Change Cluster Color [Archive] - LHforums.net

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 01:42 PM

Ok I remember on DI.net there was a thread for putting LED's in the cluster making the color blue. Well I've decided I want to do this as well as making the radio, climate control, and EVIC blue. I know some of you have done thing so I'd like some input, advice, and cost estimates before I go into this. Also a place I could get a good deal on the LED's for the cluster and what kind I need.

Scarface

01-01-2008, 04:01 PM

http://www.superbrightleds.com/
They have good LEDs for a good price. Size 194 for the cluster.

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
Use this to calculate what resistors to use.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category/340/LEDs.html
They have ultrabright LEDs starting around 55 cents a pop, and resistors starting a nickel a piece.

TERMINATOR101CA

01-01-2008, 04:43 PM

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
Use this to calculate what resistors to use.

.

Someone added a link to the favorites huh...:soulja: very good link BTW !!

Dodgaholic

01-01-2008, 06:36 PM

Probably the thread that had my pix?
The cluster is easy. The EVIC and climate control not so much, and the radio would really be a giant pain. It's also kinda pricey....especially when you don't keep it long, like me.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Dodgaholic/Misc/FinalClusteraMedium.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Dodgaholic/Misc/MTC_LED.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Dodgaholic/Old%20Car%20Photos/Wiring/LEDCluster01.jpg

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 06:52 PM

^^Yes thats what I saw and really want! For the Climate control and EVIC can't you use blue tint? Sorry guys im new with LED's so why do I need a resistor? What is it? Im trying to do an interior mod since I can't do much more with the exterior except rims and thats not happening soon. The LHS tail light switch and bumper switch is also an expensive mod.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 07:12 PM

Looking at that site for LED's what number are the tail light bulbs? 3157? Whats a viewing angle?

Dodgaholic

01-01-2008, 07:14 PM

Yeah, you can use blue tint for the EVIC and CC, as well as the shift and odometer displays. It darkens them considerably, so they are not as easy to see as replacing them with LED lighting. Pre made 194's pop right into the cluster, and have integrated resistors, so plug n play.

You'll need 6 194's for the cluster backlighting. Something like these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/194-168-High-Flux-5-LED-Lights-White-4-Bulbs-Wide-View_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQihZ010QQite mZ200188086310QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Don't waste your money on single LED ones. You need the radial dispersal for the lighting to be even.

Dodgaholic

01-01-2008, 07:18 PM

3157 for tails is right. Viewing angle is just that. The amount of angle you can be away fro the center of the light and still see it. Spot beam vs wide dispersal in other words.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 07:22 PM

Hmm gotta think about if its worth it because I'd want it to be all blue, it really does look nice! Trying to see what mods I could do for under $80 because I still need to do those tie rod bushings.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 07:24 PM

3157 for tails is right. Viewing angle is just that. The amount of angle you can be away fro the center of the light and still see it. Spot beam vs wide dispersal in other words.
Ah I'd get a spot beam, that link given early in the thread has a good deal for white LED's.

Dodgaholic

01-01-2008, 07:33 PM

For red lenses, you want red LED's.

read http://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb-notes.htm

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 07:41 PM

Hmm looks like I might be getting LED's for the tails, hope its a noticable difference.

sc.intrepid

01-01-2008, 08:28 PM

Hmm looks like I might be getting LED's for the tails, hope its a noticable difference.
You will probably notice that the taillights are not as *bright* as regular incandescent bulbs. <That has been a common discovery>
The normal bulb lights up the entire taillight housing whereas LED bulbs are very directional(that viewing angle thing) I installed an LED bulb before then took it right back out after.

I recommend you buy one LED bulb for the taillights. If you like the look, then buy the rest.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 08:34 PM

^^Thats what I'm going for since I swapped the positions of the brake light with the turn signal. So I want it to look more like its coming from one place not just the entire light being lit up. Good advice though I think I will do that, just to see if I like it.

Scarface

01-01-2008, 08:53 PM

Psst!

http://www.jamstrait.com/3157s.htm
Size 3157 hyper red LEDs. They are a little brighter than filament, and they give off a very rich color through the red lens.
Number : 3157-HRW
These are by far the longest lasting, brightest, and easiest to see in the tails of all the LEDs I've used.
I've had them in my 1995 Intrepid when I did the clear tail mod and they are worth every penny. I use them now (hyper red - tails/hyper white - reverse/hyper amber - turns) in both of my cars now.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 09:48 PM

3157-HRW? W means wide?? Where do you buy those?

