gauge cluster removal question

[Roberto]

I searched threads but I am not finding anything on which metal tabs to take off around the inside lights? I have my gauge cluster in my hands and open, I have 3 lights which are encircled by metal tabs, which tabs do I tear off? all sides on all lights? or certain tabs on certain sides on certain lights?

R

 

[SD_rdcruzer]

I think you are looking at the wrong lights. Are you trying to make your gauge lights brighter?

Just above and behind the oil pressure gauge and volt meter in your picture are two silver covers, those are the ones that need to go.

For me, I found it easy to turn the cluster over, remove the lights from the back and punch the cover off with a drift or screwdriver.

Hope this helps

 

[Roberto]

got it! Thanks, and these are the ones I replace with the PIAA lights I bought from $OR correct?

R

 

[SD_rdcruzer]

yep.....

 

[KY Longhunter]

Just above and behind the oil pressure gauge and volt meter in your picture are two silver covers, those are the ones that need to go.

For me, I found it easy to turn the cluster over, remove the lights from the back and punch the cover off with a drift or screwdriver.

Hope this helps

You mean the things circled in white below?

 

[Roberto]

Thanks, I have been reading away on this, I here some drill holes in these instead of tearing them out? I guess they mean drill a hole right through the top of it?

Thanks
Rob

 

[fjwagon]

I've removed them and drilled holes in them in the past. I like the drilled option better. Lighting does not effect the passenger when you go this route. I also painted inside of the instrument cluster frame from with flat white to help reflect the light better. This was before I installed led's. Leds alone made them brighter. Something else to do if you have not already done is clean your chassis ground that comes from the battery. Poor ground will make the cluster dimmer.

 

[Roberto]

on the pic above, where did you drill the holes? in the tops of the cones or in the shields/ plates below the cones?

R

 

[alkarich]

Still need to do this one as well. Thanks for the info.

 

[1979fj40]

I just got my LED,s in last night . Ordered the wrong ones though,(red) put them in though and they work perfect, think im gonna leave them in.

 

[fjwagon]

Top part of shield...start with a small drill bit and work you self up. It don't take much. and be careful.

on the pic above, where did you drill the holes? in the tops of the cones or in the shields/ plates below the cones?

R

 

[Roberto]

cool, I will start with the drilling and then see what it looks like? Those flat shields below the cone shaped ones dont need removed or altered?

Thanks
R

 

[fjwagon]

Those I believe are your turn signals and high beam. I would leave them alone.

 

[Roberto]

no, there are flat meatl shields below the cone shaped ones? I am not going to mess with the open top ones for the highbeam and turn signals

R

 

[Trollhole]

No don't mess with them just the covers. You can drill holes. If it is still not to your liking grab the cover and rock it back and forth. They will eventually snap off.

Me.

No shields with LEDs. Will make you smile. Passengers never complained.

 

[Roberto]

great, I bought 2 new PIAA lights from SOR I guess I need to buy 3 more for the other lights?

R

 

[fjwagon]

Not sure if the PIAA are LEDs(light emitting diodes), LED's use less power and last a very long time. Makes the life of the last longer if you accidentally left it on....I know first hand I left the parking lights on at work.

 

[SD_rdcruzer]

You mean the things circled in white below?

Those are the ones.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

I pulled my shields or as the aussies nicknamed them "helmets" and first went with brighter incandescents. It helped but not much. Ordered the LEDs a couple weeks ago. This should be the ticket!

 

[Roberto]

ok, where do I get these LEDS and what is the part numbers?

R