DIY: Dashboard Ambient Lighting (ABL)

[TAG UR IT]

Dremmel sucks for the light pipe. Luckily, I tried it out on the leftover piece first..

Maybe I need to use a different cutting tool. But, it "burned" the plastic and make it VERY hazy.

[Jayhawk500]

I have found a camera! Hopefully the pictures will be okay. I had a little trouble with the focus.

This is still a work in progress. I have deceided that I have to use 2 light sources on the passenger side.
I started off by using 2SSRS's directions.
Link. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40804

Next I heated my light pipes using the oven and bent them to the contour of the trim. (See the earlier post in this thread.)









Then on the passenger door side of the dash, I enlarged the outer most retangle hole so the light assy will fit through. You must feed the connector and the wire from the front! This is the only hole I drilled in the right side of the dash! I then pushed the light assy top towards the trim once the trim was installed.

Attachment 67831

I thought about trying to use double sided tape but you saw too much reflection of the tape. I deceided to just to let the light pipe lay on top of the trim mounts.





The last pictures are of the trim installed with out the metal clips.
There is a small shadow area on the right side of the trim, but that is where the light source is.









I still have to do my doors. I plan on installing a second light assy on each door. Where the "Dummy" light assy is. This should increase the light in the door.

[skuttduck]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Dremmel sucks for the light pipe. Luckily, I tried it out on the leftover piece first..

Maybe I need to use a different cutting tool. But, it "burned" the plastic and make it VERY hazy.

Ever work with Plexiglas? Cut the light pipe like that. Score it with a utility knife then snap it with your fingers.

That seemed to work good for me. You don't have to score it much by the way.

[third1]

I think the blue shows up better than the red .I did mine and it looks very blotchy.My light tube had a bunch of small cracks in it that made the light look inconsistent.I'll keep messing with it, I only shaved the trim at the edge were it angles.I didn't want it to be noticeable in the day light like Tag has, which it isn't . That could be the dim light issues.

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by skuttduck

Ever work with Plexiglas? Cut the light pipe like that. Score it with a utility knife then snap it with your fingers.

That seemed to work good for me. You don't have to score it much by the way.

Score it longways? It's easy to cut it in half...but cutting it longways would be an issue...and that's how I'm trying to get it done.



Question for the above ^^^^ ....

After you heated the pipe and attatched it to the back, did it fit snugly like it should in the dash? Or, did the applique not fit snugly to the IP? That is my main issue right now.

[SummoneR]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Score it longways? It's easy to cut it in half...but cutting it longways would be an issue...and that's how I'm trying to get it done.



Question for the above ^^^^ ....

After you heated the pipe and attatched it to the back, did it fit snugly like it should in the dash? Or, did the applique not fit snugly to the IP? That is my main issue right now.

Secure it flat on a table to keep it from spinning, then belt sand it half the width.

[Jayhawk500]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Question for the above ^^^^ ....

After you heated the pipe and attatched it to the back, did it fit snugly like it should in the dash? Or, did the applique not fit snugly to the IP? That is my main issue right now.

It fit just fine. You just can't get it too close to the top. There is plenty of room behind the trim. But you will need 2 light assemblies.
Heat and bend both sides.

[TAG UR IT]

Well, I have another light assembly I was thinking about using.... I like how you fit yours into the dash. I'll probably copy that design.

I don't really know how you did the heating.... I mean....oven....but, do you think using the clamps to the applique and then taking some heat to it from a lighter would do the trick? ...I mean...keep the flame far enough away so as not to burn the plastic. But, just enough to get it to start bending.

If not, I'll have to figure out how to do the oven thing....and I just KNOW i'm going to jack that up....lol

[CASTIG 2010SS]

Tag,
I know the passenger side did not fit in my oven, I had to use a heat gun. Try a blow dryer if you don't have a heat gun.

Jay,
If you are using a second lamp and you bend the tube to fit the trim (it will bend out toward the seat), doesn't it need to bend back toward the dash to fit into the second light?

[Jayhawk500]

Originally Posted by CASTIG 2010SS

Tag,
I know the passenger side did not fit in my oven, I had to use a heat gun. Try a blow dryer if you don't have a heat gun.

Jay,
If you are using a second lamp and you bend the tube to fit the trim (it will bend out toward the seat), doesn't it need to bend back toward the dash to fit into the second light?

Tag,

Crack the door on the oven. Turn up the heat, I kept moving the tube in and out 3-4". If you crack the door 1 - 2" and turn the heat up to about 250 - 300, you can keep the tube near the door crack since all of the heat will come out there. I don't think a hair dryer will get hot enough. But, if you have a way of measuring the heat, maybe an oven themrometer, you need about 175-180 to mold the tube.

