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Blue me...


strang3majik
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First...I want to thank serpentkilla for giving me the quick run through, and letting me witness his blue lighted stuff :)

and, Austin88ESIR for some of the pics, and for the general idea on this how to :thumbsup:

 

Even though our cars are different already, I just had a want to make it even more so. Being tired of the dated orange lighting scheme, and already having the blue Mookeh Gauges, I decided to attack the clock and HVAC controls. As a bonus, I dug into a junkyard radio to find out how to change its colors, while I havent done it to mine yet...I have pics for a how to (on my radio anyway)

 

Before we get started, I want to let you know, I am open to any questions about any steps, because, this is a lot to type, and I may not have elaborated on something :) PM me and I will answer you and add it in here.

 

Oh...and sorry for the bookoo big pictures...

 

Okay...to start, lets go with the basic needs for all three projects.

- Both small and medium phillips and a small flat head screwdriver

- I used the http://www.beyonddarwin.com/starion/intlightingpics/LEDstrip.jpg (but blue) Leds (got at Autozone)

- soldering iron

- electrical tape

- dremel tool

- transparent tape/plastic pieces (in desired color)

- and no fear :)

 

CLOCK

Alright...lets start with the easiest, being the clock. I used 1 blue LED strip, and that was plenty. Once you remove it from the dash, pull the face off...leaving you with this.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0224.jpg

then...pull the LCD and brown board out of the back casing (pull straight out)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0225.jpg

remove the bulb, and run your wires through from the front through the bulb hole for the LEDs...being sure to remember, positive is the side closest to the computer chip...also, remove the 2 sided tape off the LED strip so it will fit for later

http://www.beyonddarwin.com/starion/intlightingpics/newwiresolder.jpg

now, solder the wires as seen above, and pull the wires completly through to the back leaving an inch or so in the front with the LED...also, put electrical tape over the soldering so no shorting with the back board occurs. (as seen below)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0231.jpg

Now, put the board and LCD back in place in the backing, and then, place the LED strip face down on the top of the clock LCD wires, and securing it with electrical tape, as below.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0235.jpg

Once it is secured, replace the face, gently fitting it over the LEDs, making sure tabs are all clicked in...install, and enjoy. Blue is very visible, both night and day. Also, this process is the same, regardless of color choice.

END

 

HVAC Controls

I did this successfully with the 88-89 controls....however, the 87-prior controls I am unsure of with the silver buttons if the button color changing is any different. So, just a warning.

 

Heres the fun one. While I didn't change the button color to blue (I chose red), it requires simply soldering in your color choice LEDs, and the remainder of the steps Ill show you.

 

First, lets get rid of that crappy orange in the LCD. I used 1 LED strip, I recommend 2 for this to have better brightness....either way, its still okay.

Remove the HVAC controls, and then, take the four screws out of the upper computer chip. Pull it straight out, also, removing both bulbs, and screws that are underneath the plastic.

(these screws and bulbs seen in the center)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0212.jpg

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0209.jpg

now, here comes the part that brought most stress to me, but then turned out to be easy. (If you want red, you may skip this step)

Take the LCD, and place a small flathead gently between the glass and white plastic, and twisting it gently.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0213.jpg

once you break the glue, gently peel the plastic away from the LCD (make sure screws and bulbs are removed)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0215.jpg

Here, you will see the culprit. The little jerk that took me forever to find

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0217.jpg

Remove that orange little thing and throw it away, or keep it as a trophy to show you were brave enough to do this mod :)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0218.jpg

Now that you have the white plastic piece out, it will make the next part easier, but, if you are going red, you can leave the plastic in and do this.

With your dremel, cut between the two white holes. I exagerrated it by accident, so just kept going, however, it should look some what similair to this.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0243.jpg

or, if you take your time and do it perfect, something like this

http://www.beyonddarwin.com/starion/intlightingpics/acLED1.jpg

Now place a LED strip over the open space, and secure it with electrical tape. As seen in all my ugly skillessness below

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0241.jpg

If you decide to use 2 LED strips, do the same cutting method on the other side of the plastic, and perform the same task, however, be sure to make the LEDs flush with the plastic and cover it completely with tape for it has to fit below the LCD wires.

http://www.beyonddarwin.com/starion/intlightingpics/acLED3.jpg

Now, tape all remaining holes in the plastic up so that light doesnt escape. Now, carefully reinstall your plastic piece, and time to solder.

Sorry for the blurry pic and crappy soldering, but, solder each LED strip to the Light bulb terminals...keep in mind, Positive is towards the bottom of the board, or nearest the plug/wires coming out of the bottom. Negative is nearest the LCD pins.

I only used one LED, so, only one was soldered

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0240.jpg

Now, tape the solder job up, and your LCD just pulled a Michael Jackson :)

 

- Now, the BUTTONS

This part is fairly simple for changing to red, for blue, you must solder LEDs and remove the filter which I will show.

 

Take all the scres out of the main board on the HVAC controls...pull it gently straight out so not to bend any of the LEDs (these light up when each option is selectred in the corner)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0247.jpg

Now, gently take a flat screwdriver, and put on the end of the clear plastic piece behind the buttons, and gently pry...it should open like a door.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0249.jpg

Now, gently (so not to break the holders), pull the clear plastic piece away from the hinge towards the top of the button hole, and remove it.

