quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: Hmmm...don't remember eh? I think the "oil" idiot light is a part of the face. The EL is so thin, you should be able to put it over the factory faces.

So if you put a light behind it- it'll shine through?

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: I finally got the correct EL material for the EL guages that you may have seen on other cars. I will be producing them for sale very soon. These faces are from MinnGreen. I'll be posting the MinnGreen "checkerboard" face design later Its not easy to take pics of this stuff...but here ya go. Room lit, face off(dark pic) Room lit, face on. They are very bright but will dim with your stock lights.

I love it! BUT -- and this might be a show stopper for me -- can you eliminate the slash in "MP/H" The slash is unnecessary since the P in MPH stands for "Per". Again, it's a minor detail, but few things turn me off more than stilly langauge errors.

Example: My wife teaches at a small private school. Neither the proprietor nor her daughter have, ummm, a royal command of the written English language. When they made their Christmas card on the computer, they intended to say "Dublin's best pass through these doors". What was on the card was "Dublin's best past through these doors." I was aghast! How can people who are paid to EDUCATE CHILDREN make such a stupid, and obvious error!!!???

Okay, I'm done now... ;-)

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: So if you put a light behind it- it'll shine through?

If a hole in the EL is cut. The white layer will be in tact...rememeber, they will be laminated.

quote Originally posted by Dave Rodabaugh: I love it! BUT -- and this might be a show stopper for me -- can you eliminate the slash in "MP/H" The slash is unnecessary since the P in MPH stands for "Per". Again, it's a minor detail, but few things turn me off more than stilly langauge errors.

DOH!
I'm a Graphic Designer... we often times don't see words as they are, but rather as an element in a layout. So yeah- I can change it (but mine will probably have the MP/H 'cause they'll be done sooner). What does a stock gauge have on it? Just for comparison. But yes, I can fix the horrendous error in my poorly structured english. By the way- how do you spell Silly?

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: [b]DOH! I'm a Graphic Designer... we often times don't see words as they are, but rather as an element in a layout. So yeah- I can change it (but mine will probably have the MP/H 'cause they'll be done sooner). What does a stock gauge have on it? Just for comparison. But yes, I can fix the horrendous error in my poorly structured english. By the way- how do you spell Silly? [/B]

Hey, I'm not trying to bust your chops. But I am telling you as a potential customer that if you sell these things, that my money is less likely to flow from my wallet to yours if you make an error like this. It is true that it is minimal, and that it does not affect the functionality. It is true that most people wouldn't even notice. But I would, and I would have to notice that EVERYTIME I look at that speedo face. I look at that speedo a lot when I drive.

I'm an engineer. I know a lot of engineers who have lousy written language skills. I wouldn't let them tell me that they tend to see labeling etc. as a design element, at least not as a cover for error.

And "stilly" is a typo, not a spelling error. When I type internet messages, or email, I don't run spell check much. When I write a paper, a memo to a client, or were I to put language on a product sold to the public, I would make SURE that the English was correct, just because a potential customer may be as picky as I am. Worse, I don't want them questioning the excellence of all my work because a simple error glares at them everytime they look at it.

Dave

Dave! Relax a little! I hadn't taken offense at your statement... notice that little winking smiley face at the end of my statement?

I thank you- I really do- for your input and suggestion. I've been working on these for more than 6 months... the first design didn't work properly. Better yet- I had replaced one of the measurements with a metric value instead of standard on the very first printed page!

No offense intended... I know you haven't been around long- but please don't take anything too seriously. I'm a very easygoing guy- and I'm here to help others... as well as to share my Fiero knoweledge and related skills & abilities with anyone who so wishes!

So that being said- the next set printed will be slightly revised... the MPH (instead of the previous MP/H) will be included in those revisions. Again- thank you for your input!

[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 03-14-2002).]

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: Dave! Relax a little! I hadn't taken offense at your statement... notice that little winking smiley face at the end of my statement? I thank you- I really do- for your input and suggestion. I've been working on these for more than 6 months... the first design didn't work properly. Worse yet- I had replaced one of the measurements with a metric value instead of standard on the very first printed page! No offense intended... I know you haven't been around long- but please don't take anything too seriously. I'm a very easygoing guy- and I'm here to help others... as well as to share my Fiero knoweledge and related skills & abilities with anyone who so wishes! So that being said- the next set printed will be slightly revised... the MPH (instead of the previous MP/H) will be included in those revisions. Again- thank you for your input!

