DIY Change LEDs in Speed/Tach Gauge

[MikeMoach]

Originally Posted by anglwngss

This is what I have so far:
4 Gauge Console
Stock: 8 PLCC-2 (ice blue)
Stock: 4 PLCC-2 (red)

Door Panel
Stock: 2 5mm (ice blue)

Window up/down switches
3 0805 Surface Mount (ice blue)

Headlight Switch
5 0805 Surface Mount (ice blue)

HUD Switch:
3 0805 Surface Mount (ice blue)

Steering Wheel:
Stock: 10 PLCC-2 (ice blue)

Speedo/Tach:
Stock: 22 PLCC-2 (ice blue)
Stock: 7 PLCC-2 (amber)
Stock: 17 PLCC-2 (red)
Stock: 4 PLCC-2 (green)
Stock: 1 PLCC-2 (white)
Stock: 1 PLCC-2 (dark blue)
Stock screen: 5 Right angle (ice blue)
1 unknown on left (below the ice blue MPH)
1 unknown color on right- (fog lights)

Needed this thanks for the info

[MikeMoach]

Creektrack:

I have everything apart right now, can you give me a list of the tools I would need to remove the old and put in the new LEDs on the gauge cluster please

[patternpilot]

I can't speak for creektrack, but I did this a few months ago. As he said a good silver bearing solder. You will also need some tweezers to hold the LEDs, a good magnifying hood and most important a good temperature controlled soldering iron. The LEDs are very small and easily melted with too much heat. The soldering iron should have a flat tip to evenly apply heat. So far I have done my guage cluster including the DIC, the radio and the four gauge cluster to white. It turned out really well although I have to take them back apart to redo a couple of the LEDs that went dark.
I did a lot of research finding the proper LEDs. I was not happy paying the cost for prepackaged sets, so I found the specs and bought them in bulk. I paid less than 20 dollars per 100. Price varied a little depending on color and size of the LED. I bought mostly white so price was low for those, and the red was just a little bit more. If you do your homework you can get what you want and save a lot. To me there is a lot more satisfaction doing all this myself. Well worth the effort.

[MikeMoach]

Originally Posted by patternpilot

I can't speak for creektrack, but I did this a few months ago. As he said a good silver bearing solder. You will also need some tweezers to hold the LEDs, a good magnifying hood and most important a good temperature controlled soldering iron. The LEDs are very small and easily melted with too much heat. The soldering iron should have a flat tip to evenly apply heat. So far I have done my guage cluster including the DIC, the radio and the four gauge cluster to white. It turned out really well although I have to take them back apart to redo a couple of the LEDs that went dark.
I did a lot of research finding the proper LEDs. I was not happy paying the cost for prepackaged sets, so I found the specs and bought them in bulk. I paid less than 20 dollars per 100. Price varied a little depending on color and size of the LED. I bought mostly white so price was low for those, and the red was just a little bit more. If you do your homework you can get what you want and save a lot. To me there is a lot more satisfaction doing all this myself. Well worth the effort.

Thanks man appreciate the advice, so what LEDs you didn't like? I'm Gunna use the PLCC2 that everyone recommended

[creektrack]

Originally Posted by 2SSRS

It is the right switch.

If tbats the right switch, the corners are in the top right...

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[creektrack]

Originally Posted by JookeTheSnooke

hey guys i have a question. i was working on the changing the leds on the gauge cluster had them all put in but when i went to plug it in to see if they worked, i accidentally put the plug in the wrong way and i heard something popped and saw burns along with smoke appear on the board were it plugs in. does this mean the whole board is shot and i have to get a new one?

-jake

Unfortunately it sounds lime you fried something..

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[creektrack]

Originally Posted by MikeMoach

Creektrack:

I have everything apart right now, can you give me a list of the tools I would need to remove the old and put in the new LEDs on the gauge cluster please

Mostly you need silver bearing solder, maybe some desolder braid, some tweezers with or without magnifiers, and a 15 watt soldering iron with the smallest tip you can find...

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[MikeMoach]

Originally Posted by creektrack

Mostly you need silver bearing solder, maybe some desolder braid, some tweezers with or without magnifiers, and a 15 watt soldering iron with the smallest tip you can find...

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Thank you, just I don't know what desolder braid is or does could you or someone explain?

[creektrack]

Originally Posted by MikeMoach

Thank you, just I don't know what desolder braid is or does could you or someone explain?

Desolder braid or bulbs allow you to remove excess solder...if you ask someone at the store they can show you...

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[Sleez]

solder wick;

http://www.google.com/search?source=...w=1658&bih=952

solder sucker works too, i have one, wick works better in some instances.

http://www.google.com/search?source=...w=1658&bih=952

[MikeMoach]

Thanks guys Gunna try and not mess this up too bad

[Sleez]

Originally Posted by MikeMoach

Thanks guys Gunna try and not mess this up too bad

find an old circuit board out of something (old microwave, vcr, mustang) and practice desoldering and soldering.

it helps to get a feel for how long to leave the heat applied and how the solder moves around to follow the heat.

[Mister-Camaro]

Originally Posted by ReD MaRo Ls

Just changed the rings to red. Gonna try and attack some switches tomorrow.

Thats AMAZING!! It is going to be on next on my mod list

[MikeMoach]

Originally Posted by Sleez

find an old circuit board out of something (old microwave, vcr, mustang) and practice desoldering and soldering.

it helps to get a feel for how long to leave the heat applied and how the solder moves around to follow the heat.

I can solder pipes together lol never touched a circuit board before if that makes anything easier for me