Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 12-30-2010, 05:37 PM
pooleo pooleo is offline
Ban Survivor. (x2)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,764
Default Stock Gauge LED mod.

Ok guys, I started to work on the stock gauge cluster. I am modding it over to use LED. I got really excited about the first one I did, that was just a quickie. This one is going to be the best one ever!

I started with my stock black tach cluster. Used the dremel with a sanding disc to clean it up.




Next, I marked out were the leds will go, I am drilling and installing them right into the plastic of the cluster. This will provide a perfect EVEN look. No light spots/dark spots.



I have a Dremel drill press that works very well for this. I drilled them about half way thru the plastic. Then superglued them in.



Here are half of the LED's wired up.



LED powerd up.



And with the cluster on:



----------

The LEDs are brighter on camera, but they are not "that" bright, besides they can be dimmed down with the stock dimmer!
__________________
1999 | Ext. Cab | 4.0 | 4x4 | 4.10's
Quote:
A Gladiator does not fear death. He embraces it. Caresses it. Fucks it. Each time he enters the arena, he slips his c0ck in the mouth of the beast, and prays to thrust home before the jaws snap shut. - Oenomaus
Ball Joints/Upper A-Arms How To
Replace Door pin/bushing
Repair broken dome light tabs
VIDEO OHC Install
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:29 PM
pooleo pooleo is offline
Ban Survivor. (x2)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,764
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Got the tach/speedo done. Here is a pic of it wired. Lights on. And with overlays back on.





I ran 19 LEDs on this part. I have 9 hooked together and a set of 10 hooked together. I think I am going to make a quick connect block that will have one end soldered to the board were the 194's are. This way the LED's will just be able to plug in and if the gauge ever has to come out of the cluster for any reason, they will be able to be seperated.

I might consider building these up and selling them if you guys are interested.

I am going to be changing the turn signals to blue, icons on the gauges will be red. Speed control will be red or blue. 4x4 lights will be red.
__________________
1999 | Ext. Cab | 4.0 | 4x4 | 4.10's
Quote:
A Gladiator does not fear death. He embraces it. Caresses it. Fucks it. Each time he enters the arena, he slips his c0ck in the mouth of the beast, and prays to thrust home before the jaws snap shut. - Oenomaus
Ball Joints/Upper A-Arms How To
Replace Door pin/bushing
Repair broken dome light tabs
VIDEO OHC Install
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:45 PM
Jp7 Jp7 is offline
DISABLE ADBLOCK: LOLZ
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,471
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pooleo View Post
Got the tach/speedo done. Here is a pic of it wired. Lights on. And with overlays back on.





I ran 19 LEDs on this part. I have 9 hooked together and a set of 10 hooked together. I think I am going to make a quick connect block that will have one end soldered to the board were the 194's are. This way the LED's will just be able to plug in and if the gauge ever has to come out of the cluster for any reason, they will be able to be seperated.

I might consider building these up and selling them if you guys are interested.

I am going to be changing the turn signals to blue, icons on the gauges will be red. Speed control will be red or blue. 4x4 lights will be red.
This is an evolution in approach for the method of turning your gauges to LED.

My tips.

Don't use the superflux style. They are not meant for gauges. They are meant for exterior lighting. The whole idea is to place the silicone off the surface so they can cool better. You want SMT design, low current - high angle LEDs.

I would use nothing bigger than a 5050. Get the biggest angle you can, and space them as far back as you can from the clear plastic.

If you don't want to use circuitboards you can use the strips like I did for that same cluster and it will be much easier than glueing them to the clear like that. See my 2003 cluster thread for tons of ideas to save you design work and testing.
__________________
Looking for a professional retrofitter to add HIDs or LEDs to your Ranger? PM me if your looking to have work done, and have cash to spend.

Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
I'm dying to see this at night. Someone go tell the sun to give up already.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beef08 View Post
Your the man, you bring our dreams to a reality within the lighting spectrum
Quote:
Originally Posted by BCobe View Post
Jp7 you always do AMAZING work! Hats off to you sir
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
People so often confuse "hating" with "knowing better".