I don't take anything about Fieros too seriously. If I were serious about it, I would own a Corvette (that should stoke' em up!). As it is, I have five Fieros instead, only four of which need work to get them running again... ha ha.

It's true that I haven't been around here for very long. But I've been on the Fiero mailing list since 1996. You can be assured I have some puh-lenty thick skin as a result.

quote Originally posted by Dave Rodabaugh: I don't take anything about Fieros too seriously. If I were serious about it, I would own a Corvette (that should stoke' em up!). As it is, I have five Fieros instead, only four of which need work to get them running again... ha ha. It's true that I haven't been around here for very long. But I've been on the Fiero mailing list since 1996. You can be assured I have some puh-lenty thick skin as a result.

Hmmm... I don't know about that Corvette thing j/k

Well Dave- It's good to have another level-headed person around here. Unfortunately it seems that many of the new people around here are quick to bash & flame- only annoying those of us who have been into it for a bit longer (I first got "into" Fieros around 1992-93 when I started attending major Fiero events with my Dad- I was only 14 at the time). Are you planning on attending any major shows this year? Dells Run Maybe? I'm going to try my hardest to get a set fully installed by then!

Shame on you, Rob! You capitalized the "M" in "maybe". Ten demerits for you.

quote Originally posted by Monkeyman: Shame on you, Rob! You capitalized the "M" in "maybe". Ten demerits for you.

Yeah... and I've never been able to figure out if it's MonkeyMan or Monkeyman...?

btw: I have some info for you... just not as thorough as I had wanted yet. I'll try to email you soon.

Have you tried putting the fiero emblem in the middle of the speedo and tach guages? I think that would look pretty cool

quote Originally posted by sqoach: Have you tried putting the fiero emblem in the middle of the speedo and tach guages? I think that would look pretty cool

I've thought about it... but I need to locate a good Vector-image (like an illustrator file) before I'd use it on there. Although the printer is capable of good photo image quality as well!

quote Originally posted by Haze_Performance: You can't use your 85mph speedo anyway.. It's not backlit. You should upgrade to the 120mph cluster, it's just a drop in mod..

I have no idea on how to do that... I may need a little help....

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: I've thought about it... but I need to locate a good Vector-image (like an illustrator file) before I'd use it on there. Although the printer is capable of good photo image quality as well!

FYI...photographic things, even your tach shade(orange to red) do not show up that well lit. They are there, but get kinda murky when illuminated with blue/green glow. They of course look great when off.

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: Hmmm... I don't know about that Corvette thing j/k Well Dave- It's good to have another level-headed person around here. Unfortunately it seems that many of the new people around here are quick to bash & flame- only annoying those of us who have been into it for a bit longer (I first got "into" Fieros around 1992-93 when I started attending major Fiero events with my Dad- I was only 14 at the time). Are you planning on attending any major shows this year? Dells Run Maybe? I'm going to try my hardest to get a set fully installed by then!

I am going to Ed Parks' Swap Meet, for the fourth straight year! I went to the first one, and have just kept on going to them! I won't be doing any other shows, though. My vacation to Vegas with my wife, and a plan to start a business, will probably keep me at home instead of paying to travel to shows.

I have a project car, an 86 GT. It's got the white-faced gauges (bought it that way). I like the look during the day, but the backlighting on them is lousy. And I am not a huge fan of the general graphics on the gauges. But an Indiglo-type set of gauges would be OH-SO-COOL, especially if I could get them to backlight in red or something. That project is nowhere near completion, due to money, but it will be eventually, and I would loooove to have some of those gauges.

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: I'm not sure what you mean Haze. Which ones above? The ones I made? For side lit, you'd cut the illumination wire so you only get the glowing face. For back lit ones, you WILL have a glowing needle. Unless you don't want it. You can use Rob's instructions to repaint the pointer. I think Florescent paint works best.

