Dial colour change!

Smokey · 30-07-12, 06:12 AM

So yesterday I stripped down my dials and got rid of the pale orange!

I have fitted 5 smd LEDs for extra brightness, however I am going to short the front facing ones to prevent it being so bright! It will also get rid of the white shining through the numbers.

I tested them with my iPhone flash while I was making them and for some reason, if the light is too close to the numbers (red) the colour fades to the white. This is obviously the issue with the LED's so hopefully losing the front facing ones will give a better light spread.

Here they are just now, also need to readjust the needles. The red is properly red, photo's always seem to make red lights turn dark orange. The comparison would be with the red area of the rev counter as that is bright red for real but orange in the photo!

In person, I am really happy with the outcome, makes it look far more modern imho without looking 'pimped'. Once I have made the adjustments, I will secure it all properly

Opinions?

ian Harris · 30-07-12, 06:37 AM

Looks smart, only yesterday I was thinking of black dials

ZS · 30-07-12, 06:45 AM

Don't suppose there is a howto around explaining how you did it?

Smokey · 30-07-12, 06:52 AM

So simple it will make you sick lol!

Dismantle dials
Sandpaper the filter off the back of dials (removes the white and orange filter)
Using red transparent vinyl, cover each number (I did 2 layers for darker red)
Using frosted vinyl, cover entire rear with 2 layers (acts as filter)
Sand filter from needles (if you want)
Fit LED bulbs
Use transparent red vinyl on the plastic filter in the ODO screen
Replace all parts!

This gave me the colour theme I wanted but you could do many variations to get the colour theme of your choice.

I wanted mine to match the carPC centre console with the white ATC buttons. Plus I like that my workmate didn't know what I had done as he hadn't seen the before picture!

stamford · 30-07-12, 07:24 AM

You have way too much time on your hands!

Jay-ZS+ · 30-07-12, 08:12 AM

Looks very smart! Ive had a bulb out behind the fuel gauge for the last 2+ years, maybe when I get round to changing that I'll do something similar.

Smokey · 30-07-12, 04:05 PM

It certainly freshens up the look of things!

andy-81 · 30-07-12, 06:15 PM

it looks very nice are the bulbs a straight forward bayonet type?

Smokey · 30-07-12, 07:29 PM

They are 501 just like sidelights. I got 5 smd ones but as I say, I plan on disconnecting the front ones as they are too bright and flood the dial too much.

Jay-ZS+ · 30-07-12, 08:50 PM

Where did you get the vinyl from, got any pictures of it apart? This has spurred me on to replacing my faulty bulb.