Change to white gauges and red-tactical illumination (Page 1/2)
gatorfrey FEB 18, 09:31 PM
Decided to mess with the cluster now that I have everything working from half the dash not working.
I went to white gauges on the web and ordered needle tint, gauge overlays, and the install kit.
The I went to super leds website,and got 194 bulb replacements for the illumination. I had already changed out the other lights on the interior.
They had an assortment of colors for the needle paint. I got orange.You can see it taped under the needles for spillage. But it did not happen.It was super easy to refresh and get the needles all the same color again. Some had faded to white,some not, one was nearly black and hard to glance at while driving. Do not remove the needles!!.


Then I applied the overlays,once the needles were dry. Also easy, just take your time.
I then changed out the 194 size bulbs to leds. I found it matters which ones.Get the ones that look like the bulbs,with the same size glass cover.There is another one a few pennys less,but the difference in intensity is worth while.
Then test drive time.



After taking the night time picture, I adjusted the lighting down slightly, which made it easier on the eyes.

It is not require you pull the dash, but I did not mind, it was cold out,so I did the paint , overlays,etc, inside.
For courtesy lighting, I used a 5 smd red led on passenger and driver floor illumination. Tried a smaller one first.Like the 5 smd led much better. In fact,I used those also in the overhead,in red. But used white for the two map lights, for clarity when reading or, who knows.
Also replaced the rear trunk light with red .

Note:
The leds polarity does matter.They fit in the sockets the same both ways, and both the sockets and leds are unmarked , and fit both ways in the board the same. On the first pass, 8 out of 8 on the main cluster, and 1 out of 2 on the center console cluster did not work. Thought I had a major electrical issue, and had the cluster half out again, before I thought to unplug a socket and turn it around. Lit right up ! Laughed at myself , and changed them all around to fully functioning.

Fun upgrade.
Wichita FEB 18, 10:38 PM
I have the backlit EL gauges.

I wish they were still available for Fiero owners, because they are super cool!
theogre FEB 20, 08:00 PM
Were did you find pointer paint?

⚠️ Most LEDs do not dim right or not at all w/ OE dimmer circuit. Is often bright or off and very little moving of control wheel/knob between the 2.
Is a problem driving in dark areas w/o street lights and signs helping you to see outside w/ dash LED pushing light at you.

Is why most things using LED and need to dim uses PCM dimming.

Likely several ways to in a Fiero but OE Dimming circuit goes to GM and some other radios and other lights so swapping to PCM may have problems trying to dim those. So may need OE dimmer to work too.

Note that many PCM "modules" found online are not drop in replacement for OE dimmer because of how made.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

gatorfrey FEB 20, 08:04 PM
needle paint came from white gauges, and looks very good.
LEDs dim like regular bulbs. I was sure to get some good ones.Optimal comfort at 2/3 of dimmer dial.
No pcm work. plug and play.Could not be happier

[This message has been edited by gatorfrey (edited 02-21-2022).]

Spadesluck FEB 21, 01:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by gatorfrey:

needle paint came from white gauges, and looks vry good.
LEDs dim like regular bulbs. I was sure to get some good ones.Optimal comfort at 2/3 of dimmer dial.
No pcm work. plug and play.Could not be happier




Where did you order your bulbs from by chance?
Mickey_Moose FEB 21, 02:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

⚠️ Most LEDs do not dim right or not at all w/ OE dimmer circuit. Is often bright or off and very little moving of control wheel/knob between the 2.
Is a problem driving in dark areas w/o street lights and signs helping you to see outside w/ dash LED pushing light at you.




You can certainly buy dimmable LED bulbs now - BUT - you have to make sure they are, there are still many out there that are not.

Another common issue with LED is ghosting - this is where the bulb lights very faintly when they are suppose to be off - this may not be so noticeable in a vehicle, but it can be (not always) a problem. As such there are also non-ghosting LED bulbs available.
gatorfrey FEB 21, 07:32 PM
Dash illumination here :

https://www.superbrightleds...ed-products/194+led/

194 bulbs at the top the top of the list.Choose your color.
Plug and Play. No issues dimming. They say 8 bulbs. I say get a couple of spares. They are cheap enough.

For floor courtesy lighting, and overhead lighting, I used the 5 SMD listed just below the top one on the website page that I used for dash illumination.


Rear trunk got this one:

561 LED Bulb - 9 SMD LED Festoon - 44mm

I also replaced the third brake light (high mount) , from Danyel ( excellent kit and service), and will go 100% LED on side markers, tail lights, and headlights over the next couple of months while doing other things to it.
194s fit side markers BTW. But I am going to replace them with strip lighting for brighter impact. That is on the to-do-list for next month.



Forgot. I changed out the lic plate bulbs. It is pretty dark in this picture, but the center light is from the open trunk.



Backup lights have been changed also. I did have to trim the bevel on the plastic face of the socket so the bulb would go in deep enough to twist lock securely. It can be done with a sharp knife, but a Dremel makes quick work of it.

[This message has been edited by gatorfrey (edited 02-21-2022).]

Spadesluck FEB 21, 08:50 PM
I was curious where you picked them up. I have purchased from them before as well. Quality bulbs for sure. Not a big risk like ebay stuff.

Thank you for the detail of your setup.

[This message has been edited by Spadesluck (edited 02-21-2022).]

theogre FEB 22, 12:30 AM
LED for taillights etc are illegal in many places and have other problems for any vehicle w/ standard bulbs.
See my Cave, LED poisoning
⚠️ Warning: "Canbus error free" bulbs eat power and make heat. Same or worse then the OE bulbs and often fry and die. Example: See Smokin' hot CANbus LED lamps. (230C in open air.) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkPGqM0Sl64

Very few LED Headlights to replace H6054 and related are legal for street use in US and other countries. Most claim is DOT/ECE "approved" are counterfeits sold by/thru Amazon Ebay Banggood and others.
Most that are Legal like Trucklite cost ~ $300 a pair.

"dim" taillights etc might be iffy bulbs but are often problems w/ wiring, dirt and bad paint in fixtures, etc.
Red taillight can use 2357 bulb that's a bit brighter and turn on faster w/o marking you a ticket magnet.
See my Cave, Lighbulbs
Trinten FEB 22, 08:36 PM
thanks for sharing!

If you don't mind me asking, what brand of LED bulbs did you get?

I really like the concept of LEDs wherever possible, and ask mentioned, some don't play nice because relays/power systems can't detect them or they don't dim well. So if you got ones that are playing nice with the car, it'd be great to know!