garykf16

I'm redoing all of the bulbs in my car, decided to switch over to LEDs in all the fixtures, and I've been trying to figure out how many bulbs are in the gauge cluster that light up behind the tach, speedo, temp & fuel gauges? Had the thing apart a few years ago to dust out behind the bezel lens, but never really paid attention to counting them! I found out they're #74's that twist-lock into the circuit board with sockets.

My car's a '95 Civic LX w/automatic, no ABS, no VTEC. I've decided to switch from the standard bulbs to a blue LED illumination behind the gauge cluster. Been looking around and found what I think are some really nice LEDs (not the wanna-be LEDs behind a magnifier lens! - gimme a break!).

http://www.v-leds.com/

I decided on these to use for the blue gauge illumination:

http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/G...98444-1-2.html

Give me your opinions on this. I also need to know how many a Civic gauge cluster takes. Has anybody tried V-Leds before? They look like they're quality. Not cheep, but you usually get what u pay for.

deoexmacchina

I did this I have to take some pics. I am pretty sure you need 5 for the gauge cluster and 2 for the climate controls. The climate controls are 24s I think.

I am not sure what the bright blue incandescent bulbs look like but I think they might be better. They spread the light better than leds do. I have the ultra brights from auto-lumination.com and there are still small areas where it is not as bright on the cluster.

I think the only pros are that they will last longer then the regular wire filament type and its a pain to take the cluster out so it saves you some hassle. They also pull less current and give off a lot less heat. Plus ur friends will just be like wow its blue. If you like it than go for it dude. Remember LEDs have a + and - side so they only work one way and if there is no diode on the 'led bulb' and you put the in backwards they will break.

PatrickGSR94

iTrader: (1)

LED = light-emitting diode. It is a diode itself. Usually if it doesn't light up you can just flip it around and it will work fine.

deoexmacchina

so you have used LEDs as diodes in electronics before?

Do not put them in backwards. 12 volts going the wrong way for a minute and smoke will come out of it. a few seconds can still damage the element inside.

PatrickGSR94

iTrader: (1)

No I have not used them as diodes. But I have accidentally put LED wedge bulbs in backwards before and it did not work. Flipped it around and it worked fine.

LS Vtec 94

I wanna see the pics.

deoexmacchina

for the op

garykf16

That looks REALLY nice! That's exactly the look and color I'm doing on mine. Placed my order for everything the other day, will have them in a couple of days. Can't wait!
I went ahead and pulled the gauges out to check how they are laid out and took photos, wanted to document everything before 'n' after. Check out my Instructable here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/1995..._Apart_amp_Cl/

Other maintenance & stuff coming up includes 2 new General Altimax HP 185/60R14 tires:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=Altimax+HP

along with fresh pads:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...B218F583_Qty=1

and rotors!

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...an&make=Brembo

Last but not least, freshen up the interior with some new carpeting (the driver's side is ragged thru lookin' rough):

http://www.stockinteriors.com/ShowCo...asp?ColorId=43

All this should keep me busy for some time, I'll try and post up some photos as things progress. Always great when you have the chance to DIY and play with new stuff!

deoexmacchina

gl man.