DIY Change LEDs in Speed/Tach Gauge

[MikeMoach]

Originally Posted by Rhyder

ya I bought an extra guage assy off one of the members here, going to try this myself, just am curious if I can use any old iron or if I need an adjustable one, and if so how low a setting....

I didn't use one with a control setting just be careful and take your time, don't get frustrated if you don't get it the 1st time

This thread is loaded with info and if you have any more questions I and I'm sure the others will help the best we can

[Rhyder]

thx, I got my red LED's in, i have a regular just plug it in solder iron, just cant find my solder removing sucky thingie, going to get another one, think Ill try this on my spare cluster this weekend maybe.

[572HP]

Originally Posted by Rhyder

thx, I got my red LED's in, i have a regular just plug it in solder iron, just cant find my solder removing sucky thingie, going to get another one, think Ill try this on my spare cluster this weekend maybe.

Hi Rhyder,
There isn't much need for a "solder sucker" on these boards. There isn't much solder. If you ever do need to remove solder, it is much easier with solder braid.

Just a tip...it is pretty difficult to get the existing LEDs off the board with a solder iron all at once because you can't heat up both sides at the same time. There are a few things you can do though. If you have a small chisel point on your solder iron, you can gently twist as you heat the solder to raise that side off the board just a little. Then move to the other side. Go back and forth between the sides until it is off. Be careful not to lift one side much, as this puts stress on the other side that isn't melted. This can lift a pad off the circuit board...which isn't good. Just be careful and take your time. Soldering skills are acquired. Keep a clean tip, and be careful not to heat a part for more than a few seconds. Also, go to youtube and search for surface mount soldering.

[MackMan]

I believe I am going to tackle this one Found a speedometer for a decent price might jump on it and do this int he next few weeks.

I guess I will just order these LEDs? I've read through the thread just making sure I've got everything situated... http://www.oznium.com/plcc-2

I need 22 LEDs for the speedometer & tacometer (blue)
I need 5 for the LED screen (blue)
and I need 6 for the needles lights turning to white?

For the LED screen since we can't find the angled LEDs how do we put these in it's place? Thanks!

[Rhyder]

Originally Posted by MackMan

I believe I am going to tackle this one Found a speedometer for a decent price might jump on it and do this int he next few weeks.

I guess I will just order these LEDs? I've read through the thread just making sure I've got everything situated... http://www.oznium.com/plcc-2

I need 22 LEDs for the speedometer & tacometer (blue)
I need 5 for the LED screen (blue)
and I need 6 for the needles lights turning to white?

For the LED screen since we can't find the angled LEDs how do we put these in it's place? Thanks!

this was somewhere in the thread

"I'm the one that's been helping anglwings with her swaps, and we both looked everywhere and could not find the proper right angle leds, I spent over an hour on the phone with multiple companys trying to figure it out, so instead we just cane up with the idea of turning the plcc2s on their sides and it worked perfect..."

[572HP]

Originally Posted by Rhyder

this was somewhere in the thread

"I'm the one that's been helping anglwings with her swaps, and we both looked everywhere and could not find the proper right angle leds, I spent over an hour on the phone with multiple companys trying to figure it out, so instead we just cane up with the idea of turning the plcc2s on their sides and it worked perfect..."

Yep, this does work perfect. The pads on the side of the LED run the whole length, so it is very easy to get solder to bridge between the pad and the LED.