needles? with LEDS? or retrofit from another cluster?

scooby97
09-04-2008, 02:19 PM
So.................. anyone try plexiglass needles? with LEDS? or retrofit from another cluster?

I tried uv light and uv paint but I haven't done it to the needles yet but it should work. I'll let u guys kno how it comes out when I find time to get to it. Right now its brake work and replacing cv joints.

tougemachine
11-14-2008, 01:21 AM
I found that if you rotate the gauge cluster upside down before you attempt to remove it from its cave its way easier to remove and you dont damage the dash, trust me lol.

i did this and its my favorate mod so far.

11-14-2008, 02:12 AM
this looks incredible, now all i need to change is the green lights next to my shifter {automatic} it looks like its all glues together, anyone have any ideas?

MacSTi
12-01-2008, 03:12 PM
Has anyone been able to figure out what Radio Shack part numbers you need to replace all the bulbs in the speedo?

I assume the small ones are the same ones as the HVAC bulbs, or I may be wrong, other then that, what do you all think? Oh wait, now that I think of it, autoparts stores have both the 194 and 74's. Hmmm...thinking now... :smt006

LunchBox04V
12-01-2008, 10:57 PM
Ok I got a practice cluster for free and started this. I tried four different colors: Red, Blue, Violet, and STi Pink. I narrowed it down to either Red or Blue. I really want to do blue. The problem is after I plugged the practice panel in, I could see the sanding on the back. Kinda hard to explain. If you looked at the numbers, you could see lines on the back. I am guessing that I just need to get some lower grit sandpaper to smooth it out. I just used a Dremal so far. What do you gents think? I also planned on covering the opera lighting, so there would be less light on the face of the guages.

12-01-2008, 11:22 PM
Ok I got a practice cluster for free and started this. I tried four different colors: Red, Blue, Violet, and STi Pink. I narrowed it down to either Red or Blue. I really want to do blue. The problem is after I plugged the practice panel in, I could see the sanding on the back. Kinda hard to explain. If you looked at the numbers, you could see lines on the back. I am guessing that I just need to get some lower grit sandpaper to smooth it out. I just used a Dremal so far. What do you gents think? I also planned on covering the opera lighting, so there would be less light on the face of the guages.

+1 for lower grit sand paper..

what's opera lighting?

edit: i meant higher grit, low grit = rough

oops

LunchBox04V
12-03-2008, 11:36 PM
I got ya! lol I will play with the sand paper and see what I can come up with.....I will post some pictures. I did each guage in a different color.

TheAngryPidgeon
12-17-2008, 06:46 PM
I was just wondering, on a LGT with the factory alarm, is there anyway to disconnect the Valet button/light in the dash so i can get the bezel all the way out? I didn't see any connector in there.

Does anyone know about this? I am having the same problem. I pulled off the lower cover (below the steering wheel) and the wires seem to run back behind everything without a connector. I don't want to break anything by tugging on it too hard, nor do I want to risk cutting and resplicing the wires because there really isn't a whole lot of slack in them as it is and I may not be able to maintain a good connection.

Thanks,

Phil

Taylor
05-26-2009, 02:59 AM
Sick im deffinitly going to do this in the near future! my sub is red and im trying to do the rest of the interior a red/black theme! this will be a sweet first step! thanks for the write up

geckoboy86
05-26-2009, 11:52 AM
Edit: Would anyone care to try a blue sharpie or clear blue paint on their gauges, rather than bulbs to see if it would work? I hadn't thought to do it while I was working on mine. If it doesn't work, it can just be sanded back off.

i have just done this...actually looks good...more of a violet blue then just plain ole blue...
looks good and isnt hard on the eyes at night.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_g4vzh2gkIDQ/SiXd-yPRVXI/AAAAAAAABVo/bvWh_KLZylU/s400/photo.jpg

its actually the same color as in my ex-gf VW jetta TDI.