NO, dont heat the tube on the trim. The tube will break under the strain of the clamps, plus you could burn the paint on the trim, melt the trim, etc. Heating the tube with the oven only takes about 5 - 10 minutes, if it's warm enough.

Castig,
There is plenty of room behind the trim for the second light assy with the tube already molded to the trim. I think it actually helps with the fit.
I am going to attempt to move the assy a little more to the outside of the dash, putting the back of the light against the dash.

I'll keep everyone posted in a couple of days.
I have EMT-Basic class on Mondays and Fridays, and Fire Department Drill on Wednesdays, so I have a very short week after work.

[TAG UR IT]

Hrm....sounds good. I like this idea. Your set up looks REALLY clean.

So, heat the stick, then bend it to the contour of the dash piece using the crimps to hold it to the trim. While that is going on, cut and fit the other light tube to the far right of the dash. Not a bad idea. I just keep coming back to wondering how all that fits under the trim..... My trim just does NOT want to sit flush with the dash while the tube is behind it.

I'll work on it a bit tomorrow and see what I can come up with. In fact, I think I'm going to strip off all the paint from my two trim pieces and go from there....get new paint...repaint so it's not as thick and bright...and the fact that I keep taking the piece off and putting it back on messes up the paint too.

I'll give the oven deal a try.

[Jayhawk500]

Oh! By the way I forgot to add. I did file down 2 of the attachment points. The first one closest to the speedo and I believe the 4th one. I filed a small notch where the mount attaches to the backing. Just like they did with the EL-Light. Take a gander at that thread. Be careful not to scratch the paint.
I too am waiting for the paint code. I have a few itsi-bitsi scratches. Not really noticable.

Take your time when your heating the pipe. You do not want to distort the white stripe. Once you get the pipe bent, there will be room behind the trim.
I'll see if I can get some more pictures tonite.

Chris

[Jayhawk500]

I just completed my dash ABL project. The doors are next. This is truely a awarding project. It's too bad GM couldn't have figured this out. Well, once they see what and how we did this project, I'm sure they'll see fit to put it into a production car.

Anyway, here's the update I promised.

I did elongate the outer most hole on the passenger side of the dash.
I spliced together the wiring for the light assemblies.
I used my light tube to feed the light assy behind the dash, and feed it thru the hole in the dash.
I connected the wiring to the harness connector and checked to be sure the lights lit up.
Next I inserted the light tube into the light assemblies and made sure this worked okay.
I did use 2 pieces of double sided tape to hold the light tube in place. I had to adjust the tube back a little 'cus it was hitting the trim. I also put a piece of double sided tape behind the passenger side light assy and positioned it not to hit the trim.
Next, I installed the trim without the clips for a trial fit. Just to make sure this is what I wanted. Then, I installed the clips and snapped the trim back into place. Once again I checked to be sure nothing moved and it was what I wanted.
Then on to the speedo. You want to remove the rubber cover from the silver speedo trim.
It's a pain in the a$$ to install, but you need to pull the rubber threads through the holes to ensure it's fully seated on the steering wheel cover.
Install the speedo in reverse order that you took it out.
Then install the silver speedo trim and snap everything back together.

The photos are below. Hopefully in order. I hope you are able to figure this all out. If you have any problems PM me I'll give you my number and we can talk.

Sorry about the blurriness of the pictures. The last 2 are of the completed project.

I also added the pictures of the back of the trim where I notched out the mounts. I also removed some of the backing in the last picture. BE VERY CAREFUL!

Tag,
I had 2 different colors of paint on my trim. The bronzier looking one pulled off with the tape.

[TAG UR IT]

Crap...so you actually trimmed the plastic part that touches the double sided tape. No kidding....

Man, that install when all said and done looks fantastic!

I think I'll go and just buy two new pieces so I can get the show on the road. I'll then take the one that I have and completely sand it down. I have an idea for a completely different color of trim.

I've got all the parts necessary except for the new dash pieces. Guess I'll have to go and get those and get this project wrapped up. Looks GREAT.

[Jayhawk500]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Crap...so you actually trimmed the plastic part that touches the double sided tape. No kidding....


Man, that install when all said and done looks fantastic!

I think I'll go and just buy two new pieces so I can get the show on the road. I'll then take the one that I have and completely sand it down. I have an idea for a completely different color of trim.

I've got all the parts necessary except for the new dash pieces. Guess I'll have to go and get those and get this project wrapped up. Looks GREAT.

Thanks Tag!
JUST BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL!
I have one small nick in the paint that light shines through.

Good Luck!

[CASTIG 2010SS]

Just got an email from GMpartsdirect.com. The Applique (Dash Trim) is on backorder. At least the passenger side orange ones are.

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by Jayhawk500

Thanks Tag!
JUST BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL!
I have one small nick in the paint that light shines through.

Good Luck!

Thanks.

