Red LEDs behind gauge pod...

sanremors · 06-21-2005, 02:39 AM

I already did the mod to change the gauge pod to red by scratching off the green film and using red bulb covers, but i want it to be brighter, so I'm going to use LEDs. I want them to turn on when I turn on the headlights, so how should I go about wiring them? I was thinking about wiring them up to the cruise control switch, which lights up at the same time as the gauge pod. Are there different voltage LEDs? Which should I use? Has anyone done this that can offer some advise? Should I keep the existing lights in there?
Thanks

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

sanremors · 06-26-2005, 08:06 PM

bump___

surferdude166 · 06-26-2005, 09:52 PM

what do you mean? you want to add leds on top of your existing bulbs? If you just want to replace them then go to autolumination.com and look up the #74 leds in bright red. they are expensive though, $2.50 a piece and you need about 15 or so cause some are busted when you get them... please send me the instructions on scraping the film off I have blue leds and they come out aqua but my a/c controls are bright blue...

sanremors · 06-27-2005, 01:09 AM

What I was trying to do is take a bunch of LEDs that I picked up at radio shack and backlight the gauges but I don't know much about wiring. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like the #74 leds that you are talking about replace the bulbs that are already in the gauge cluster. The way that the existing lights illuminate the pod makes some spots darker and some brighter. This makes me not want to simply replace the existing lights w/ leds- I want to add more lighting so the illumination is equal.

I was thinking of getting power from the foglight switch, which lights up when my headlights go on. I used a voltmeter today and it's getting about 11.5-12V. The LEDs that I bought from Radio Shack are 5mm 2.6V 28mA 10mcd. I think I need a resistor or something to take the ~12V down to 2.6V. Can anyone tell me what to do?!?!

As for instructions, just search and I'm sure you will find it.

izzodesh · 06-28-2005, 11:23 AM

i am too on this mission to color corrdinate
go one gauge blue...looking for the blue condoms for the 05 hvac
and wondring how to get rid of the orange lines on the knobs..
UGH!

Texas Red Rex · 06-29-2005, 01:12 PM

If you want to install LED in you gauges first you would need to install resistors to bring down the voltage. Then you need to correctly connect the positive and negative terminals or they wont worl. Finally LED light is directional forward so The Illumination would be brighter and darker in diferent areas. Also 10 mcd is the strength of the light and that is pretty dark ... personally LED's are too much trouble for what you are trying to do. Instead of changing the lights find some lighting gells used for thearter lights and slide them behind the gauges the light will be more consistant than the light covers and you have a greater range of color options. The gells coat only $6 on the internet.

06-21-2005, 02:39 AM	#1
sanremors Scooby Newbie Member#: 69160 Join Date: Aug 2004	Red LEDs behind gauge pod... I already did the mod to change the gauge pod to red by scratching off the green film and using red bulb covers, but i want it to be brighter, so I'm going to use LEDs. I want them to turn on when I turn on the headlights, so how should I go about wiring them? I was thinking about wiring them up to the cruise control switch, which lights up at the same time as the gauge pod. Are there different voltage LEDs? Which should I use? Has anyone done this that can offer some advise? Should I keep the existing lights in there? Thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

06-29-2005, 01:12 PM	#6
Texas Red Rex Scooby Newbie Member#: 88655 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX Vehicle: 04 WRX SR Red	LED Downfalls If you want to install LED in you gauges first you would need to install resistors to bring down the voltage. Then you need to correctly connect the positive and negative terminals or they wont worl. Finally LED light is directional forward so The Illumination would be brighter and darker in diferent areas. Also 10 mcd is the strength of the light and that is pretty dark ... personally LED's are too much trouble for what you are trying to do. Instead of changing the lights find some lighting gells used for thearter lights and slide them behind the gauges the light will be more consistant than the light covers and you have a greater range of color options. The gells coat only $6 on the internet.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Defi Link Imperial and BF Gauges--Defi Blue and Red Racer Gauges--Defi Gauge Pods!	Spun Autosports	Gauges & Electronics	165	04-03-2009 07:52 PM
FS: (CA) performance gauge pack with red leds	Gouki	Interior/Dressup/Audio & Security	16	01-09-2008 05:35 AM
WRX OEM laMco Boost GaugeRED LED	Aspenrex03	SCIC Private Classifieds	2	07-10-2007 01:47 PM
SoCal:Lamco Boost Gauge RED LED	Aspenrex03	Interior/Dressup/Audio & Security	0	07-10-2007 03:08 AM
Red LEDs behind gauge pod...	sanremors	Interior & Exterior Modification	1	06-20-2005 12:36 PM

06-26-2005, 08:06 PM	#2
sanremors Scooby Newbie Member#: 69160 Join Date: Aug 2004	bump___

06-26-2005, 09:52 PM	#3
surferdude166 Scooby Newbie Member#: 54970 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Webster, TX Vehicle: 2005 Xterra	what do you mean? you want to add leds on top of your existing bulbs? If you just want to replace them then go to autolumination.com and look up the #74 leds in bright red. they are expensive though, $2.50 a piece and you need about 15 or so cause some are busted when you get them... please send me the instructions on scraping the film off I have blue leds and they come out aqua but my a/c controls are bright blue...

06-27-2005, 01:09 AM	#4
sanremors Scooby Newbie Member#: 69160 Join Date: Aug 2004	What I was trying to do is take a bunch of LEDs that I picked up at radio shack and backlight the gauges but I don't know much about wiring. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like the #74 leds that you are talking about replace the bulbs that are already in the gauge cluster. The way that the existing lights illuminate the pod makes some spots darker and some brighter. This makes me not want to simply replace the existing lights w/ leds- I want to add more lighting so the illumination is equal. I was thinking of getting power from the foglight switch, which lights up when my headlights go on. I used a voltmeter today and it's getting about 11.5-12V. The LEDs that I bought from Radio Shack are 5mm 2.6V 28mA 10mcd. I think I need a resistor or something to take the ~12V down to 2.6V. Can anyone tell me what to do?!?! As for instructions, just search and I'm sure you will find it.

06-28-2005, 11:23 AM	#5
izzodesh Scooby Specialist Member#: 68274 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Buffalo Vehicle: 07XK OT ad expert targeting ur ip	i am too on this mission to color corrdinate go one gauge blue...looking for the blue condoms for the 05 hvac and wondring how to get rid of the orange lines on the knobs.. UGH!