All Coupes gauges are metal. You would have to convert Coupe gauge's to the SE 85 mph back lit or GT 120 mph back lit. If you keep the stock coupe metal gauge's it might be hard to see the numbers at night..

quote Originally posted by 87 Pegasus: I have no idea on how to do that... I may need a little help....

You just buy a 120 mph cluster & swap it in yours.. I did it to my car some time ago. Its easy.

------------------

ClassicFiero.com

The EL faces are thin lighted overlays you would not need to convert. Just apply them over the metal faces.

I just need to know a few things:
How much?
How do they hook up?
Do you have them for all of the gauges?
Are they thin enough to put over the exsiting gauges and not have any problems with the way the gauges read?

***How much?
To be determined.

***How do they hook up?
Simple 2 wire hook up. Will have instructions as to what wire to tap(backlit)/cut(sidelit). Will come with appropriate connectors.

***Do you have them for all of the gauges?
Yes. There will be an option to change your HVAC controls too.

***Are they thin enough to put over the exsiting gauges and not have any problems with the way the gauges read?
Most likely, YES. They are their own light and face in one.

Reomve cluster or at least the bezels.
Pull the pegs and needle.
Remove double stick tape backing.
Center face and apply.
Reapply pegs and needle.
Repeat for the others(Aux guages may be a pain though).
Route wires and connect power supply(box with D/S tape to sick somewhere.

If the power supply burns out(rare) they are inexpensive. Not much else to go wrong.

quote Originally posted by Springtyme: I bought those too!!! I didn't put them on yet though, I'm kinda hazy about pulling the needles off without breaking them... do they really look that good? I'm so excited to put them on now. Also, I wanna get those hyper blue bulbs they sell at the store to make them light up a bluish-white, will that be safe?

Yes and no. In the daytime, they don't look that great. They wrinkle around the edges where the gauges curve up and they don't adhere well around the rivets (you'll end up with bubbles there). However, at night, you don't see that. Only a very nice-looking, brightly-glowing, orange face.

quote Originally posted by Haze_Performance: All Coupes gauges are metal. You would have to convert Coupe gauge's to the SE 85 mph back lit or GT 120 mph back lit. If you keep the stock coupe metal gauge's it might be hard to see the numbers at night..

Haze- I think what Joe was trying to explain, is that the EL paper is it's own source of light- no back or side lighting is required or used!

EL Paper is a layer of Phosphorous encapsulated between two layers of laminate. When an electrical current is passed through the material- it is all lit quite evenly (as noted)

<--- has an "Indiglo" watch that uses the EL technology. The only concern I have guys, is will the phosphorescent eventually "Burn out" or fade over time through normal use?
My watch worked for about 2 years, and eventually the indiglo section quit working. It just faded over time, and now does nothing....

Ok, this is cool, BUT: someone else brought this up earlier in this thread and I believe it went unanswered - will you be able to make some in KPH for us Canadians (or Europeans)?

I'd definitely be interested but not so much if it's only in MPH.

Thanks guys!

------------------

I should be able to create any face... but I wont get around to it until we can get the basic sets rolling & a couple installed to be sure that everything works correctly. But you "metric" types will be included- eventually!

quote Originally posted by Voytek: Ok, this is cool, BUT: someone else brought this up earlier in this thread and I believe it went unanswered - will you be able to make some in KPH for us Canadians (or Europeans)?

Don't worry my Canadian friend...we will make sets for you too

As for the "life" of it...they should last a very long time. Say if you used them 2 hours a day every day, they should last 5-8 years *

*Quote from supplier

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: As for the "life" of it...they should last a very long time. Say if you used them 2 hours a day every day, they should last 5-8 years * *Quote from supplier

Hmmm... you learn something new every day!

DOH!! Sorry guys.. Now I know..

Thanks.

Joe Torma: Those look great! I most definately will want to get a set when you start selling them There is just one question that I have... If you give me the template for your gauges (photoshop, illustrator or whatever else you use) and then I send it back to you modified. Can you make a special one for me I'll even pay you a little extra. But then you could just keep the file after you sold it to me, and post it and have more options if anyone else would want that design.

If this isn't ok I'll just purchase yours, but I would like to have a set made by you with my own graphics.

Oh and can you make them light up blue?

