True Ice Blue / Red caps for the clusters !!
10-01-03, 03:01 PM
#362
Pole Position
"One" the green and white is looking good...i think im near my final decision...lol
10-03-03, 07:11 PM
#363
Keeper of the light
Thread Starter
iTrader: (17)
Following the tutorial about whats inside the clusters and the problems from the factory, here's what i have done to get rid of those problems.
My latest creation is the SMD's. Everyone has been asking me how to build them. I'm not sure if you know the scope of the project. Let's go through why i say don't try it unless you have a lot of experience. First, the SMD's are 1.5mm in size. You could fit 8 of them inside the center of a cheerio. Second, you must find a way to connect them, and nothing on the market is made in that size as far as connectors. Third, you have to know why you are assembling them the way you are. just adding or removing one of them can cause a dramatic change in current or voltage and will alter the needle's stability, when in testing i had them literally blow into pieces before i got it right.
The original problem of the contact separating under heat because of the plastic was eliminated by making an all custom aluminum frame that is half as thin as a toothpick. By having an all aluminum frame, heat will never be a factor. The second improvement was to use an odd number of SMD's to bring the operating voltage down below the average voltage by as much as 1 full volt. This means they are ran so lightly that i have placed an expected lifespan of INFINITE on them. With a bulletproof aluminum frame, and an operating voltage that keeps them at room temprature, i'll go on record as saying they are indestructable.
I've included a few pics of a SMD stack being built. Hopefully if anyone has the cahones to try it, this will help.
My latest creation is the SMD's. Everyone has been asking me how to build them. I'm not sure if you know the scope of the project. Let's go through why i say don't try it unless you have a lot of experience. First, the SMD's are 1.5mm in size. You could fit 8 of them inside the center of a cheerio. Second, you must find a way to connect them, and nothing on the market is made in that size as far as connectors. Third, you have to know why you are assembling them the way you are. just adding or removing one of them can cause a dramatic change in current or voltage and will alter the needle's stability, when in testing i had them literally blow into pieces before i got it right.
The original problem of the contact separating under heat because of the plastic was eliminated by making an all custom aluminum frame that is half as thin as a toothpick. By having an all aluminum frame, heat will never be a factor. The second improvement was to use an odd number of SMD's to bring the operating voltage down below the average voltage by as much as 1 full volt. This means they are ran so lightly that i have placed an expected lifespan of INFINITE on them. With a bulletproof aluminum frame, and an operating voltage that keeps them at room temprature, i'll go on record as saying they are indestructable.
I've included a few pics of a SMD stack being built. Hopefully if anyone has the cahones to try it, this will help.
10-08-03, 06:11 AM
#366
Hey OLT,
What do you think about Tweak Monster light strips for the A/C unit.
http://www.tweakmonster.com/products/lightstrip_page1.htm
Have you messed around with this stuff. Looks like it would work perfect for fitting it behind the LCD display on the climate unit. They say you can cut the strips down to size, and also appears to have a uniform lighting source.
The only concern I see is the light intensity. Does not look to be too bright. I think I am going to order a strip and test it out.
LexusBiz
What do you think about Tweak Monster light strips for the A/C unit.
http://www.tweakmonster.com/products/lightstrip_page1.htm
Have you messed around with this stuff. Looks like it would work perfect for fitting it behind the LCD display on the climate unit. They say you can cut the strips down to size, and also appears to have a uniform lighting source.
The only concern I see is the light intensity. Does not look to be too bright. I think I am going to order a strip and test it out.
LexusBiz
10-08-03, 01:03 PM
#367
Lexus Test Driver
OLT, those pics you've been wanting.
As promised, here are pics of my work in progress:
Buttons changed to red, Eclipse HU installed. I wish the camera showed the AC buttons better. In real life the HU and AC buttons match in color and intensity very well.
Same thing, different angle.
Console buttons and gear indicator in red.
Emerald's contoured filler panel, smooth texture. To the average Joe, it looks like a stock piece. Matches the ash tray cover below perfectly in color and texture. Cuts easily with a rotary tool.
Just thought I'd throw in a picture of my original, unmolested cluster. All bulbs and needles work perfectly. Not bad for an 8 year old car. Still, I'm planning on a color change anyway. Now, if I could get bulbs in my house to last 8 years....
Buttons changed to red, Eclipse HU installed. I wish the camera showed the AC buttons better. In real life the HU and AC buttons match in color and intensity very well.
Same thing, different angle.
Console buttons and gear indicator in red.
Emerald's contoured filler panel, smooth texture. To the average Joe, it looks like a stock piece. Matches the ash tray cover below perfectly in color and texture. Cuts easily with a rotary tool.
Just thought I'd throw in a picture of my original, unmolested cluster. All bulbs and needles work perfectly. Not bad for an 8 year old car. Still, I'm planning on a color change anyway. Now, if I could get bulbs in my house to last 8 years....
Last edited by rushgator; 10-08-03 at 01:06 PM.
10-08-03, 04:05 PM
#369
Lexus Champion
Re: OLT, those pics you've been wanting.
Originally posted by rushgator2112
Just thought I'd throw in a picture of my original, unmolested cluster. All bulbs and needles work perfectly. Not bad for an 8 year old car. Still, I'm planning on a color change anyway. Now, if I could get bulbs in my house to last 8 years....
Just thought I'd throw in a picture of my original, unmolested cluster. All bulbs and needles work perfectly. Not bad for an 8 year old car. Still, I'm planning on a color change anyway. Now, if I could get bulbs in my house to last 8 years....
Last edited by TGRich; 10-08-03 at 04:06 PM.
10-08-03, 10:02 PM
#372
Keeper of the light
Thread Starter
iTrader: (17)
would you like to front up the $125 in parts? lol. you know i do this stuff out of my own pocket, right? 
I want to do it but i blew a few grand on my car for my birthday so give me a few days to recooperate, k?
I want to do it but i blew a few grand on my car for my birthday so give me a few days to recooperate, k?
10-09-03, 10:01 AM
#375
Lexus Test Driver
Re: Filler panel
Originally posted by cda888
I probably missed it, but where did you get the filler panel?
I probably missed it, but where did you get the filler panel?
From picture caption:
Emerald's contoured filler panel, smooth texture. To the average Joe, it looks like a stock piece. Matches the ash tray cover below perfectly in color and texture. Cuts easily with a rotary tool.
Here is where you find it:
http://www.importtoys.com/pimp/lexus...stomSCdash.htm