I got a spot in the paint too. I think I'm going to have to take mine it, get it color matched, then strip it and repaint it. That's probably going to be the only way. I just can't see it happening differently....unless I can freaking find out who makes the door/dash applique so I can buy ....

....some CLEAR ones!!!! That I can paint a SPECIAL color!!!!

[CASTIG 2010SS]

Tag,
Have you checked with GM regarding the color. I just got some touch up paint from them last night and it matches the orange perfect. They have both spray and small touch up size. Matched so well that I cancelled my dash applique order.

[Rcfiddy1]

Just wanted to say thanx to everyone here for helping me out with this mod. I read threw all the ABL threads and figured I give it a go. Heres the finished product. If you take your time and read everyones ideas it makes it a real smooth mod.

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by CASTIG 2010SS

Tag,
Have you checked with GM regarding the color. I just got some touch up paint from them last night and it matches the orange perfect. They have both spray and small touch up size. Matched so well that I cancelled my dash applique order.

I have called them so many times.....

They have no idea. Yours is IOM....and it's an easy color to duplicate. Mine is Graphite silver metallic....not a normal color. No one has it yet.

But, I have another idea in store I'm working on. So, we'll see what happens!

[FwyFlyer]

Originally Posted by slacker

Tag, you don't need to use a dremel tool to shave the light stick down- I used a sharp knife and literally shaved it down. I worked in long strokes and it shaved down easily.

Slacker - did you use 2 lights on the passenger side? How thin did you shave the tube and how long is the taper?

[Alfieboy]

So what is best way ..hole in end of dash or use the last square hole for tube in PS Dash ABL install..?



Rick

[TAG UR IT]

Either way, you'd drill a hole in the dash....one on either side. Shoot...with this way, you could do two holes if you wanted. No one would ever know but you. You can't see the holes..

I could never get the far right end to sit where I wanted it....and I tired tried tried. I've ordered all the parts to do the El Wire and am going to give it a shot. They should be here soon...just need to get my stuff painted first.

[skuttduck]

Originally Posted by Jayhawk500

I have found a camera! Hopefully the pictures will be okay. I had a little trouble with the focus.

This is still a work in progress. I have deceided that I have to use 2 light sources on the passenger side.
I started off by using 2SSRS's directions.
Link. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40804

Next I heated my light pipes using the oven and bent them to the contour of the trim. (See the earlier post in this thread.)

Then on the passenger door side of the dash, I enlarged the outer most retangle hole so the light assy will fit through. You must feed the connector and the wire from the front! This is the only hole I drilled in the right side of the dash! I then pushed the light assy top towards the trim once the trim was installed.

I thought about trying to use double sided tape but you saw too much reflection of the tape. I deceided to just to let the light pipe lay on top of the
trim mounts.

The last pictures are of the trim installed with out the metal clips.
There is a small shadow area on the right side of the trim, but that is where the light source is.

Jayhawk,
After much experimenting, I have finally have an ambient light setup that I am happy with and using only one light. I did not have to cut any additional holes in the dash, or drill any holes and I used gm parts.

I used your method and have the GM light shining in from the far right passenger hole. I took apart the GM lamp, and wound up breaking the contacts. After re-soldering the wires and resistor I covered the ends with liquid tape. I also put electrical tape on this end piece of the dash to prevent the excess light.

By using a paper clip to release the clips from the plug, I could fish the wires through that last hole and re-assemble it after I ran it through.

In sanding I only sanded the bevel, and slightly below it. I also noticed that I had to cut notches out of the first clip nearest the driver, and the center one since they are up higher. (I didn't want to have to cut notches out of the top of the clips, but there was no other way.)

By using the piece of airline tubing on the GM lamp, you get maximum adjustment of the light pipe. Once you get the light perfect by twisting the light pipe, you will not need another LED light!

[GTAHVIT]

Originally Posted by skuttduck

Jayhawk,
After much experimenting, I have finally have an ambient light setup that I am happy with and using only one light. I did not have to cut any additional holes in the dash, or drill any holes and I used gm parts.

I used your method and have the GM light shining in from the far right passenger hole. I took apart the GM lamp, and wound up breaking the contacts. After re-soldering the wires and resistor I covered the ends with liquid tape. I also put electrical tape on this end piece of the dash to prevent the excess light.

By using a paper clip to release the clips from the plug, I could fish the wires through that last hole and re-assemble it after I ran it through.

In sanding I only sanded the bevel, and slightly below it. I also noticed that I had to cut notches out of the first clip nearest the driver, and the center one since they are up higher. (I didn't want to have to cut notches out of the top of the clips, but there was no other way.)

By using the piece of airline tubing on the GM lamp, you get maximum adjustment of the light pipe. Once you get the light perfect by twisting the light pipe, you will not need another LED light!

If at all possible, can you please post some pics???