PM me or just post a reply

Thanks!

------------------

dewitt5150@hotmail.com AIM:MAILEDxFIST

quote Originally posted by mailedfist: There is just one question that I have... If you give me the template for your gauges (photoshop, illustrator or whatever else you use) and then I send it back to you modified. Can you make a special one for me I'll even pay you a little extra.

I actually have the design file for the ones shown above... and it's a multi-layer Adobe Illustrator file. I don't have it on the system I'm on right now- but I should be able to email you a ZIP file that would have everything you'll need. And there would be a slight addt'l charge for the custom design... but nothing to break the bank (I'll be more specific when we get all the pricing details sorted out).

That work for 'ya?

I'm new to posting here, but I had to tell you how great I think these gauges are.

I have been considering a set of autometer gauges for my GT, but was not looking forward to the amount of work (not to mention cash) it was going to take to do the work. When they are done I will purchase a set from you to include the HVAC controls, just lemme know.

I don't know if anyone has thought about it yet but do you know how to change the color of the gear selector on the automatics (mine is orange and I think it will clash). I saw someone make a statement about sanding the color off of theback of the pointer needles and painting the color you want. I wonder if that could be done with a translucent paint on the back. Just a thought.

Keep up the good work

------------------
"Are you really the last of the D-D-D-Dodo Birds" - Porky Pig

Welcome to the forum...and thanks for the compliment

Dunno about the selector...I have a stick. Rob?

Thanks Joe! Definately works for me

can they be blue?

I can't wait!!!

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: Unfortunately it seems that many of the new people around here are quick to bash & flame- only annoying those of us who have been into it for a bit longer

UTh oh... I hope I'm not considered one of those.... If thats the case just tell me and I'll leave

quote Originally posted by Springtyme: UTh oh... I hope I'm not considered one of those.... If thats the case just tell me and I'll leave

Springtyme...QUIT FLAMING & BASHING
Just kidding Don't remeber seeing you flame or bash anyone.

I better start a new thread for these custom requests....

Joe or Rob: Do you know if it's possible to make gauges that are white face with black lettering in the day, and black face with blue/green lettering at night? If you can make these, I'll send a MO ASAP! Thanks.

quote Originally posted by fropuff: Joe or Rob: Do you know if it's possible to make gauges that are white face with black lettering in the day, and black face with blue/green lettering at night? If you can make these, I'll send a MO ASAP! Thanks.

Possibly. But you have a choice...not so dark numbers or not so bright numbers.

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: Possibly. But you have a choice...not so dark numbers or not so bright numbers.

I'd say that I would go with the not-so-dark numbers. I think you're talking about the color in the daytime? Right? Thanks.

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: Welcome to the forum...and thanks for the compliment Dunno about the selector...I have a stick. Rob?

Ditto on the welcome... and yes, you should be able to switch the shift selector color the same way (sanding and new paint). I too will try this change when I get around to installing the new gauges & stuff!

Just quick couple of questions...

1) How are the numbers/etc applied? Are they silkscreened on or what (I just want an ideal of what can be done for graphics).

2) Also what colors are available.

Thanks
Tim

quote Originally posted by Mickey_Moose: Just quick couple of questions... 1) How are the numbers/etc applied? Are they silkscreened on or what (I just want an ideal of what can be done for graphics). 2) Also what colors are available. Thanks Tim

Well, lets see...since everyone wants something different, we unfortunately can't spring for a [silk]screen of the faces and mass produce them. So, 90% of them are going to be 1 of a kind! Pretty cool. Hey no other IndigloGuage Mfg offers this!

Rob's faces are High Quality Inkjet printed. If I'm correct, they are UV inks so they wont fade for many years. When the production starts you will contact him (email/pm/ect) with your design ideas. Then he will send the finished face off to me for production. Keep in mind that the light passing through the ink colors, will make them appear murky(the black numbers are nice and bold though), but they will look great when off.

Reverse Face and different colored faces will be mostly handled/made by me. I have to use translucent films to achieve various colors(almost any color you could want!) because the EL colors are limited(I will only be working with blue/green and white, at this point.

Hope this helps

------------------

Visit www.purplefiero.com for Show Dates and Fiero Decals and Stuff!