Got the dash back together

[Andrewr/t]

Well besides for the main gauge. Wired up blue LEDs in the Hvac panel (27) and headlight panel (3). Still have to swap out the ugly stock yellow underdash lights and overhead console bulbs with some white LEDS. Maybe do some Black Billet control knobs.

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1885.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1887.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1895.jpg

[JDreamR/T]

That's pretty neat... I was wondering how hard is it to do the led backlighting mod? I have good electrical skills with soldering etc. I would like to go with all red backlighting in my truck since its red exterior. Got any pics of the mod/wiring? Looks good nice job!

[GoFastGray]

Looks sweet Andrew :rockwoot:
x2 on where you got the LED's and how hard it was wiring them up?
Are you going to start doing hydro-graphics for $ yet??

[Andrewr/t]

The LED strips can be bought on ebay for fairly cheap. They are easy to wire up if you have 18-22 guage wire and a soldering tool. Very easy to wire up. I tapped into the Dimmer switch fuse in the panel and just grounded it under the dash. Took maybe 10 minutes to wire up everything and get it lite up. The LED strip can be cut every 3 bulbs:


http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1912.jpg


Looks sweet Andrew :rockwoot:
x2 on where you got the LED's and how hard it was wiring them up?
Are you going to start doing hydro-graphics for $ yet??

Yes, in late spring I will be.

[Addicted2Blue00]

where did you get the covers for the headlight n hvac panels?

[Andrewr/t]

where did you get the covers for the headlight n hvac panels?

Black Cat Customs

http://www.blackcatcustom.com/dodge_dakota.htm

[Andrewr/t]

I tried to taking some pictures of the main gauge in but it keeps looking green and only blue in some areas. The gauge is just resting there and isn't stuck on yet so that's why you see the indicator lights that shouldn't be lite up. It looks much better in person and the whole dash lights up with blue LEDs now. The lights under my dash are on a seperate switch since I don't really plan on using them much. Just wanted to mess around with LEDs since I ordered a huge roll of them. I'll have finished pictures of the whole interior with all the hydrographic work completed in late spring.

In short term.. I'm very happy with the Black Cat Custom Gauges and would recommend them.

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1921.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1927.jpg

[KTK00R/T]

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/IMGP1927.jpg

Holy Crap! I've wanted to get matching cobalt gauges, but they wouldn't look right with the stock cluster!

Got details on what you've done? (pics of the LED's.) I suspect you just removed the bulbs from most and just light it with the LED's correct? What will become of the indicators? Do they light blue with the overlay?

[Pete102580]

took a couple seconds, but they grew on me. nice work!

[badinfluence]

Impressive feels like a massive understatement.

[Andrewr/t]

Thanks! I'll try to get some better pictures tomorrow. The Gauges and Main Gauge LEDs came from BlackCat Custom. The LEDS in the headlight panel, hvac panel, and under the dash are pictureed above and are 3528 LED strips. You can buy the main gauge LEDs that just twist in online. I believe the # if 194 but I could be wrong.

And yes, the indicators will light up blue. Everything on the main gauge will light up blue.

[blackbeauty2001]

I did this in my Cobalt.. I didn't have to use an LED strip though. I was able to take the little motherboard pieces off from inside my steering wheel and being the HVAC and desolder the bulbs and just replace them with blue LEDs. I'm guessing it's a little different with the Dakota?

[Andrewr/t]

Yeah you can replace the bulbs and bases but with only two bulbs in the Hvac panel to begin with, I just wanted to make sure it was bright enough. Plus LED strips are cheap verus buying an LED bulb to work. For the main gauge I just used the 194 LED bulbs and bases that BlackCat Custom sent me.

[robmitc7]

OK got another brilliant question. The gauge needles on the gauge cluster are spring loaded. If I remove the needle to put on a custom gauge face then how do I keep the springs from being messed up? Won't they just wind out of place then I'm reading everything wrong??

[Andrewr/t]

Uhh? They were just pressed onto the motor. Pop right off and push right back on. You can calibrate the needles so they are back to the right spot.

[robmitc7]

Oh, I was under the impression the spring or motor would keep winding when you cut the truck off and there wasn't a needle there to hit the stopper. So... do you leave the ignition on while you're peeling the gauge face off??

[Andrewr/t]

Take the whole gauge out of the truck and than take it apart. To mark the positions of the needles, either let the truck run for 5 minutes and park where they are at or you can calibrate them afterwards. I've got instructions on how to take apart a 99 gauge. Not sure if it's the same for the 01+ trucks.

[Jontoad]

I did this in my Cobalt.. I didn't have to use an LED strip though. I was able to take the little motherboard pieces off from inside my steering wheel and being the HVAC and desolder the bulbs and just replace them with blue LEDs. I'm guessing it's a little different with the Dakota?

thats what i did on my charger. all my interior and dash bulbs are replaced with bright LED green bulbs. stock was a dim bluish green (the stock led's were actually white led's with a blue/green rubber boot on it). man was i scared to dismantle my stock navigation unit to do it, it came out great.

[itssilverandblueyo]

I tried to taking some pictures of the main gauge in but it keeps looking green and only blue in some areas. The gauge is just resting there and isn't stuck on yet so that's why you see the indicator lights that shouldn't be lite up. It looks much better in person and the whole dash lights up with blue LEDs now. The lights under my dash are on a seperate switch since I don't really plan on using them much. Just wanted to mess around with LEDs since I ordered a huge roll of them. I'll have finished pictures of the whole interior with all the hydrographic work completed in late spring.

In short term.. I'm very happy with the Black Cat Custom Gauges and would recommend them.


How did you set up the LEDs? thats my only question... im new to that type of stuff... actually im new to all of this stuff haha But i have the blackcat gauges and for some reason it just stopped working (its at least 6 years old tho) I did love it and i might getanother one but i really like how all of your stuff looks.

[Andrewr/t]

I bought the LED kit from Black Cat customs for the main gauge and those just twist right in. As for the Hvac and foglight just use LED stripes. Very simple to wire up:

I'll also have some updated pictures soon. Decided to dip a couple more items for my interior.

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/Andrew_rt/165521_10150156675404554_678089553_8319379_7656657 _n.jpg