Dash Instrument Fascias + LEDs

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Lazy Andy, Nov 27, 2011.

  1. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

    I might be posting this in the wrong section... so apologies if i have!

    Does anybody know if you can buy new instrument fascias for our lovely bays? I've got my pod out to fix the speedo, clean up and change the lights and was thinking that to finish the job properly the fascias could do with swapping out as well.

    Also, I'm going to stick LEDs in for the overall illumination and wondered what people have done with theirs? I'm planning a couple of strips of green LEDs from Maplin fixed to the back plate to flank each dial... I've read suggestions that this may be too bright and maybe an LED in each of the standard holes may suffice

    Cheers, Andy.
     
  2. You used to be able to buy custom ones, they turn up on eBay now & again, LED bubs are on eBay all the time. ;)
     
  3. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

    Hi Chris, thanks for the advice.

    I popped to maplin at lunch and bought a strip of green LEDs on impulse. I was thinking I'd try to avoid the one sided glow of two bulbs... Anyways, snip, solder, glue and screw....

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Which resulted in...

    [​IMG]

    Two problems... So bright it might be distracting and I have a deluxe clock which will look as bright as a match in a pea souper!!

    Going to grab some of those led bulbs for the other holes :0)
     
  4. Honky

    Honky Administrator

    Can't you dim them with the headlight switch?
     
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  6. Having said that, there are LED that will dim, but not cheap ones. ;)
     
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  8. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

     
  9. Has anyone ever installed a Bug speedometer with the integrated fuel gauge and dash lights in place of the bay unit, and that way cleared the first hole to put a tachometer?

    am I going too far offtopic?
     
  10. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

     
  11. bernjb56

    bernjb56 Supporter

    I don't know what's wrong with holding a torch between your teeth.......

    save a lot of messing about
     
  12. If you want to take the glare out of leds then give the outside of them a good rub with some scotchbrite
    It matts the surface of the led and gives more of a glow than a glare

    If there the leds with the rounded heads then you can file them down with a moddlers file slightly to remove the bright spot they have
     

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