Last edited by Jp7; 12-30-2010 at 07:48 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:46 PM
DiabloBlanco DiabloBlanco is offline
Get Lifted.
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,402
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Thinking about selling another?
__________________
YZ the way to be!
The Brotherhood!

Mods to come: Camburg entry 6.0 system. FiberwerkX Fenders and bedsides. Tube bumper.
R.I.P. Jeff Ashton. 1992-2011
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:54 PM
Jp7 Jp7 is offline
DISABLE ADBLOCK: LOLZ
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,471
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DiabloBlanco View Post
Thinking about selling another?
2005's have a different cluster.
__________________
Looking for a professional retrofitter to add HIDs or LEDs to your Ranger? PM me if your looking to have work done, and have cash to spend.

Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
I'm dying to see this at night. Someone go tell the sun to give up already.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beef08 View Post
Your the man, you bring our dreams to a reality within the lighting spectrum
Quote:
Originally Posted by BCobe View Post
Jp7 you always do AMAZING work! Hats off to you sir
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
People so often confuse "hating" with "knowing better".
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:54 PM
DiabloBlanco DiabloBlanco is offline
Get Lifted.
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,402
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jp7 View Post
2005's have a different cluster.
well thats a bitch.
__________________
YZ the way to be!
The Brotherhood!

Mods to come: Camburg entry 6.0 system. FiberwerkX Fenders and bedsides. Tube bumper.
R.I.P. Jeff Ashton. 1992-2011
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:58 PM
Jp7 Jp7 is offline
DISABLE ADBLOCK: LOLZ
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,471
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DiabloBlanco View Post
well thats a bitch.
Not really, I've done both of them and I like the 2004+'s much more.

Stay tuned I'll have a circuit board for sale soon (eventually) for sale that you can just pop in and "whala" all LED, perfectly smooth, bright, vivid results.
__________________
Looking for a professional retrofitter to add HIDs or LEDs to your Ranger? PM me if your looking to have work done, and have cash to spend.

Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
I'm dying to see this at night. Someone go tell the sun to give up already.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beef08 View Post
Your the man, you bring our dreams to a reality within the lighting spectrum
Quote:
Originally Posted by BCobe View Post
Jp7 you always do AMAZING work! Hats off to you sir
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
People so often confuse "hating" with "knowing better".
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:59 PM
DiabloBlanco DiabloBlanco is offline
Get Lifted.
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,402
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jp7 View Post
Not really, I've done both of them and I like the 2004+'s much more.

Stay tuned I'll have a circuit board for sale soon (eventually) for sale that you can just pop in and "whala" all LED, perfectly smooth, bright, vivid results.
I will definitely pick one of those up for my truck. I cant wait.
__________________
YZ the way to be!
The Brotherhood!

Mods to come: Camburg entry 6.0 system. FiberwerkX Fenders and bedsides. Tube bumper.
R.I.P. Jeff Ashton. 1992-2011
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-30-2010, 09:48 PM
buggman buggman is offline
Do not touch the trim!
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,022
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

This is probably a dumb question, but have you hooked them up in the truck with it running yet?

Just asking because your voltage will be higher when it's running than when idle or off & it may create excess heat in your resistors... last thing you want is to melt all your work.

A 7812 12v regulator & heat sink will give you a steady 12v (sure you already know this) but you might need to use a couple if your LED's are going to be pulling more than 1.5 amps total.

I like the light output!!
Don't forget to sand the coloring from around each needle hole opening too

I might have done it a little differently... maybe cut some Plexiglas "PCB's" to mount the LED's to & mount them in the cluster body so you wouldn't need to drill into the clear pod & they'd be removable if you decide you want to change colors later... looks like your idea is workin' pretty well though

You're gonna force me to start modding my extra cluster now darnit!
__________________
'96 XLT, 4.0L, 4x4 Auto, Super Cab, K&N Filter, Dual Exhaust, 200a Alt, Clear Corners, BUGGMAN LED's, Expo Power Seats & Console, LED modded '01 Tails

Need LED's? Send me a PM
LINKS... Click 'em - - -> BUGGMAN PICS - - -BUGGMAN'S YouTube Channel - - -BUGGMAN'S FaceBook
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-30-2010, 11:17 PM
pooleo pooleo is offline
Ban Survivor. (x2)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,764
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

^^^ I have everything set to 14.7 volt. Thats the highest my truck runs. Eehh, if it fails it fails, I dont care, just playing around with it!