Scarface

01-01-2008, 09:51 PM

3157-HRW? W means wide?? Where do you buy those?

Yes, it's wide angle. The end of the bulbs are sanded flat so light goes everywhere.

Go to the top of the page and click on 'Where to Buy.'
Most stores carry all three types (standard - OK/super - very good/hyper - best) to let you know.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 10:33 PM

Oh see I don't want wide angle. That and I can't find the LED in the parts catalog in my zipcode.

Scarface

01-01-2008, 10:36 PM

Oh see I don't want wide angle.

The super reds are a focused beam and a small area of the tails light up instead of the whole thing.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 10:39 PM

Bingo thats what I want, Im looking for them in the links.

Ronbo

01-01-2008, 10:46 PM

Hmm gotta think about if its worth it because I'd want it to be all blue, it really does look nice! Trying to see what mods I could do for under $80 because I still need to do those tie rod bushings.

Ummm...rather than saving all your money toward the needed repairs(tie rod bushings)..you'd rather spend your money on something that won't help your car run or steer any better? Carry on!

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 10:49 PM

I am actually working on that, I am waiting for a response to a question on the part I need, then I just need to find the time and someone who can help me change the inner tie rod bushings. Why do you think I am doing a cheap mod? Trust me the crappy steering is starting to annoy me.

I275westcoastflorida

01-01-2008, 10:50 PM

Im guessing you meant these scar?

http://shop.autoi.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm/ID/3549

hyde

01-02-2008, 01:41 AM

This was a really fun mod.. plug and play for the cluster, superbrightled.com is the answer, the fun comes in when you start to ponder how you will change the rest of the lights (head light switch, temp controls etc)... get creative!
.. that being said, Ronbo is right make sure you get the rest fixed.

LEDs are cheap, but they don't make the car go faster or handle better:)
JMO.

Scarface

01-02-2008, 11:00 AM

Im guessing you meant these scar?

http://shop.autoi.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm/ID/3549

Yep.
Others should be able to see them OK with no problem in the daylight.

SHAUN300

01-05-2008, 10:41 PM

maybe u wanna do this?

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/300MSpecial/dash.jpg?t=1199590843

Dodgaholic

01-05-2008, 10:58 PM

maybe u wanna do this?

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/300MSpecial/dash.jpg?t=1199590843

Ok, what's the method?

I275westcoastflorida

01-06-2008, 12:30 AM

maybe u wanna do this?

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/300MSpecial/dash.jpg?t=1199590843
YES!!!

dudley

01-06-2008, 12:41 AM

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Dodgaholic/Old%20Car%20Photos/Wiring/LEDCluster01.jpg
hey Chet, your door is open. :willy_nilly:

I275westcoastflorida

01-06-2008, 12:44 AM

But his seatbelt is on?:pinch:

dudley

01-06-2008, 12:47 AM

But his seatbelt is on?:pinch:

Yeah, I noticed that too. So he don't fall out I guess of the open door. LOL
While taking pic's??

Dodgaholic

01-06-2008, 01:45 AM

But his seatbelt is on?:pinch:

Seatbelt light doesn't come on when the car isn't running :)

dudley

01-06-2008, 01:55 AM

Seatbelt light doesn't come on when the car isn't running :)
Did you have to go out and check that?? :D

Dodgaholic

01-06-2008, 01:58 AM

No, that's why my cluster pix are clear, and yours are blurry ;)

Seriously, I just turn on the parking lights for cluster pix. I guess you can't see there is no shift lights on. I thought you were talking about the steering wheel shadow at first though.

dudley

01-06-2008, 03:35 AM

No, that's why my cluster pix are clear, and yours are blurry ;)

Mine are not blurry........ they have artsy atmosphere. :yes:

I275westcoastflorida

01-06-2008, 11:05 AM

Seatbelt light doesn't come on when the car isn't running :)
Nah I think I agree with duds post :p

Mine are not blurry........ they have artsy atmosphere. :yes:
LOL thats a good one!

Dodgaholic

01-06-2008, 12:04 PM

Probably a cloud of radioactive gas sneaked in between the camera lens and the cluster...

SILVERSWANGER

01-06-2008, 01:00 PM

does it matter how long the bulbs are for the cluster?

SILVERSWANGER

01-12-2008, 11:47 AM

00R/T

01-12-2008, 11:56 AM

Dodgaholic

01-12-2008, 02:35 PM

I just looked at this thread and your pics look great, Chet. What did you use for the MTC? I imagine it's easier than doing the ATC. That has been driving me nuts. Fortunately, I'm about done with it now. It has 18 LEDs. I just need to build a 5v regulated power supply that is going to power all my LED modified things. Then it will be time to figure out the EVIC and headlight switch.