DonMarcoPolo
10-07-2009, 05:31 PM
So, I got my new Outback and this is definitely one of the 1st things I want to do, but I'm a little nervous now. I did this to my BD and my fuel gauge stopped working. I don't want to assume anything, but I figured it was maybe because the needle moved some while I was sanding the back. What I really want is for somebody to say "its OK if the needles move, the car will automatically reset the position of the fuel gauge when you hook it back up....yours must have just been ready to die"
As it is, I had driven the car enough before I did it that I had a pretty good idea the sort of mileage I could get out of a tank, so I used my trip-meter as a backup fuel gauge (lazy, I guess). I don't wanna get another one and just install it cuz that would look ridiculous (all red gauges and one green one?). Guess since I'm gonna try to sell the BD, I should get on the fix. Anybody know if my fuel gauge prob was just a fluke, or can i expect it to happen with my OB?

250T
10-08-2009, 08:11 AM
Hey all,I know this is marginally off topic but hey :roll: www.autoaccesorystore.com (http://www.autoaccesorystore.com) will do glowy lexan needles (you guys in the states are lucky-it costs the same to ship them to New Zealand as it will to buy the damn things!!) but they look hot and I think they have red,orange,blue and green. www.etronicauto.com (http://www.etronicauto.com) (an aussie company) will also do white face gauges that you can adjust from green to blue at night. I had some in my R32 Skyline and have got to get some for the subie. I think they only do the speedo and rev counter but I'm trying to find out if they'll do fuel and temperature as well. These retail from A$250.00 per set plus A$40.00 for a template for you guys needing mph. Hope this helps someone anyway.

bigweel89
10-16-2009, 02:58 PM
So, I got my new Outback and this is definitely one of the 1st things I want to do, but I'm a little nervous now. I did this to my BD and my fuel gauge stopped working. I don't want to assume anything, but I figured it was maybe because the needle moved some while I was sanding the back. What I really want is for somebody to say "its OK if the needles move, the car will automatically reset the position of the fuel gauge when you hook it back up....yours must have just been ready to die"
As it is, I had driven the car enough before I did it that I had a pretty good idea the sort of mileage I could get out of a tank, so I used my trip-meter as a backup fuel gauge (lazy, I guess). I don't wanna get another one and just install it cuz that would look ridiculous (all red gauges and one green one?). Guess since I'm gonna try to sell the BD, I should get on the fix. Anybody know if my fuel gauge prob was just a fluke, or can i expect it to happen with my OB?

I had the same thing happen on my bk, i took it all apart again and i found that the screws holding the gas gauge in weren't completely tight. The screws are what make the electrical connection from the circut board to the gauge itsself and if these aren't tight and in properly you won't get a good connection. I just took it apart and was careful with it and it works just fine now.

DonMarcoPolo
10-17-2009, 12:17 PM
Say hello to my new best friend! Thanks a lot for the input!

GTDrifter
11-09-2009, 10:47 AM
I was just wondering, on a LGT with the factory alarm, is there anyway to disconnect the Valet button/light in the dash so i can get the bezel all the way out? I didn't see any connector in there.

Does anyone know about this? I am having the same problem. I pulled off the lower cover (below the steering wheel) and the wires seem to run back behind everything without a connector. I don't want to break anything by tugging on it too hard, nor do I want to risk cutting and resplicing the wires because there really isn't a whole lot of slack in them as it is and I may not be able to maintain a good connection.

Thanks,

Phil



i just broke mine when i replaced my guages from 120 mph to 140...is there any way to replace them?

1-3-2-4
02-23-2010, 05:10 PM
so in all the cluster has 6 bulbs that light the gauges? is the fuel and temp gauges lit by the same bulbs as the main gauges?

And the foreground lighting for the cluster where is that coming from?

second the twist lock bulbs the whole twistlock is one with the bulb right? You can't just pull the bulb out right?