You may gently pry the plastic orange piece away from the clear (NO NEED IF YOU WANT RED), and you will be left with this.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0251.jpg

If you want red, no need to remove the above piece as I said, but, find some transparent plastic in your desired color, and place between the clear plastic and the button face, and put it back in. (Only works with red)

 

Now...if you want a different color, time to use some laquer thinner and remove that orange paint from the filter...it will come out clear...get some transparent paint and paint it your desired hue...

That along with your different colored LEDs should leave it the desired color.

So, now, reinstall the motherboard gently, and straight on, then, follow that up with your LCD. And the HVAC controls are in your hue :)

END

 

Thanks, and hope I was of help.

If you have any further questions or are just wondering more about a step, as I said...PM me so I can add more detail.

 

strang3milk

 

EDIT: I will add the radio separate...didn't know there was a limit on image linking. :rolleyes:

Edited by strang3majik
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RADIO

Now, for the horrid random green Mitsu radio. I have yet to do this to mine to see how it looks, however, using a junkyard radio I got, I disassembled to see how.

my radio...all should be similair

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0258.jpg

 

First, remove the face of the radio by removing the screws, and pulling straight out after pushing in the tabs.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0259.jpg

remove the screws in the board, remove to find light bulbs with what I like to call...Bulb Condoms :)

Get rid of them to rid yourseld of green...or find some way to make the bulbs/bulb condoms a different color

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0261.jpg

 

Now...moving on to the CD player...same thing

remove the face

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0263.jpg

These do not require removing the board...just twist and remove the bulbs, rid the bulb condoms...and, do whatever you did to make them the desired color, and reinstall...and put back together.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/strang3majik/PICT0265.jpg

Easy as that...As I said, I haven't yet done this, and am going to wait til I really want to remove the radio to do it...so...its untried, however, I beileve thats all there is to it.

END

 

:)

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The end result on the HVAC controls, clock, and with the MK1 gauges, should look about like this.

 

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t134/d0d63r4m/0120092305a.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t134/d0d63r4m/0120092306d.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t134/d0d63r4m/0120092306b.jpg

 

Ill add more as I change more :)

Edited by strang3majik
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http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t134/d0d63r4m/0120092306d.jpg

 

Get a piece of frosted plastic from a file folder and put it between the bulbs and the display to diffuse the bulb pattern and even out the light to the numbers. You may have to double up to get the right effect.

 

JR

 

EDIT: if I remember right from when I did something similar a few years ago, there is a diffuser with the orange tint film.

Edited by jolyrgr
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Get a piece of frosted plastic from a file folder and put it between the bulbs and the display to diffuse the bulb pattern and even out the light to the numbers. You may have to double up to get the right effect.

 

JR

 

theres one in it already...but, it does need another.

 

But, I think if you used 2 strips, and put one facing down and the other up...itd be fine, and brighter. Though, at night it is plenty bright.

 

 

Also...figured Id add...1500 miles with all this stuff and no problems yet

(ie - shorting out, catching fire, blowing fuses, blowing up...lol)

Edited by strang3majik
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  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...
figured Id bump this, since I had a question or two about it.

 

Going for the full facial now :) , with changing all the orange writing.

Ive found that the orange on the platic buttons pop right off with a pen knife..

Also there is plenty of transparent colored vinyl on Evilbay ,so a led would not be needed..

http://home.comcast.net/~dasgunner/AcController.jpg

Also don`t bother popping out the fresh air button the orange has to stay... :mad:

Edited by DasGunner
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Ive found that the orange on the platic buttons pop right off with a pen knife..

Also there is plenty of transparent colored vinyl on Evilbay ,so a led would not be needed..

http://home.comcast.net/~dasgunner/AcController.jpg

Also don`t bother popping out the fresh air button the orange has to stay... :mad:

 

you could do that...won't be very bright though. And...if you were going for red, put a red LED behind the fresh air light, itll glow red. :)

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  • 2 weeks later...
you could do that...won't be very bright though. And...if you were going for red, put a red LED behind the fresh air light, itll glow red. :)

Ok added Blue LED`s behind the blue transparent vinyl ,looks much brighter in person the cam doesn`t do it justice...

http://home.comcast.net/~dasgunner/AcController1.jpg

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...
On mine I used some clear, color file folders from hobby lobby and Radio Shack LEDS (cheaper then VatoZone). Its not real hard. The hardest part is pulling the display apart with out cracking and ruining it.
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I'm going to agree with removing the orange lens. It is a little scary because you can almost feel as if it going to crack when prying open. The idea of adding the bar led is nice but it's just too much and not necessary. this is all you have to do:

 

1. Remove orange filter

2. Replace bulb with Led (your choice of color)

3. Wrap a piece of foil around the Led so it reflects back into the plastic

4. Put it back together and you'll have the same effect with less work and no modification at all. take a look a my picture. Don't mind that you can't see the numbers...it's just a bad picture shot but you get the idea.

 

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