LED's in Cluster

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Shaw520

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So im really NOT a big fan of LED's everywhere,..although I do like the look they provide in the dash cluster,...so is it a big PITA to install cluster LED's?,.. are there diodes and soldering involved with relays and all that BS that goes along with led's ??? :eek:
 

ladorn45

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I have been pondering the idea of using Strip leds, kinda like the idea of being able to choose what color i want the dash to look like
 

ladorn45

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Do you have the thread where he posted this. I was going to wire it all to a separate 12 volt, but curious to if he just tapped into the 12 volt from the cluster.
 

ladorn45

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Yea I have been Pondering going the strip light route. I already have a list made out if i do decide to do it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076HHRB5Y/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18LSTCDVR1JDC - The lights

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AL731Y8/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AU6OSKX1QDMNX - the connection from lights to splitter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAUESY3/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2H7E1U6GQQ8NL - the four spliter that would cover (4x4 switch, light switch,Cluster,and fog button)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G6RBVPI/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AVK94F2Q2TO8D - Extension to take the 4 splitter to a 2 splitter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016KSOSX0/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1Z076QCB1M5JK - 2 splitter that connects hvac switch and 4 splitter that has all the guages and switches and thats goes to the controller

It looks like an egressive setup but by going this route i have everything controlled by remote or bluetooth, and if i need to take out any og the switches i just unplug it and it does not affect the other lights.
 
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Shaw520

Shaw520

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Those splitters ^^^^ are cool.
 

ScottyBoy

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Yes, putting LED strips in the cluster is VERY do-able. If you have a single color, it can all be soldered up inside the cluster and be completely plug and play. But if you want the color changing strips, then you will have to run an external controller mounted somewhere in the dash (which I'm sure you already know about). As far as all the other dash switches, there really is not much room inside them to fit LED strips. The AC control panel is about the only one that you can squeeze them into. I do use them in headlight switch as well, but I have to cut and solder the strip in several places to get each LED to line up behind the icons on the front of the switch. I SERIOUSLY doubt that you can do that with a color changing strip. As far as the 4x4 switch, traction control switch, rear wiper/foglight switch, and all the door panel switches, those all need to be done with bare 5mm LEDs and 3mm LEDs with resistors. Strips simply will not fit AND allow the switchpanel buttons to operate properly. The Overhead rear AC control panels can have strips fitted into them, that's about the only other ones with enough room inside the switch panel.
 

ScottyBoy

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Here's a cluster with a white strip inside to show you how I law them out. I don't rely on the sticky backing on the strips, I use hot glue especially around the curves.
IMG_20171128_223502699_HDR.jpg
 
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Shaw520

Shaw520

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Thats awesome scottyb,.. thank you for sharing that,..you would happen to have a pic of the one above after completion with face in place ? Just want to get a feel for the final look.
 

ScottyBoy

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Thats awesome scottyb,.. thank you for sharing that,..you would happen to have a pic of the one above after completion with face in place ? Just want to get a feel for the final look.

Here's the same one in white but completed. NOTE: White LEDs appear light blue unless you meticulously scrape the blueish film off the back of the gauge overlay like I did on this cluster. The blue film MUST be removed if you want a pure bright white color.
IMG_20171128_224716711.jpg


And here is one that I did in blue LED strips. When doing blue, you do NOT need to scrape the gauge overlay at all.
IMG_20180123_130351171.jpg
IMG_20180123_131609905_HDR.jpg
 

mgbgene

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So im really NOT a big fan of LED's everywhere,..although I do like the look they provide in the dash cluster,...so is it a big PITA to install cluster LED's?,.. are there diodes and soldering involved with relays and all that BS that goes along with led's ??? :eek:
My 05 Yukon gauges went nuts on me so I found this company https://circuitboardmedics.com pulled it out and sent it to them back in like 3 days...they will change the color of the leds for you plus the stepper motors...everything works great highly recommend them..
 

matt00

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My 05 Yukon gauges went nuts on me so I found this company https://circuitboardmedics.com pulled it out and sent it to them back in like 3 days...they will change the color of the leds for you plus the stepper motors...everything works great highly recommend them..
How much did they charge you?
 

Bombsquad85

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Can't remember exact price but pretty sure right around $300..check out their website


Wow that's a lot of money. For a fraction of that you could have bought the parts and soldered them in yourself or paid someone locally to do it. It's pretty easy. I did mine with 5mm LEDS FOR $10 but I'm gonna give the strips a try
 

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