Well Guys, I think I've done it. I decided that I wanted white guages bad enough that I was going to take apart the extra dx cluster I had, and make my own. That way if something went wrong I still have my good Lx cluster in the car.

Anyway. I basically created an exact replica of the gauge on Macromedia Freehand 10 and its done. This probably sounds pretty cheap, but I was just going to lay the piece of paper over the gauge, and that's it. It probably wouldn't be visible at night, but it's not like it's a permanent modification or anything. If you don't like it you could take it out later, and you didn't pay anything for them, so you're not out any money!

I've even got one sitting in front of me right now, and it looks pretty good except for one problem. I can't get any of the needles off of the guages. I broke two off already, and I"m not about to try this last one. I cut a slit in the paper and fit it over the needle, but it got sort of wrinkled and you can still see the cuts in the paper when you close up the cluster, so you can tell that it's just paper.

If anyone knows how to get these speedo needles off, I can make guage face overlays out of paper FOR FREE! I can even e-mail you the freehand file and you guys can just print them out yourself. I will give you my design if someone can figure out how to take these @#$% needles off! If you wanted, you could even laminate the gauges after you printed them out, to make them shiny. On a laser printer, the quality will be just as good as anything you could buy.

If you guys help me out, we could have the problem of white face gauges solved for good! The solution's just a little ghetto. ;-)

DISCLAIMER: (Please do not criticize my efforts, in the attempt to make me realize that what I have done is "ricey" "white trash" or "gay." I fully understand that you may not agree with the level of engineering that I have used to create these white gauges. At this point, everyone else has given up, or is too lazy to try something new on their own. If you don't like it then don't help. I don't need your worthless post telling me that I'm an idiot for trying to make something out of paper. I'll I have to say is, "Let's see what you've made." Thank you for your time.)

 

I had an idea. Maybe you can put that 3d glasses material on the glass in front of the dash cluster somehow and then make a cluster that uses designs that will make them pop out. It will be like looking through 3d glasses and the cluster design will pop out. That would look cool, plus when the lights are turned on, it might add to the effect.

 

I was going to get those Indiglo gauges that Cablemirc was offering in the parts for sale section. Hey do you have any tips as to how to get the speedo cable and connectors off the back while it's attached in the car? I have a bitch of a time just getting my hand behind the cluster.

P.S. show us what you have so far?

 

actually i commend you on your efforts gh42!



after you pull out the plastic piece surrounding the cluster, just reach up and unplug the speedo by hand (it's not that far up). then you'll be able to pull the cluster out far enough to disconnect it. the hardest part i had when i switched clusters was getting that damn plastic piece surrounding the cluster out from behind the steering wheel!

 

im not sure how 2 take those appart but ill give you my best guess
try unsrewing the needles with fine pilers
unsrew them from the back maybe?
unsrew the entire round peice holding the needle

im not sure if these will work or if you tryed them but thats my best guess

 

Yeah, I didn't realize I could reach it from BELOW, I was trying to reach AROUND behind it. Ow. Then I'm like -- DUH! Maybe I can get it from down here.... now I have red illuminated gauges.

For that plastic piece, I loosened the bolts that hold up the steering wheel/column, which lowers the wheel a little. Be very careful with that though, don't let the wheel fall all the way down.

 

thanks for the tip, although i probably won't be messing the the cluster again. when i removed that plastic piece, i took off the plastic piece that surrounds the turn signal area, which gave a LITTLE more room to work with (but not much). i finally got it off/on by yanking/shoving the **** out of it.

 

Glazeham,

Great job on the paper white face gauge. I myself have previously removed the needles w/o breaking them by using a flat screw-driver to pry the base of the needles out. Gotta be careful though -- it'll fly away.

So far, I've searched the net for EL gauges for the 1st gen but to no luck.

BTW, I drive the J-Spec 1st gen 323 called the Familia. Engine is the BPT 180hp.

 

Well, I completed my project of making white gauge faces, and in my opinion they look pretty freakin' good for a do it yourself job. I had to change some of my methods of production, and materials, but the bottom line is that I got the job done. I have the gauge re-installed in my Pro, and I can't wait to get some pics up to let you guys see them. It might be until Monday until I can get a digital camera to take some pics, but stay tuned, I think you'll be very surprised.....

 

Jamie,

Is your DIY white face gauge Indiglo or Electro-luminescent?

 

Cablemirc,

Can you teach how you load a picture of your protege limo into the signature without having to tie it to a link or something like that.

I need the easiest way cuz I'm web illiterate.

Thanks in advance.