2003 Ranger Cluster - LED Lighting Project
2003 Ranger Cluster - LED Lighting Project
I bought a beater truck this last fall, and I said I wouldn't modify it. Well I lied. I already have done an LED CHMSL and L1224R LED tails. Not to mention 4500K HIDs. I was bored so I thought I'd do a cluster for it, and practice some of my talents some. I've already got a Blue LED cluster on my 2004 Ranger, and a Red LED cluster on my Evo IX. So I chose something that I think no-one has on my 2003, which is going to be amber.
I have seen many pictures of LED clusters on the 2003, its a pretty common mod. The one disappointing thing I see is people use plugin-style LEDs, which distribute light in a manner different from that of incandescent bulbs. This leads to a very uneven field of hot spots where LEDs look brighter in some areas than others. To circumvent this, I've used ribbon style strips. Color is 590 nanometers (pure amber)
Here is what I have so far. I've also separated the sonic-welds that hold the glass onto the trim bezel and have painted it body-match white for some pizazz.
Project is far from done. I will update the thread as things take place.
I think the results so far are awesome. The light output is so even that it could be confused for stock.
I have seen many pictures of LED clusters on the 2003, its a pretty common mod. The one disappointing thing I see is people use plugin-style LEDs, which distribute light in a manner different from that of incandescent bulbs. This leads to a very uneven field of hot spots where LEDs look brighter in some areas than others. To circumvent this, I've used ribbon style strips. Color is 590 nanometers (pure amber)
Here is what I have so far. I've also separated the sonic-welds that hold the glass onto the trim bezel and have painted it body-match white for some pizazz.
Project is far from done. I will update the thread as things take place.
I think the results so far are awesome. The light output is so even that it could be confused for stock.
More updates as of the back lighting portion is basically done. I have 72 LEDs just for the back lighting. I know being making LED shaped rings that I will mount behind the needles in 14mm size holes I have machined into the cluster itself. This will make the needles really intense.
Next I took the stock radio apart, it has LEDs in it already (green ones) I have to add resistors, remove these LEDs and switch over to amber ones that use less current and voltage (thats why I need resistors)
Next I took the stock radio apart, it has LEDs in it already (green ones) I have to add resistors, remove these LEDs and switch over to amber ones that use less current and voltage (thats why I need resistors)
Next I took small pieces of vinyl plastic, and cut 14mm donuts out of them. I mounted 3 mini SMD LEDs and connected it with 2 240 ohm resistors in series to drop the current below the nominal amount. I soldered them together on the ring, and the needles will go over these because I have machined these holes in the cluster to fit the needle LEDs.
More progression:
Worked on finishing up the needle portion today. All I have to do is wire in my resistor packs.
I like how the camera picks up the color even when the LEDs are on, and the lights in my shop are on.. heh...
Worked on finishing up the needle portion today. All I have to do is wire in my resistor packs.
I like how the camera picks up the color even when the LEDs are on, and the lights in my shop are on.. heh...
