Replaced the instrument lights
#1
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ohio
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Replaced the instrument lights
About a week ago the light behind my tachometer went out. Unfortunate for a 6 year old vehicle when my 63' Falcon has the original lights in the dash. I only took one picture. For my first time having the dash apart it wasn't too bad. About an hour from start to finish. Replaced all the main bulbs with 194LL. Hopefully I won't have to change them again while I own it.
#2
#3
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Well I would imagine that something could've been damaged when you took it out. There were three different plugs on the cluster. Two on top, left and right and one on the bottom in the middle. Not sure what plug does what though. With my cluster it just had a flexible backing, basically a flexible circuit board. The plugs hit a thin piece of plastic with a copper overlay so it's possible it got bent when you plugged them back in.
#5
#6
#7
Click that link. It's a how-to for adding gauge overlays, but is EXACTLY what you need to do to remove the cluster and replace the bulbs. I Suggest using 194LL bulbs...long life.
#9
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/tech/?p=109
Click that link. It's a how-to for adding gauge overlays, but is EXACTLY what you need to do to remove the cluster and replace the bulbs. I Suggest using 194LL bulbs...long life.
Click that link. It's a how-to for adding gauge overlays, but is EXACTLY what you need to do to remove the cluster and replace the bulbs. I Suggest using 194LL bulbs...long life.
#13
#18
Also, found these. are these not direct replacements?
http://www.superbrightleds.com/other_bulbs.htm#555
Last edited by tekkitan; 04-08-2008 at 06:16 PM.
#20
They are replacements yes, but you notice how with any regular bulb the green color the gauges are that shines through them at night?
That's what's limiting color from coming through the gauges. That tint on the back side of the overlays HAS to come off to get another color to come through it correctly...
I've done it twice now, and found a sharp (rounded shaped) blade works best, takes time, but works best... If you're REAL careful with acetone, that can work too... I've seen a BAD affect of too much acetone on a SD gauge outta my buddys truck... NO BUENO!
Once you scratch off that film, you're good to go.. Paint it, put lens repair tape on it or leave it clear and shine white through it... It's up to you...
I did mine blue.. (A LOT OF TIME)
I did my buddies RED with lens repair tape, RED leds and A LOT of time lol
That's what's limiting color from coming through the gauges. That tint on the back side of the overlays HAS to come off to get another color to come through it correctly...
I've done it twice now, and found a sharp (rounded shaped) blade works best, takes time, but works best... If you're REAL careful with acetone, that can work too... I've seen a BAD affect of too much acetone on a SD gauge outta my buddys truck... NO BUENO!
Once you scratch off that film, you're good to go.. Paint it, put lens repair tape on it or leave it clear and shine white through it... It's up to you...
I did mine blue.. (A LOT OF TIME)
I did my buddies RED with lens repair tape, RED leds and A LOT of time lol
#22
On my '02 Explorer cluster in my ranger, I current run 194 super white xenon bulbs....similar to PIAA's but a hell of a lot cheaper. Mine were like $1.50 each. They light up better than the clear glass, and the odometer doesn't look yellow...it looks white!
Here's a link to the page....scroll all the way down, to the right, right above the empty 194 holder....
http://autolumination.com/194.htm
Here's a link to the page....scroll all the way down, to the right, right above the empty 194 holder....
http://autolumination.com/194.htm
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