1-3-2-4
08-17-2010, 03:58 PM
I just picked up my dash LEds for superbrightleds.com anyways I did not buy the HP version of the 192 bilbs but the WLED-5 and two 74 bulbs SMT will it be bright enough?

1-3-2-4
08-17-2010, 10:10 PM
All done!

High

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/DSC_1348-1.jpg

low

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/4361c316-1.jpg

green stuff off

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/a8afb2d0-1.jpg

If I had air suspension

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/dd817795-1.jpg

chuckthefuk
08-18-2010, 10:18 AM
how did u get the needle to glow?
-Chuck

1-3-2-4
08-18-2010, 10:32 AM
the needle does not glow.. in the gauge is a clear strip that gets light's from the leds inside that's how it lights the foreground It's bright enough to see the gauges on during an overcast day

Mr Evolution
10-21-2010, 10:53 AM
What bulbs were used to get them in white, this is what I want to do, but had really seen anyone get it done like yours.


All done!

High

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/DSC_1348-1.jpg

low

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/4361c316-1.jpg

green stuff off

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/a8afb2d0-1.jpg

If I had air suspension

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/dd817795-1.jpg

millerman
10-24-2010, 06:07 AM
blues the way to go ;D

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/10/DSC03508-1.jpg

TGX4776
10-24-2010, 10:03 AM
I like my green but that si just because I am a nerd. There is a reason some manufacturers still have green light in dash/buttons

csweston
10-24-2010, 04:32 PM
I just ordered red LEDs for everything, gauge cluster, hvac, fog, cruise, and defroster buttons as well as the AT shifter light. Cant wait till everything gets here!

Mikey_b
06-17-2011, 09:44 AM
csweston, do you happen to have the part numbers handy?

Quest
06-28-2011, 01:54 PM
The part# for the "idiot" bulb & socket is 85066GA110. I had to replace 1 when I was back there. Stealership wanted $12 something for it. The bulb itself is replaceable but they're tough to pull from the little socket. I noticed after replacing the individual gauges into the cluster that I had a little gap between the gauge face and the black plastic trim. The trim I'm referring to is within the clear housing that has cutouts for the actual gauges. The reason this happened is when reassembling the gauges to the cluster they weren't perfectly lined up. Turns out the gauges have tiny holes and the trim that goes over them has corresponding nubs that line up. If not perfect, there will be a gap. Loosen all the screws on the back of the gauges and reposition so they mate perfectly. The screws must be good and tight because that's how they get all of the electrical connections. I did mine in "cool white" for the cluster and HVAC. http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2F1157.htm
Parts list:
qty.(2)SMALL CLUSTER BULBS@74-xHP: Wedge Base LED Bulb
Options: 74-WHP: Cool White
qty.(3)HVAC BULBS@NEOx-xHP: NEOx High Power LED Instrument bulb
Options: NEO3-WHP: 3mm NEO3-xHP Cool White
qty.(4)LARGE CLUSTER BULBS@WLED-x5: 5 LED T10 Wide Angle Wedge Base Bulb
Options: WLED-CW5: Cool White
Do not get high power for the 4 large cluster bulbs, too bright, they will overwhelm the blend.
1 of the 3 HVAC bulbs will require modification. I had to take a razor and carefully remove the LED head along with the resistor and diode and mount it in the long housing of the old bulb.

Mikey_b
07-09-2011, 12:19 PM
Thank you so much! :grin:

httrdd
09-18-2011, 03:36 PM
Thanks for the info. I got white overlays and I am going to sand theold gauges to show the light through.

Wiscon_Mark
10-18-2011, 10:42 AM
bump for updated info in the original post and I added a link to another DIY that uses a different take on this mod that's worth a look! (see original post)

legacy360.
04-09-2012, 12:56 AM
just did this mod. love it so much better then the stock green.

