DIY MyLink LED color change

[OmniCamaro]

First I'm going to reference the thread started by anglwngss that inspired me to do my own gauges and also to dive into this one. Tons of good info in there!!! I suggest reading the entire thread before starting here. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162226

**Disclaimer--MOD at your own risk! I'll try to help but I'm by no means even close to an expert on soldering. It's a learning process for me and if you're in the same boat just take your time and expect mistakes. I've found that this process is pretty forgiving because I haven't destroyed anything, yet.

Tools needed:
Small Phillips head screwdriver
Small flat tip screwdriver or small plastic trim removal tool of some sort (for removing the volume and menu knobs).
Good soldering iron with a very small tip
0805 SMD LED's (color of your choice)--I purchased mine from and highly recommend Lighthouse LED's.
Soldering stand with magnification, unless you have super eyesight.
I use solder 60/40 Rosin-Core .032 diameter (personal preference, it seems to do better for me. I tried the silver bearing and it was harder to work with, for me).
Small tweezers-I found a pretty good pair at lowes, has a light on it. They are black&yellow.
I'm not sold on flux so it's up to you.
Patience and a fairly steady hand. Take your favorite relaxing prescription medication or drink and relax. It can be frustrating at times! Take breaks as often as needed!

This thing (MyLink) has a ton of screws and flat ribbon connectors. I'll try to take lots of pictures but I may not have gotten every single little detail on my camera. Use common sense or ask questions and I'll try to help out.

I can't go into uninstalling from your car because I have yet to install mine, sorry.

Rear of the faceplate: remove all visible screws and the black back cover will become detached. There is one connector that must be disconnected here. It's just a slide out connector.


Connector:


Screws and cable connections for main board:


Screws for side button card (I had already removed the left side (or right side if you're technical)--BUTTON REMOVAL--I just used even pressure with a small flat tipped screwdriver at one point and worked my way around the knob. It's in there! You'll feel a slight click once you've pried it enough, once you hear the click hold that spot and move around the knob until it pops out. There are 2 stages to removing the knobs. Once it's loose initially you'll have to pull on it again to get them all the way out but that can be done by hand. It's the initial stage that requires a screwdriver or plastic tool. DON'T TRY TO MUSCLE IT AND SCRATCH UP YOUR FACEPLATE!!!



Side card LED's (PROBLEM!)--the LED for the center of the volume and menu buttons I'm not messing with. Feel free to dive into that hole if you wish. I'm going to try a red sharpie to "paint" the LED. We'll see how it works out.


I'll report back once I get my MyLink installed with after pictures!

Remember, if you're going to try this on your own have all the necessary equipment before getting started, and TAKE YOUR TIME.
If this is your first venture into soldering LED's, GET EXTRA!

[Eich]

Cool project!

Based on what you know so far in your disassembly, do you think the painted plastic can be separated from the screen/knobs etc, if you wanted to paint it a different color? I've seen some separate threads on this where no one has found a way to take it apart yet.

[OmniCamaro]

Originally Posted by Eich

Cool project!



Based on what you know so far in your disassembly, do you think the painted plastic can be separated from the screen/knobs etc, if you wanted to paint it a different color? I've seen some separate threads on this where no one has found a way to take it apart yet.

About 99% yes. I would check for you(and I will later to be sure) but I actually blew an LED and I only had just enough. I have to order some more so in the meantime, so I don't lose anything, I loosely put it back together.

Also, I do this for most electronic projects(or a lot of screws projects): I draw a quick sketch of the part and put circles where every screw goes. As I take the piece apart I place the screw in it's circle. Makes it easier to put back together. Picture provided FYI.

[OmniCamaro]

The volume and power outer knobs are being a PITA. They'll go on but won't stay in place. I gently tried to bend the plastic inward and they stayed, for now. When I get the rest of my kit next week hopefully the knobs will be in place. I'm not overly worried about it because I'm pretty sure my old radio knobs are the same so I can canibalize from it if needed.

[OVERPAR73]

It all comes apart but there are allot of screws and there are a few different sizes. Just go slow and remember where everything goes as it comes apart. I took mine all apart and then hydro-dipped it and used a hole punch out of tape. It came out really nice.
Bill

[OmniCamaro]

Nice work!

[A_DILLA]

Looks amazing

[OmniCamaro]

Can't believe I haven't posted any final product pic's!

[camaro2lt]

looks real good nice job