j50
In Fourth Gear
A while back, I got a bug to see if I could install LEDs in the dash panel. Today, I took the panel off and found some degradation and rust, so I sand blasted the bits, blacked out the bezels and generally cleaned up some. Also used some vinyl dye on the rubber and plastic parts. Anyone have experience with the dye? The clerk at the parts house says it works real well.
Before
The reset cable has a kink and must be replaced - there are 5 LEDs set in copper tabs and riveted to the case. I used five because of the small spaces available for light to come through, generally, around the sides and at the interface between the inner gauge face and outer. Five is enough.
Notice the LEDs installed - work great! This is before I sand blasted the case. With the blue paint gone, I gave a couple of coats of clear engine enamel, hoping to provide a bit more reflectivity
Back side of gauge face coated with aluminum.
Back together- bexel blacked out.
After vinyl dye and cleaned up gauges - pew more steps- LEDs illum the turns and warning lights, too.
LEDs on - before, the speedometer was so dimly illuminated, it was hard to see. With 5- 12v LEDs, it's no problem. This photo was taken at dusk.
Before
The reset cable has a kink and must be replaced - there are 5 LEDs set in copper tabs and riveted to the case. I used five because of the small spaces available for light to come through, generally, around the sides and at the interface between the inner gauge face and outer. Five is enough.
Notice the LEDs installed - work great! This is before I sand blasted the case. With the blue paint gone, I gave a couple of coats of clear engine enamel, hoping to provide a bit more reflectivity
Back side of gauge face coated with aluminum.
Back together- bexel blacked out.
After vinyl dye and cleaned up gauges - pew more steps- LEDs illum the turns and warning lights, too.
LEDs on - before, the speedometer was so dimly illuminated, it was hard to see. With 5- 12v LEDs, it's no problem. This photo was taken at dusk.
