Cool White LED Gauge Cluster Upgrade (pic)

[Q45Owner]

So I've been wanting to start upgrading my interior lights to LEDs for the longest time and I finally decided to tackle it about a month ago. I've had quite a few setbacks, but finally today, I put my gauge cluster back together and I have to say, all the hard work was worth it. It looks amazing! I decided to use cool white 5 SMD T10 bulbs and it looks terrific - No hot spots and a nice cool white modern look. I attached a closeup pic so you can get an idea on what it looks like. In person it has more of a silvery/blueish tint, but it looks whiter in this pic. I have to say, it really transforms how the car looks on the inside. Well worth all the trouble it caused me to actually get it done. Here's what it looks like with the fader turned all the way:

[Q45-pj]

Holy crap! Dude, can you do this for 2000 a/e? The cluster is boring. I like the yellow needles.

[BCC93QT]

Very nice improvement. Now off to fill your tank up with some gas!

Holy crap! Dude, can you do this for 2000 a/e? The cluster is boring. I like the yellow needles

The fgy33 has plentiful LED dash kits available in ANY color you want

[Q45Owner]

Holy crap! Dude, can you do this for 2000 a/e? The cluster is boring. I like the yellow needles

You know what? I actually didn't even touch the needles, they're stock! For some reason, the LEDs bring out the color of the needles to a glowing Amber. I have to say, that my pic doesn't even do it justice. It looks even better in person. I'm amazed at what three little bulbs can do to completely transform how the cluster looks. I don't know much about the 2000 Qs, but I'm guessing they use a similar type bulb.

Very nice improvement. Now off to fill your tank up with some gas!

Ha! I knew someone would notice that.. I was too excited when I finished, I had to snap a picture first before filling up

[Q451990]

Very nice! Could you post a picture of the LEDs that you used, or a link to them? How dimmable are they? I've found that the ones I installed in the dome light on the Q and G only dim a little before shutting off when they fade to off...

Heath

[Q45Owner]

Very nice! Could you post a picture of the LEDs that you used, or a link to them? How dimmable are they? I've found that the ones I installed in the dome light on the Q and G only dim a little before shutting off when they fade to off...

Heath

Hi Heath,

These are the ones that I used:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20x-HID-White-3 ... 96&vxp=mtr

I bought (20) bulbs because I wanted to make sure I had enough (plus I have another car that I want to use them in as well), but the gauge cluster only takes (3) bulbs. I wanted the 5-smd ones because they give off a 360 degree light, so there's no hot spots or cold spots. Even though these bulbs are white, they give off a mild blueish tint when they're in the cluster which look even nicer and more modern IMO. The lower they dim, it seems the more blueish they look. They dim pretty much all the way and I took a pic at their lowest setting which i'll post in a few minutes so you can get an idea on how dim they go, but honestly, even at the brightest setting, it's an extremely comfortable light. The pic that I posted makes them look brighter than they are, but they are not super bright where it's uncomfortable or anything like that.

[Q45Owner]

Here's the cluster when it's completely dim:



Pic doesn't accurately display it properly. It looks like there's minor hot and cold spots, but there's not.
At least you get an idea how dim it goes..

[Q45Owner]

So I took a pic of my clock today which I used (2) blue LED bulbs in. Figured I'd share:

[Q45Owner]

So I took apart my Bose radio today to see how many LEDs I need to change the color to blue to match my clock, window switches, etc.. But to my unpleasant surprise when I took the faceplate off, this is what I saw



I pealed off the black circle tabs to see what was underneath and it seems as if they are tiny bulbs soldered into the faceplate (great). I could have sworn I read on here that you could swap out the bulbs in the head unit. The poster made it seem as if it was as easy as changing the bulbs in the HVAC unit. Has anyone on here done this? Can you give me any tips? Now that I changed my cluster, clock, switches, & HVAC, it's kinda hard to look at my radio and its dull lighting in comparison. Anyone have a clue on what my options are?

[King Charles]

Looks nice & crisp props !

[Q45Owner]

Looks nice & crisp props !

Thanks.. I still gotta figure out what I'm gonna do about the Bose display, cuz they're not regular bulbs like I thought they were, ugh. I have a few ideas and I'll update as I continue to progress down this rabbit hole

[ThunderGrape33]

I am looking to upgrade my interior lighting in my Q too! Those yellow incandescent bulbs are blah after a while haha.

I was replacing the trunk light, license plate, floor light and everything else that is illuminated in the car. I was going to by a 20 pack as well. Will the 12volt by 5watt T10 leds be able to tackle almost all the lights around the car?

[Q45Owner]

I am looking to upgrade my interior lighting in my Q too! Those yellow incandescent bulbs are blah after a while haha.

I was replacing the trunk light, license plate, floor light and everything else that is illuminated in the car. I was going to by a 20 pack as well. Will the 12volt by 5watt T10 leds be able to tackle almost all the lights around the car?

Do it, you wont regret it. It really modernizes the car. Btw, there all different bulbs throughout the car, sadly. There is not one specific type for everything. It's going to take you awhile to change out everything. I'm not even done yet.

[white90esex]

I wonder how a warm white led would look.... Maybe too stock lol. Is there anyway to change the other lighting in the little displays?

[BCC93QT]

[Infinitiguy19]

I thought you were banned? Temp ban I am guessing. Either way good to have you back Steve!