rob76turbo

The instrument cluster lights / gages are getting dim on my 951. Any suggestions on replacing the lights? Has anyone done this, do you have to pull the dash apart?
Thanks in advance.
Rob76Turbo

1976 930, the original beast
1987 951, trying to get there....

bron964

rob - check out these helpful threads:

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=000157" target="_blank">dim dash lights</a>

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=002825" target="_blank">Perry951's LEDs</a>

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=004519" target="_blank">Perry951's LEDs part2</a>

i also have this procedure i got from a fellow Rennlister that might be helpful:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove steering wheel cover by pulling gently on it, then detach horn wire. Next, use deep socket to remove the nut holding the steering wheel on. Mark steering wheel position and pull it straight off.
3. Remove the plastic oval dash cover by removing a total of 8 screws. It pulls out directly. You should now have access to the 4 screws retaining the instrument cluster.
4. Remove these 4 screws and pull the cluster out. Next, detach the 3 electrical connection brackets behind the cluster. The cluster will now be free to remove from the car.
5. Identify the 3 light tunnels underneath the cluster. They originally had a silver reflective coating painted on. This coating will probably be deteriorated and worn off. Do NOT remove the light tunnels from the cluster - leave them in place. Use some method to scrape off this reflective coating so that the tunnels are completely clear. I used sandpaper, but this will scuff them too much. Paint thinner may be effective, but I can't promise results because I did not use this.
6. Next, use double sided scotch tape to secure aluminum foil to the 3 light tunnels, shiny side facing down (toward the tape). This shiny side will be used to refract the light from the bulbs through the tunnel to the dash. Make sure the foil completely covers the tunnels.
7. Replace the dash light bulbs with 3 watt bulbs (available at most auto parts stores). DO NOT use light bulbs brighter than 3 watts - they will draw too much current, overheat, and melt the plastic light bulb retaining sockets. This is BAD!
8. When you have the light bulbs replaced and the light tunnels resurfaced, install everything back the way it came and try it out. As Haynes says, "installation is the reverse of removal." If you have no light at all, check your connections and try again.

good luck!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

rob76turbo

Thanks Dan!! The redirect to the other threads was perfect.

Rob76Turbo

1979 930, the original Bad Boy
1987 951, trying to get there.....

RAD951

I'm actually doing the samething also. I removed the cluster panel and recovered the light tunnels with reflective tape. I think I will also replace those standard white bulbs with a red ones or a different color just to see if it looks better. I will see how it goes and inform you with the conclusions. Oh and clean those electical harnesses on the back of cluster because somtimes dirty ones cause malfunction of gauges.

Olli Snellman

Rad951,

i have tried blue & red bulps with original wattage.They are even worst than orginal clear ones.Don't use over wattage bulps, it will destroy some plastic parts.I know, ihave tried that on my previous 944n/a...Go the "LED" route.It's much better.Perry's instructions are very good! I have a similar setup.Running currently with clear led's.

Olli
'88 951

Perry 951

There are a few threads going on about my LED install, so I will make an offer for you guys who want it done. Here is the cost breakdown for me to do it for you. Downside, you need to send your gauges to me, or at least the bulb holders and the reflectors.

LED's and resistors - $45
4 Hours labor - $50
Shipping is about $30 for overnight, $15 for ground.

I have a little time here and there to do some, and frankly, could use the cash to continue with the rebuid.

E-mail me if you are intrested.

perry@fuse.net

RAD951

Just got done with the cluster lighting rebuild. This is what I did: took out each of the three plastic light tunnels, stripped them of the old foil, retaped them all on all sides with the foil tape, and finally installed new super white brand APC 194 bulbs. The gauge cluster doesn't look like an audi's gauge cluster but is brighter now in good for $8.00 for bulbs and $4.00 for foil tape and a good 4 hours.
I bought the bulbs from Autozone in the rice car accessories section. They also had led bulbs and I actually bought them but, they were red and they didn't have clear ones.

Edman951

For white and other colors guages faces check out this place <a href="http://www.h2ovw.com/html/frame.html" target="_blank">http://www.h2ovw.com/html/frame.html</a>

indiana_86_944_turbo

just got done redoing my dim dash light project,and all i9 can say is wow! what a difference a little alum. tape and a little time made. i did not get new bulbs,i just wiped the old bulbs off and reinstaled.

s.t.

AlphaOne

<a href="http://www.9xauto.com" target="_blank">www.9xauto.com</a> has reverse indiglo gauges. I'm getting a set.

turboven

I had the same problem and I replaced the Reflector/Lens assy bought here <a href="http://www.944online.com/newparts.asp" target="_blank">www.944online.com/newparts.asp</a>

indiana_86_944_turbo

hell i spent maybe $5 on tape to do it my self and it throws off more then enough light,and i did not buy replacement bulbs.

s.t.

ringo951

Where are you getting the foil tape, and is that what it is called.