Anyone change instrument lighting?

[BOTTLEFED]

I've heard some people talk about changing the instrument/gauge lighting but have not seen any pics.

Has anyone actually done it? and to what extent?

I've got my dash apart right now and it looks pretty simple compared to cars I have done it the past.
Is there much interest in this or does everyone think it would be ricey and devalue the car?

I'm thinking red LEDs would be the easiest and best match for the rest of the interior.

 

[RobZilla]

I haven't seen any but I have heard of it being done. I prefer a soft blue. I keep the instrument panel lights dim anyway, so a blue led would be my choice.

 

[Ratical2]

I would be interested in seeing how it comes out. The bulbs that are used now, create a very warm glow. The filters for the numbers are Amber, so a Warm White LED or Amber LED would be the best bet to recreate the stock appearance. I would imagine red would work as well. Blue would be interesting. However, I would expect the amber filter (numerals and Hash marks) to soften it some and make it more of a Cyan. The red portion of the gauge (warning areas) may "turn off" all together. I can't remember which way it works, but a blue light can't make it thru a red fliter or maybe it is the other way around.
Please post the pics when you are done.

 

[GeneralLee]

I have tried Blue LEDS....and they DONT work. You are correct saying blue light wont pass a red filter. I would like blue, but I think it would be way to much work. Red works, but I havent redone it yet to take pics. One of these days....

 

[BOTTLEFED]

yep, tried blue and it just darkens the numbering

I'm gong to try red
pics to follow soon

 

[BOTTLEFED]

OK so I went with red LEDs

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comparing the old and new

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[BOTTLEFED]

sorry, my camera takes horrible night shots


I even changed out the LED in the illumination switch

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notice that the blue of the temp switch is dark

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For the headlight switch and rear defroster I just colored the bulbs and back-film with red

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[BOTTLEFED]

as you can see, the red and orange on the gauges does not show up as well with the red backlighting

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The ignition switch ring was easy - just changed out the bulb for a blue LED

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[BOTTLEFED]

just a note:
the red is much more intense in person at night
during the day the lighting seems more like a glow


if anyone has questions about this mod, I'll be happy to answer any questions, just PM me

and look for my writeup on the Innovate WB gauge install soon