change globe in dash?? (R33)

[madmoomoo]

Greetings folks,

Just wondering if anyone out there has pulled out their dash (R33) and knows about the globes for the dials. It appears that the dial faces are backlit or side lit, and I'm wanting to know if I can get in there and put in some bright LEDs, or maybe even multicolour LEDs, so I can change colours in my stock dash, without having to go and buy on of those $300 EL dial things...

Hopefully someone out there will know. If i can manage to do it, I'd be happy to write up a how to.

Cheers!

[madmoomoo]

Actually, I have found this great guide by pushead, at

http://users.tpg.com.au/adsldg7j/Console/console.htm

but does anyone know about the lights inside?

[Ant]

Gauges are back lit, if you remove the cluster (2 plugs on the back) and look down from the front between the gauges you'll see the bulbs that light it up. They are 12V filament type bulbs, not LED's, so to fit LED's you'll need an LED + dropping resistor for each one.

Can't remember how the bulbs are clipped in, will take a look at the spare cluster I've got at home tonight if I remember!

[madmoomoo]

Ah, fantastic. So they hopefully shouldn't be too nasty to get to. That's fine with the resistors, I just bought a pack of about a million yesterday.

Any idea how many bulbs there are, and how much space I've got to play with? Chances are I'll need to get a few LEDs in there to have it bright enough, because they're kinda directional...

Thanks for that Ant.

Cheers.

[Ant]

Ok, see the attached pics. One shows the rear of the cluster, there are 2 sizes of bulbs, I've taken one of the smaller sized ones out and it is sitting in the foreground. It is a wedge type fitting that unscrews from the rear of the cluster.

Other pic shows the front side of one of the bulbs, note the blue cover to give a white tinge to the light from the bulbs.

[madmoomoo]

Ah, Thanks heaps for the pics Ant. It'll be very useful. I'll do some dismantling in the next few days.

I'll write up any progress I make.

Cheers!

[pushead]

Actually, I have found this great guide by pushead, at

http://users.tpg.com.au/adsldg7j/Console/console.htm

but does anyone know about the lights inside?

i was just about to refer you to my guide hope it helped you im glad.

[madmoomoo]

Yep, very useful. Just what I needed. Combined with the pics from Ant, I'm all ready to go.

I'll have to wait a bit before I pull things apart though, coz I have to investigate LED setup, and also get some paint, coz me going to paint console while I'm at it. That stupid stuff Nissan put on is peeling off everywhere. Not the greatest look.

Thanks!