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:

1. Took the AT light component off of the back of the cluster
2. pulled the fuel/oil guage out of the cluster
3. 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.

1. Used brake cleaner on a rag (closest thing in reach) - obviously way too strong
2. It took off the paint, as well as the matte black behind it, leaving glossy black
3. I switched to a little gasoline on a rag to finish taking off the indicator letters.
4. did the same thing, took too much off.
5. In desperation to fix my mistake, I used the black paint marker to color in where I had used the gasoline
6. 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.
7. 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....

 

Buy a real EM1 cluster. It's much nicer having the RPM gauge actually match the motor instead of redlining at 6750. I'll sell you one for $150.

 

^ If you're serious I may just pick it up from you if this clown doesn't buy it...

 

PM Me, thanks.


pipe down, ******

 

LOL, lot's of interest. I'll PM you if he doesn't buy it Shinsen

 

Just lookin' out bruh

 

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.

 

fckdat. got an LS cluster over here w/ the LS-V. love it when that thing goes deep into the red.