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Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs

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thomas108
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2014/05/08 00:13:27 (permalink)
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Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs

I just noticed there must be a couple of blown bulbs on the instrument panel. Is there a step by step how to change them to LEDs anywhere. I may as well if I'm going to the trouble!
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    Ccarolan
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/05/08 14:16:45 (permalink)
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    Replace with led T5 bulbs or complete units. Look on eBay for examples. Choose your colour. Just remember they are polarised - only work one way round.
    Chris
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    thomas108
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/05/08 19:46:22 (permalink)
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    If you have bought them can you remember from who on ebay, that way I know they fit and work and are ok quality. Was it a difficult process getting to the instrument panel, any tips?
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    Ccarolan
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/05/09 16:14:51 (permalink)
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    oh.... sorry for my brief post, i thought you were a little further down the track! I already had led bulbs in my cluster, but have removed and fixed a couple (without complete cluster removal).
     
    Q. What model MR2 do you have ???
     
    here is complete process for SW20 cluster removal:
    http://www.mr2.com/forums/threads/29633-How-To-Replace-Gauge-Cluster-Bulbs
     
    This is not a "ten minute job" by any means as you have to remove lots of panels!!
    Also note this is for older (manual speedo). Electronic is a bit easier as there are just plugs into the rear of the cluster.
    And note LED lights ARE polarised - only work one way round. don't put the car back together until you've checked they work :-(
     
    as for the led bulbs, there are a mixture of T10 (10mm hole) and T5 (5mm hole) types. I have bought a couple  from:
    http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/storey_trading/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2654
     
    Search the store for "T10" or "T5". I can't vouch for their products except to say that they seem to work OK.
    Their are lots of other suppliers to choose from especially if you buy 'overseas' - they all come from China anyway!
    Note that the smaller T5 lights are for warning lights through a coloured plastic panel, so coloured LED  is not required. You'll need quite a few, so probably best to shop around...
     
    Hope that helps.
    Chris
     
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    thomas108
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/05/09 20:50:57 (permalink)
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    Thanks for your assistance, makes more sense now.
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    MRII90
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/06/05 13:08:02 (permalink)
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    I've just replaced all dash globes with LED's but am not getting full shine on both speedo and tacho after 100km/h and 3.5k rpm respectively. Does anyone remember if there is a diffuser which spreads normal globes light all over faces, and LED's are too directional, or if I need to fit more? make more holes?
    #6

    robk
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/06/05 15:40:46 (permalink)
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    The clear plastic parts on the back of each gauge are shaped to direct/diffuse the light from the globes around the whole cluster. LEDs are more directional than normal globes, so after changing to LEDs it's common to end up with some areas of the cluster being brighter than others. 
    Most people just leave it like that without a second thought, but I fixed it as shown in the photo below:
     

     
    It can be a lot of work to fix it properly like I did. I strategically positioned and taped those thin pieces of paper to the back of the gauges at precise locations to dim all of the bright spots. When I did it, I had the whole cluster out of the car and on the bench, with the illumination circuit connected to a 12V supply. The result was perfect though, with very even brightness across all of the gauges.
    EDIT: I don't know about the ADM MR2s, but in my JDM MR2 there is a purple tinge when changing from green standard globes to white LEDs. That's why in the above photo there are purple areas which I sanded away.

    There is an extensive build thread for my car here: http://www.mr2australia.com/mr2play/tm.aspx?m=18316
    #7
    Tree
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    Re: Instrument panel - instructions to swap to LEDs 2014/06/05 16:11:24 (permalink)
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    I only needed 4 T10s to light up the entire cluster. It will spread evenly. Just trial error the polarity before final install
    #8
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