Author Topic: 1G Gauges illumination (Read 3016 times)

green98cavy · « **on:** March 01, 2006, 10:59:31 PM »

I'm looking to change the illumination color of the gauges of my 97 B6. Before I tear the gauges off to find out whats inside, does anyone know what the illumination bulbs in the gauges are? Are they incandescent of are they LED? I have the Clymer manual, but its of no help at all in regards to this. Any help is appreciated.

Jacknife · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2006, 03:30:31 AM »

Im pritty sure they are the incandescent type.

JBrobeck · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2006, 11:02:15 AM »

Yep, itty bitty incandescent lights, I have replaced one already (with stock lights) and I have not seen a colored version of the bulb. If you do find one please post it, I would love to change mine out!

Later
Josh

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2006, 11:09:40 AM »

Yup, incandescent. They didn't go to LED's until the 2G models.

ttewejnodnarb · « **Reply #4 on:** March 02, 2006, 01:44:03 PM »

I bought colored LED's, soldered 1/2 watt 680 ohm (should have used ~500 but RS didn't have them at the time), some - / + lead wire and replaced the stock lamps. It looks OK but in retrospect I should have used more than 1 LED to replace each bulb. They sell GEL colored covers for lamps that would fit the ones in the guages...having done the LED conversion I would recomend at least trying this first because you have to cut the lamps out and the wires have relatively little slack for possible reattachment if you want to return it to original at a later date. Also if you pull the clocks and put the GEL coats on (like little indicator lamp condoms) you will get a good idea of the size rubber grommets needed if you decide to go LED. There is a great write-up for converting LED to run on 12 volt that I can post if you do go there...just let me know.

The covers look kinda like this:

.12 Dia lamp cover blue

This was found on www.partsexpress.com but I also saw a variety at the local Pep Boys where all the cheasy "tuner-boy" stuff is meant to change the color on various size lamps.

Hop this helps!

ldbandit76 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2006, 02:59:57 PM »

I replaced the lamps in my instruments (1997 B12). One of them (I'm pretty sure) is large enough that a 12V LED equivalent exists; I bought some at an auto parts place. The other one is itty-bitty.

For the life of me, I can't remember which was which, or what the numbers were on the lamps.

Pull them out, pocket them, and go shop around.

Dave

ttewejnodnarb · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2006, 04:48:59 PM »

The lamp in the tach is the "big" one...relatively speaking.