starfyrels

iTrader: (2)

So, I got tired of my cluster lights being so dim. After a few years cold cathode doesn't really hold up well.

I thought about just buying the cathodes from lexus; but as with most parts -- you cant buy just the bulbs.

In the meantime I've been trying to source a cluster for the longest with low mileage to match my car. That's been a mission thats still being sought out.

So, I decided to jump into it. So far everything is working fine:



Ignore the brightness and blue hue; my iphone does a great job of taking pictures.

I just need to get the inner piece/bezel cut in lexan, so that its bright i.e. translucent. The Reference pic below:



83811-30390 Genuine Lexus PLATE, COMBINATION METER, NO.1


Anyone know where I can get lexan precision cut? I tried a couple of shops I deal with any everyone says that I would have to take my time and precision cut it with a sharp blade or x-acto kit. I don't want to spend time doing this if I can avoid it.

LiLS

iTrader: (7)

cant help ya but that looks awesomeee

OT0814

iTrader: (4)

yo where in florida are you? I want this done in my car. Im in tampa by the way

starfyrels

iTrader: (2)

I pmed you.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

When I have to precision cut plexi/lexan, I use my angle grinder for the initial cut then use a dremel tool for the precision shaping. its just melts/cuts right off. The melted part just sticks right back on, but snaps right off with fingers or pliers and leaves no mark.


also, arent the bulbs just the t5 or t3 bulbs? Do some searching, people on here have done this light bulb mod PLENTY of times so you wont have to go through all this work.

starfyrels

iTrader: (2)

I dont know about 01+ models, and from the parts diagrams I've perused there are no bulbs. You might be mistaken for the center console/radio areas.

I know for a fact that 98-00 are all cold cathode.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

They're all ccfl's. but people found more efficient ways to convert them.

starfyrels

iTrader: (2)

Um, thats what I did. lol. Its just that I didn't want to destroy any part of the cluster at all so I figured out there was a smarter way to mount the bulbs. It involves creating a new sandwhich plate of sorts between the meters and the front shell, hence the lexan needed.

I'm gonna try the dremel this weekend or next.