Custom Gauges

does anyone have experience with custom gauges? I don't like the amber glow so I'm replacing all the lights with something more pleasing. I was just looking around and saw this one to use as an example. Anyone ever installed one like this? (top is daytime, bottom is when the lights come on at night)

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/lighting/162197-so-cal-led-gauge-swap.html

This guy does great work. I had Syntonization do mine for me, but if you're handy with a soldering gun you shouldn't have any problems on your own. No need to mess with the backing vinyl.


Here's how mine turned out.

 

oh yeah i was just looking at that thread. but i'm all the way over here in texas ha.. did he decide to do the long distance shipping? I didn't feel like going through 50 pages to find the answer ha

 

Hahaha no I don't believe so. Don't know for sure though. Do what I did, find someone who majored in electronics and have them do it for you. You bring the drinks and food. Do not supply a touch lamp as your sole light source. Trust me. Hahaha. Most electronic repair shops can do it for you too.

 

I posted a how to on here about how to do the radio colors to match,and I believe that I linked a how-to for the gauges...here's the link for the gauge swap..

http://www.xr-underground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=941&highlight=cluster]

and I got the list of the LEDs needed from here..BUY EXTRAS !!

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/lighting/57487-denver-led-gauge-swaps.html

I did my own and they came out really nice ! If you can solder and take your time with it I highly suggest it !

 

hmm well maybe its a good time to learn to solder

 

Is soldering required for a '98?

 

i'm seeing that first gens are just bulbs we could replace with LEDs. simple swap. but I havent seen inside the cluster yet

 

That faceplate looks obnoxious. Just do white or blue lights.

 

yeah that was just an example. I'd probably go with blue lights. still have some more to learn before i start ripping the cluster out though

 

My '05 Legacy GT had the nicest gauge cluster lighting I've ever seen.

I'll try to find a pic

 

To replace the ugly orange thats factory is real easy in 01-04 and just a hare harder in the earlier models because of the speedo cable. takes all of about 20 minutes from start to finish in my truck(01). Pretty sure all you need is a #2 phillips, 1/4" ratchet and 12mm iirc and thats it. the cluster is all electronic in the 01-04 models so its simple

 

are they just bulbs instead of leds ?

 

Its a 194 bulb with LEDs but its just plug and play.
Got mine from superbrightleds.com
Been through white, red and finally settled on blue in the dash and for my AC lights.
You can see the dash lights in blue in the upper portion of my build.

 

yeah i just looked. the blue looks great. appreciate the help man I'll probably order the leds next week and get to work

 

This^^ 1st gens are 194 bulbs that is al plug and play.

2nd gens require a bit more work and yes I do ship now thanks for the rep guys!!

 

you wont regret it!
If you opt to do the ac bulbs just take your sweet baby jesus time cause there is one in there that can be a PITA to get the new longer LED bulb into place but ive done it twice... One with good results and one requiring some soldering the computer chip back together

 

how many leds are behind the gauges and AC ?

 

4 behind the gauges, 3 behind the ac

 

thanks man. cant wait to get started