I had used some slightly modified # 74 LED's in twist in bases. I had to trim the bases a little. Of course all this stuff is back to stock now, and I have the Police EL cluster.

Dodgaholic

01-12-2008, 02:39 PM

WLED 5-LED Wide Angle LED bulb
12 VDC 5-LED Wedge Base bulb (194/168 type)
Super Wide Viewing Angle bulb uses 4 radially mounted LEDs aiming out the sides and one High Flux LED on top
With built-in voltage regulator

would these be good?

Sounds like they would fit and work fine. I don't know if you need the brighter LED in the top though. You might end up with a hot spot, or uneven backlight. I just used a 5 way with standard white LED's like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/194-168-5-LED-Lights-White-2-Bulbs-Wide-View-Angle-Best_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQihZ002QQite mZ120208550971QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

You need 6 bulbs for the gauge lights in the cluster.

Squishy

04-08-2009, 09:30 PM

sorry to resurect an old thread but dodgeaholic, how did u change ur gear selector and ur odometer colors? i want to do this.. ive done the hvac and teh cluster but the green and blue clash ALOT

Meanmugga

04-09-2009, 01:54 AM

Squishy

04-09-2009, 08:53 AM

Umm...did you take the time to read the whole thread?

i did mugga, but i still didnt find how to change out the green part in this pic below..(my gauges)
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk90/Squishy_044/interior010.jpg
the gears P R N D 3 L and the odometer currently ready 159455

300Michael

04-09-2009, 07:29 PM

Squishy

04-10-2009, 01:54 AM

Some have used transparent film (comes in many colors). Did you sand down the LED's? Looks like you have hot spots (1/2 mark on the fuel guage, 1 and 6 on the tach, 40, 160, and 180 on the speedo, and finally the half way marks on the water temp). I use a Faze Morpher to change my 300M EL guages from green to blue (5 different colors), and it gives me 4 different brightness levels. Looks good though.

no i didnt, i didnt use straight up led's i used 194 LED bulbs... they just replace the stock white ones in teh holder that twists into the cluster, nothing to sand down on them.. ill take a pic later today

Dodgaholic

04-10-2009, 08:53 AM

sorry to resurect an old thread but dodgeaholic, how did u change ur gear selector and ur odometer colors? i want to do this.. ive done the hvac and teh cluster but the green and blue clash ALOT

That's why I went back to stock. No effective way to change the shifter. I considered just disconnecting the lighting in it, since you see what gear you are in on the cluster. The odometer and PRND2L in the cluster you can cover with some blue film.

Squishy

04-10-2009, 10:08 AM

That's why I went back to stock. No effective way to change the shifter. I considered just disconnecting the lighting in it, since you see what gear you are in on the cluster. The odometer and PRND2L in the cluster you can cover with some blue film.

dang, wish there was a better way...

hyde

04-15-2009, 05:50 PM

I did this with marginal results. I'd call it still a work in progress. Basically I pulled the electro-luminescent display and replaced with a hand made acrylic version. I mounted the LED to the back of the acrylic and mounted the acrylic to the housing using epoxy (this was the hard part).

300Michael

04-15-2009, 07:18 PM

Years ago I mounted LED's under the PRND12, and +,-. I glued micro switches to the side of the shifter. When the lever hit the micro switch it would light up only that gear alphanumeric item. I added three switches for the Auto stick, one for the +and -, and a third for the center, which lit up both the =, and + at the same time. That way I could tell it was in auto mode. The morpher can change the color of the center gear selector too so that it matches the cluster (EL guages only). I never like the way all the gears lit up on the center console.

bigredva

09-07-2009, 06:22 PM

Hi All,
I replaced my cluster lights with white LEDs a couple of years ago. Now they tend to blink a lot or not be on at all. It's kind of a nuisance especially at night when I can't see my speedometer. Anyone have any ideas what might have caused this? It doesn't seem to be loose wires because I can just be sitting still and have the same issues.

300Michael

09-07-2009, 07:23 PM

What power source did you use for the LED's? I tend to use a 5 volt voltage regulator, then furn droping resistor to get the proper voltage for the LED's. After 8 years still going strong.

salarguy

09-07-2009, 08:11 PM

What power source did you use for the LED's? I tend to use a 5 volt voltage regulator, then furn droping resistor to get the proper voltage for the LED's. After 8 years still going strong.

Is that done(reulator) because they don't like to see 13.8+/-?