98legwag
09-02-2012, 09:45 AM
I just did this yesterday using red LEDS from super bright LEDS. I also added more reflective tape to the area shown here:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/ClusterTop-1.jpg

What that did was reflect more light down in front of the gauges. This also helped to eliminate the hot spots from the LEDS.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/DSCN0165-1.jpg

Zangado1
09-02-2012, 11:02 AM
Great step by step "How To" Thank's for your effort in doing this,another cool project to tackle.

legacy360.
09-13-2012, 01:58 PM
here is mine (better photo soon)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/0906000057-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/0906000057.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Sub-Goon
04-08-2013, 06:50 PM
All done!

High

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/DSC_1348-1.jpg

If I had air suspension

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/dd817795-1.jpg
The white looks really good! How is it on the eyes?

I've been wondering how many unused sensor lights there are and what they are for! Especially hoping that there is one for the 4EAT Power Mode!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/ClusterBack-1.jpg
In this pic, I am seeing 9 unused sensor/warning lights, unused! Can someone take some pics using a minimaglite to illuminate them? Also, I see 4 socket holes at the top center, wonder what these are for?? And it might look good to put the auto-shift selector in the middle, I know the Gen3Legacy/Gen2Outback uses this, maybe it could be added? Lots of ways to go with this!

98legwag
07-23-2014, 01:25 PM
I just did this yesterday using red LEDS from super bright LEDS. I also added more reflective tape to the area shown here:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/ClusterTop-1.jpg

What that did was reflect more light down in front of the gauges. This also helped to eliminate the hot spots from the LEDS.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/DSCN0165-1.jpg
One of my LEDs decided to only work half the time. Gotta take the cluster out to try to figure it out.

Odycee
07-23-2014, 04:02 PM
Blue LED on my RS

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/07/IMG_20140628_203129_zps2afae06b-1.jpg

superu
11-20-2014, 06:47 PM
[quote="1-3-2-4":28v13qor]
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/ClusterBack-1.jpg
In this pic, I am seeing 9 unused sensor/warning lights, unused! Can someone take some pics using a minimaglite to illuminate them? Also, I see 4 socket holes at the top center, wonder what these are for?? And it might look good to put the auto-shift selector in the middle, I know the Gen3Legacy/Gen2Outback uses this, maybe it could be added? Lots of ways to go with this![/quote:28v13qor]


95 BD:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/11/BD2520instument2520cluster-1.png

Patrick Olsen
06-06-2015, 09:58 PM
Bumping an old thread to show a '97 2.5GT cluster in comparison to the '95 cluster above. The gauges are the same, all the stuff along the bottom is the same, but the top center stuff is different.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/9720GT20cluster2020front-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/9720GT20cluster2020rear-1.jpg

Some of the little baby bulbs are removed in that shot of the rear. What I thought was kind of strange was that some of the unused indications didn't even have bulbs (the two TCS ones), but some of them did (FWD, ATF hi temp).

Speaking of little baby bulbs, anyone know what the little ones are? I don't think any of mine are burned out, even after 17+ years and 230k+ miles, but it would be nice to know for the future. By my count there are 17 of them in my cluster - 11 go to red indications, 1 blue, 2 green, and 3 yellow/amber. (All the bulbs are clear, of course.)

And in case anyone is curious, the trim rings around the gauges are actually aluminum. I found them on Ebay UK years ago. (Not sure how I found them, as I can't say I've ever made it a habit to spend any time browsing Ebay UK, but I stumbled across them one way or another!)

Patrick Olsen
03-26-2016, 11:26 PM
Speaking of little baby bulbs, anyone know what the little ones are? I don't think any of mine are burned out, even after 17+ years and 230k+ miles, but it would be nice to know for the future. By my count there are 17 of them in my cluster - 11 go to red indications, 1 blue, 2 green, and 3 yellow/amber. (All the bulbs are clear, of course.)
I discovered that the bulb on the 5" Autometer tach in my Mustang is the same as the little bulbs in the instrument cluster. They're #86/74/T5. Plenty of options on Ebay in various colors.