Are there any gauge overlays out yet?

I'm actually ok with the gauges, but the orange lights aren't really up my alley.... has anyone changed the "color theme" of their interior light yet?

 

AFAIK no one here has posted anything about taking the dash apart to change the lighting.

 

hmm interesting thought... i think it'll look nice

but it might be futile... we'll never be able to change the colour of the trip computer/1st pod

 

I started a thread on the S board several months back where I had intended to do a pretty severe light change for the instrument cluster (with my usual heavy does of increased functionality, user-selectable color schemes changable on the fly, etc.). See the details here...

Mac's Project #2: Upgraded instrument cluster, no need for colored filters

Things are so hectic around here while I get things rolling on the business side (just finished up a rough cut of my business cards tonight, will register my company name/website/etc. in the next couple of days). Once that has settled down, I will be finishing up the code on the footwell light/windscreen control box, then on to the underbody lights. After that, I will consider a project like this, especially since it will work with both the roadster AND coupe....IF there's enough interest in it.

I suggest reading the thread I mentioned above to get an idea of the things I do...

 

i would definitely be interested in something like this.

especially if you would make it look like the new lexus where the light is extrememly white and lights even visably during the daytime.

 

Well, I was just hoping that I could pop some stuff off and solder in a bunch of violet LEDs, and that a bunch of people had done it before (well, I would guess blue LEDs would be more popular, but you know what I mean). The project you speak of sounds pretty involved, but if it was around I'd certainly consider it. For nifty lights that I could switch around, sure, I could pay for that- I'm a nerd when it comes to lights.

But, given that the variable-light project of MacGyver's is on the backburner, my next step is just to try to figure out what the hardest thing to do would be, and see how hard that is (strife points to the first pod light as a problem). Since I would like a purple look to the interior, it wouldn't really work if he stayed orange... plus, I don't know how to get behind the gauges yet to see what it is- white bulb, orange overlay? Orange bulb? Orange LED? I dunno.

I'd be easier if I could just like the orange.

It's a nice orange, at least.

 

When I started taking input on the instrument cluster upgrade project, I wasn't sure exactly how much work would be involved (but I had an idea it wouldn't be a two week thing ). As I spent more time working out the algorithms I realized it was a multi-month project by itself, so it seemed prudent to split it into multiple pieces.

Out of that initial work came the basis for the digital control box I'm currently working on. I had already sold quite a few analog controllers for my windscreen, so I knew there was a continuing market for the screens, but a digital controller would allow for more functionality. The same controller could be used for some footwell lights, so that became my pushing idea. Over 90% of the code that went into the digital controller would be necessary for the instrument cluster upgrade, but by splitting it up this way I could get some new toys in people's hands more quickly than if I had stayed with just the cluster idea.

After a couple months worth of work, I am just a few weeks away from proving the technology out (I'm able to prove it out in pieces, it's just a matter of putting all of the pieces into a cohesive mass). Due to the high demand, I will spend a month or so on a basic underbody kit (which will STILL be better than all kits I've found but one...and that kit costs $900!), but the controller will remain essentially the same. Once that is done, I will be open to suggestions to either pushing a specific project ahead in the line (I'm getting a lot of pressure for my datalogger/guage pack...backlit color LCD, full EUGO pack, etc.), or suggestions from you guys as to new project ideas.

Side note: The logo/business cards look good, I'll try and finish those up today and get them off to the printers. I need to find someone to work on a basic webpage so I can get back to the code, but I just hate giving up creative control like that We'll see...

 

bump

 

Well, yesterday I decided that the only way I was going to figure out how to disassemble the instrument cluster was to just do it so I went ahead and tore it apart (documenting every step with photos). I will be creating a wriet-up on the disassembly in the near future. After tearing it apart I am not sure if it's even possible to replace the gauge face template. Mainly because of the needles. I tried to pull them off and they don't move. I didn't want to break any of them so I didn't pull as hard as I could have. I did peel the face up a little and the amber is part of the face so if you were able to somehow get the needles and face off you could make something else. The Turn signals are plain white bulbs, but there is a green plastic indicator where the gauge faces are. Those could be swapped out relatively easily. I may attempt to pull the needles off again today just to see, but I REALLY don't want to break any of them.

-Chris

 

do not attempt to pull on the needles!!!!!!!!! even if it comes off before it snaps, u'll never be able to put it back to its origional point!!!!!!!!
i've studied this cluster carefully a few times, where its designed not to be tampered with. even the electronic parts are sandwiched between it, so recalabrating the mileage with special devices cannot be used.

 

Alan,

Once again.. THANKS!! I was going to try again when I got home today. Guess I'll cross that off my "to do list".

-Chris

 

well that was a close call chris!

macgyver-
if you ever need a Z for the first install to show people how it's gonna work i'd like to help!

 

Here's a link for you. http://www.elegantwooddesign.com/350zphoto.htm also iptdash.com

 

one more pic.

 

last one

 

Hey FLZ,

Thanks for the link, but we are talking about the actual Instrument cluster overlays (Speedo, Tach, etc). Something like these

-Chris

 

I think Nismo makes an overlay, quite expensive too from what I remember, something like $800.

 

I think its a whole cluster, as it has a higher MPH, and a few other small differences. same color though.

 

Yeah here is the cluster. It's also measured in Km/hr rather than MPH. It goes up to 300 Km/hr (which is about 180 MPH). Jeff@Performance has this on his car. It also changes the digital speedo to Km/hr. I don't think it will be possible to get just the gauge overlay because you cannot remove the needles without breaking them (I've tried).

-Chris