Cluster Modification - Need Help!
#1
Cluster Modification - Need Help!
Hey guys- so I bought an EM1 that came with just a regular EX cluster (which I don't like), so I wanted something different, without breaking the bank. I've been looking EVERYWHERE for a cluster from a manual CRV, but those things are super hard to find for less than $150. So I finally broke down and bought a CRV cluster from an automatic. It plugs'n'plays just like a manual cluster would, except it has the gear indicator on the right side...
I picked the cluster up for $30, and I know that the fuel/oil temp guage from a CRV is easy to find, so I didn't mind testing on the one I bought..
Here's my first attempt to get rid of the gear indicator:
That got rid of the light holes, but now I still had the "P, R, D, 2, 1" on the FRONT of the gauge, as well as the white box around them.. So here's what I did next.
My original plan was to use a small strip of matte black adhesive vinyl (stuff they make window decals out of) to cover the gear indicator, but I didn't have any on hand and I'm very impatient. I plan to get another fuel/oil gauge and try it again.
Before I try this again, is there anything I should know, or any tips you may have?
The finished product looks alright when its in a shadow, or at night.
But whenever there's light shining on it, it looks like this....
I picked the cluster up for $30, and I know that the fuel/oil temp guage from a CRV is easy to find, so I didn't mind testing on the one I bought..
Here's my first attempt to get rid of the gear indicator:
- Took the AT light component off of the back of the cluster
- pulled the fuel/oil guage out of the cluster
- used a black paint marker to blacken the holes that the lights shine through
That got rid of the light holes, but now I still had the "P, R, D, 2, 1" on the FRONT of the gauge, as well as the white box around them.. So here's what I did next.
- Used brake cleaner on a rag (closest thing in reach) - obviously way too strong
- It took off the paint, as well as the matte black behind it, leaving glossy black
- I switched to a little gasoline on a rag to finish taking off the indicator letters.
- did the same thing, took too much off.
- In desperation to fix my mistake, I used the black paint marker to color in where I had used the gasoline
- In the dark garage where I was doing this, the black marker looked good, so I went ahead and colored in the remainder of the guage.
- took the cluster outside, and noticed that it looked like s##t.
My original plan was to use a small strip of matte black adhesive vinyl (stuff they make window decals out of) to cover the gear indicator, but I didn't have any on hand and I'm very impatient. I plan to get another fuel/oil gauge and try it again.
Before I try this again, is there anything I should know, or any tips you may have?
The finished product looks alright when its in a shadow, or at night.
But whenever there's light shining on it, it looks like this....
#4
Re: Cluster Modification - Need Help!
pipe down, ******
#7
Re: Cluster Modification - Need Help!
Now that I have my new Si cluster (thanks to 2LEM1) I don't need my CR-V cluster (pictured above). I have it listed on eBay. If you're interested, just search for "manual Cr-v cluster". It's starting price is $29.99.
Trending Topics
#8
Re: Cluster Modification - Need Help!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
luvmihatch
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
4
06-14-2008 09:36 PM