[rhudeboye]

Started a small do it yourself project as I was waiting on the FIOS guy today. I’m adding aluminum rings to my cluster. As with most of the things I venture into, it’s a little more involved then I assumed. As it turns out the glass shield protecting the gauges is completely bonded to the plastic. Air tight & locked in place for 13 years (Sigh) <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/dry.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> . So I now have the whole assembly out of the car and on the operating table to slowly chip away at it. Big thanks to Patrick aka smokiemon968 for the tip on removing the glass. I'm still affraid Im going to break something!

   



While it’s out, I think I’ll go ahead and upgrade the lighting in there as well. For those that have done this, Darryl comes to mind, which bulb did you end up using? I remember a stronger wattage was used for optimal results and/or perhaps a different color.



   



PS. For some reason after I click on view new post, I cant run the search engine on this page. When I do I get



“Sorry, an error occurred. If you are unsure on how to use a feature, or don't know why you got this error message, try looking through the help files for more information.”

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[PorscheDude]

Glad to be of help. If you crack it I have an extra laying around. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Patrick



[quote name='rhudeboye' post='34668' date='Apr 25 2007, 10:37 PM']Started a small do it yourself project as I was waiting on the FIOS guy today. I'm adding aluminum rings to my cluster. As with most of the things I venture into, it's a little more involved then I assumed. As it turns out the glass shield protecting the gauges is completely bonded to the plastic. Air tight & locked in place for 13 years (Sigh) <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/dry.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> . So I now have the whole assembly out of the car and on the operating table to slowly chip away at it. Big thanks to Patrick aka smokiemon968 for the tip on removing the glass. I'm still affraid Im going to break something!





While it's out, I think I'll go ahead and upgrade the lighting in there as well. For those that have done this, Darryl comes to mind, which bulb did you end up using? I remember a stronger wattage was used for optimal results and/or perhaps a different color.







PS. For some reason after I click on view new post, I cant run the search engine on this page. When I do I get



"Sorry, an error occurred. If you are unsure on how to use a feature, or don't know why you got this error message, try looking through the help files for more information."[/quote]

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[Anchorman]

I don't understand why you think you have to remove the clear plastic from the housing. The entire gauge cluster is held into the housing with a series of screws around the rear perimeter of the gauge cluster. After removing the cluster, the face of each of the four sections is entirely exposed, as are the areas under the clear plastic cover. You should not have to, and probably shouldn't try to, remove the clear plastic unless you're trying to replace that part.



Re the illumination bulbs - I replaced the three bulbs with Sylvania 194 LL (long life). The bulbs that are recommended as NOT to be used are the 161, 168, 192, and 193.

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[rhudeboye]

As I’m fiddling with it now, I see your point. The only prob w/ reaching from behind as it were, is that its hard to get a firm press on the rings. I cant finish today for another reason, my all purpose super glue is dried up.





Thanx for the advise.

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[Darryl]

Anchorman is indeed correct...I too used the Sylvania 194 3Watt when I reassembled everything...



Good luck! Go slow.



- Darryl

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[PorscheDude]

Rhudeboy,

I thought you were installing the aluminium piece I have.

If you are on only installing the rings you can probabley attach them to the gauge face. Then you would not have to seperate the plastic.



Patrick

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[rhudeboye]

[quote name='smokiemon968' post='34678' date='Apr 26 2007, 05:40 AM']Rhudeboy,

you can probabley attach them to the gauge face.

Patrick[/quote]



I figured thats what you thought. Once I removed the screws from the back of the unit I noticed that the rings could pass through the opening to the front of the cluster frame. They are too big to be attached to the actual gauges.



As for lighting, has anyone used a blue bulb?

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[badberry68]

[quote name='rhudeboye' post='34680' date='Apr 26 2007, 06:37 AM']I figured thats what you thought. Once I removed the screws from the back of the unit I noticed that the rings could pass through the opening to the front of the cluster frame. They are too big to be attached to the actual gauges.



As for lighting, has anyone used a blue bulb?[/quote]



Rhude,



This is a great opp for a DIY post.



When I finish my stereo install I plan on the guage cluster mod and a brushed aluminum trim kit. Already Did the 930 steering wheel--love it!

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[ether_joe]

[quote name='Anchorman' post='34670' date='Apr 25 2007, 07:49 PM']Re the illumination bulbs - I replaced the three bulbs with Sylvania 194 LL (long life). The bulbs that are recommended as NOT to be used are the 161, 168, 192, and 193.[/quote]





are these easily found @ an auto parts store? also how many are in there?



I'm gonna open the dash at some point soon and might as well swap it all out. . .

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[Darryl]

[quote name='ether_joe' post='34688' date='Apr 26 2007, 12:13 PM']are these easily found @ an auto parts store? also how many are in there?



I'm gonna open the dash at some point soon and might as well swap it all out. . .[/quote]



194 bulbs - quantity three.



- Darryl

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[SILVY968]

rhudeboye,



If you can tell me what bulb it is that illuminates the rear lit piece, in green that says"Parking Lights", I would appreciate it very much.



One of these lamps is burned out and I'd rather have them in hand before I pull the cluster out.

Thanks

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[rhudeboye]

More options.



http://autolumination.com/74.htm



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-89-...1QQcmdZViewItem

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