Did you get those things ok...?
__________________
1999 | Ext. Cab | 4.0 | 4x4 | 4.10's
Quote:
A Gladiator does not fear death. He embraces it. Caresses it. Fucks it. Each time he enters the arena, he slips his c0ck in the mouth of the beast, and prays to thrust home before the jaws snap shut. - Oenomaus
Ball Joints/Upper A-Arms How To
Replace Door pin/bushing
Repair broken dome light tabs
VIDEO OHC Install
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12-30-2010, 11:42 PM
pooleo pooleo is offline
Ban Survivor. (x2)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,764
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

I got all the main LEDs in tonight!

Here is a pic. I know the 6 on the tach is not blue, this is cause it is red, its from an explorer.



Tomaro I will work on the indicator lights.
__________________
1999 | Ext. Cab | 4.0 | 4x4 | 4.10's
Quote:
A Gladiator does not fear death. He embraces it. Caresses it. Fucks it. Each time he enters the arena, he slips his c0ck in the mouth of the beast, and prays to thrust home before the jaws snap shut. - Oenomaus
Ball Joints/Upper A-Arms How To
Replace Door pin/bushing
Repair broken dome light tabs
VIDEO OHC Install
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-31-2010, 12:05 AM
Clinton Clinton is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 14,046
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Awesome work man! I like it alot dude!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-31-2010, 11:53 AM
buggman buggman is offline
Do not touch the trim!
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,022
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pooleo View Post
^^^ I have everything set to 14.7 volt. Thats the highest my truck runs. Eehh, if it fails it fails, I dont care, just playing around with it!

Did you get those things ok...?
Yea, I totally forgot to thank you for 'em.

Are you going to use blue for the "idiot lights" too or use the same color led's as the OEM filters?
__________________
'96 XLT, 4.0L, 4x4 Auto, Super Cab, K&N Filter, Dual Exhaust, 200a Alt, Clear Corners, BUGGMAN LED's, Expo Power Seats & Console, LED modded '01 Tails

Need LED's? Send me a PM
LINKS... Click 'em - - -> BUGGMAN PICS - - -BUGGMAN'S YouTube Channel - - -BUGGMAN'S FaceBook
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12-31-2010, 12:10 PM
pooleo pooleo is offline
Ban Survivor. (x2)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,764
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

^^^Im using blue led for all indicator except seat belt, battery, check fuel, those will be red. things like abs, check engine, will be stock.
__________________
1999 | Ext. Cab | 4.0 | 4x4 | 4.10's
Quote:
A Gladiator does not fear death. He embraces it. Caresses it. Fucks it. Each time he enters the arena, he slips his c0ck in the mouth of the beast, and prays to thrust home before the jaws snap shut. - Oenomaus
Ball Joints/Upper A-Arms How To
Replace Door pin/bushing
Repair broken dome light tabs
VIDEO OHC Install
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12-31-2010, 12:21 PM
beef08 beef08 is offline
Oh Yup!
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,695
Default Re: Stock Gauge LED mod.

i like the approach and looks really really good man
__________________
"I thought this was America!"-Randy Marsh

2003 fx4 4.10, maxed tbars, 5000k HIDS 3157 silverstar bulbs, expo ohc, alons mag light holder, 06+ tails, throttle cable mod, air box mod
360tag:BEEFS7A7US
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale: L1224R LED tail light conversion kit: much better than stock! (IL) Jp7 Exterior Parts 54 11-09-2011 10:41 PM
white gauge LED mod - BLUE pooleo Interior Tech 27 04-24-2011 12:54 AM
Fourliter Dan's CB/ LED gauge install stephen.g.fiddes Project Logs 32 09-23-2010 08:40 PM
LED Gauge? Mike Interior Tech 9 04-17-2010 05:10 AM
trimmed my bumper and did the gauge mod Superlifted06FX4 Vehicle Snapshots 15 10-03-2009 03:18 PM