Quote:
Originally Posted by 2010ABM
I might be interested in doing that mod...how difficult is it to do?
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There's really two things that are tough. The first is making sure you have the hookups and if not, cutting pre-existing wires to use for the dash lights. I'm not sure how to do this yet as the only one's I've looked at are the low vin ranges with the existing hookups.
The other scary part is when you have two small holes drilled into your dash to slide in the light tubes. You won't ever see the holes and if you ever do take out the ABL, will have the holes hidden behind the inserts.
It's:
lower steering wheel,
remove both side dash covers
remove speedo trim, take out 4 screws, remove speedo and disconnect.
remove both dash inserts using hold to help find and push out tabs
find hot wires or pre-existing hook ups. cut or connect to two blue GM lights (or 3 for brighter light at far right end - I'd recommend)
drill a hold on either side behind insert for light stick to go through
cut light stick to fit both ends
carefully tape off (with 3 layers of tape) the back of the inserts a few mm down...enough for teh light to get through
(I use a random sander) sand angled edge and 3mm edge CAREFULLY with 800, 1200, 2000 grit sandpaper
use meguires plastx to polish scratches in clear with orbital buffer on back of insert
use true polish to clean it up that much more for perfect clear
(I'm thinking of adding in a smoke gray light layer of tint to the back to lower lighting level to more closely match that of the doors)
once all cleaned up, slide in light tube on dash and pop in parts.
readjust to proper brightness and reinstall speedo, screws, trims, etc.
that's the basics.
The digikey tube is about 20 with shipping included. Each GM light is about $15 each. You might want 3 like how I did it. Most important part is to not screw up the sanding. If you do, it's super expensive to get new parts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by novice66
I definately want to do this mod. LMK how much those things are.I'll see if i can spare some money from my other car.
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15 for teh digikey...prolly 20 total with shipping
15 for each light source...need at least two but will most likely want 3
sandpaper is pretty inexpensive.
let me know guys. if ya'll want to do it, you'd need the digikey and i have someone who has plenty. i'll need to order from him.