Dashboard bulbs

SurlyJohn · 09-03-2008, 11:13 PM

So I've got the 1994 4runner and it's dash is pretty dark at night. Three or four bulbs are out and I've got to replace them. Two questions, how hard is it the tear the dashboard apart to get at all the lights? and has anyone replaced the standard filament bulbs with LED's?
I did a full conversion of LED's on my Acura TL and it turned out nicely. Just would like some info in anyone has run into issues or tricks to make that dash come off easier.

Thanks,
JMT

Myron · 09-04-2008, 12:18 AM

there is a post about this...Search it

stormin94 · 09-04-2008, 12:23 AM

Pulling the dash out is a PITA. It took me hours to do, just to fix something that took like 2 minutes.

space-junk · 09-04-2008, 12:55 AM

http://www.yotatech.com/f126/indiglo...4runner-75767/

its not the EXACT link, but the steps should get you by...
the dash isnt that hard to do, but then again, it was the first time that i did it... now its a breeze...

stormin94 · 09-04-2008, 12:59 AM

It sure was hard for me the first time.

space-junk · 09-04-2008, 01:03 AM

well, if you ever need help with it again, then im just about ten minutes south of sac... and ive had my dash apart several times changing the stereos and trying to wire stuff uo, so its second nature now...

stormin94 · 09-04-2008, 01:06 AM

Thanks for the offer. I'm actually only in Sac a couple times a week now. I still don't like taking the dash out. A friend of mine had an old F*rd, and that dash was like 6 bolts.

space-junk · 09-04-2008, 11:56 AM

these ones are too, albeit with a few thousand clips and electircal plugs to disconnect... lol...

iamsuperbleeder · 09-04-2008, 03:18 PM

yeah, the dash is a lot of fun to take apart, but it's gets quick and easy after you do it about 8 er 9 times, lol

I replaced my bulbs with some green LED bulbs that I got on-line, and I'm not impressed at all... their not near as bright as the filament ones that were in there before, and the next time I get reason to take the dash apart I'm taken em out.

Also, the LEDs fool the dash light dimmer switch too because of the less power it takes to light them, so if I turn the knob I either just have on or off, no in between, lol

SurlyJohn · 09-04-2008, 06:19 PM

That link for the Indiglo gauges is just what I needed for this project, thanks for linking me up. I've got it about a quarter of the way off right now, that should help me get it off. I agree with you guys, the first time you do something like this it's really hard because you don't know what will break or not break and how to pull the cowl off the dash.

Thanks for the help!
John

Jay351 · 09-04-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamsuperbleeder

yeah, the dash is a lot of fun to take apart, but it's gets quick and easy after you do it about 8 er 9 times, lol

I replaced my bulbs with some green LED bulbs that I got on-line, and I'm not impressed at all... their not near as bright as the filament ones that were in there before, and the next time I get reason to take the dash apart I'm taken em out.

Also, the LEDs fool the dash light dimmer switch too because of the less power it takes to light them, so if I turn the knob I either just have on or off, no in between, lol

Oh man, the cluster is friggin EASY to pull out. I can get mine out in under 5 mins easily.
I dont know what kind of leds you have, but mine work great in the dash. They are very bright, the dimmer works (to an extent) Right before they go completly dim they will just switch off.

Just incase you wanna know....

Cluster uses:

3 #194 bulbs ( 2 more for the blinkers)
and 2 # 194 bulbs (all the warning lights use # 74 too)

cbrsport17 · 09-06-2008, 08:36 AM

My 1990 Surf with LED conversion in the dash....

Wasnt too hard to do, it does suck pulling the dash tho...

iamsuperbleeder · 09-06-2008, 08:45 AM

the main thing I dont like about my LEDs is how they light the dash... the light is "patchy"; it doesn't spread out... it's bright right where the lights are, and it fades everywhere else...

can kinda see the same effect with yours cbr

cbrsport17 · 09-06-2008, 08:56 AM

yea it does, you can really see the patchy look at night...someone recommended filing the bulbs down a little bit, but i havent felt like pulling my dash again...

RobD · 09-06-2008, 09:36 AM

WLED-x5 LED Wedge Base Bulbs from http://www.superbrightleds.com/mini-wedge.html

They shoot light from 5 sides and are far less patchy than other LEDS, plus they are completely controllable from the dimmer. I'm in the process of adding an oil pressure and temp gauge from Autometer and I've lit them with the same bulbs. I'll try to get pics posted, depending on how successful I am building a two gauge pod.

Jay351 · 09-06-2008, 09:52 AM

x2!!

I used the WLED-x5 leds from superbrightleds.com. Heres how my dash looks.. In that picture the bulb on the drivers side was only half working, I fixed it but never took another picture...

Don't forget the heater (bad picture)

I also replaced the lights in the ashtray, most of the idiot lights, turn signals and my corner lights.

Belize Off Road Team · 09-06-2008, 01:07 PM

They really do make a difference. i loved the difference compared to bulbs with condoms. i used bright white and black lights in different areas.

space-junk · 09-06-2008, 02:41 PM

that looks great guys... i have a friend of mine in our scion car club that is the electrical/led guru, and he warned me that the LEDs will give off patchy light... imma order some of those WLEDs and show him what for...

cbrsport17 · 09-06-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobD

WLED-x5 LED Wedge Base Bulbs from http://www.superbrightleds.com/mini-wedge.html

They shoot light from 5 sides and are far less patchy than other LEDS, plus they are completely controllable from the dimmer. I'm in the process of adding an oil pressure and temp gauge from Autometer and I've lit them with the same bulbs. I'll try to get pics posted, depending on how successful I am building a two gauge pod.

can't wait to see the final product!!!!

09-03-2008, 11:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
SurlyJohn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tigard Oregon Posts: 52	Dashboard bulbs So I've got the 1994 4runner and it's dash is pretty dark at night. Three or four bulbs are out and I've got to replace them. Two questions, how hard is it the tear the dashboard apart to get at all the lights? and has anyone replaced the standard filament bulbs with LED's? I did a full conversion of LED's on my Acura TL and it turned out nicely. Just would like some info in anyone has run into issues or tricks to make that dash come off easier. Thanks, JMT

09-04-2008, 12:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
Myron Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Scottsdale,Arizona Posts: 143	there is a post about this...Search it __________________ 1987 Pick Up 2.4L 4x4 2004 Rallirt 2008 Taco

09-04-2008, 12:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,276	Pulling the dash out is a PITA. It took me hours to do, just to fix something that took like 2 minutes. __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

09-04-2008, 12:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,276	It sure was hard for me the first time. __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

09-04-2008, 01:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,276	Thanks for the offer. I'm actually only in Sac a couple times a week now. I still don't like taking the dash out. A friend of mine had an old F*rd, and that dash was like 6 bolts. __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

09-04-2008, 06:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
SurlyJohn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tigard Oregon Posts: 52	That link for the Indiglo gauges is just what I needed for this project, thanks for linking me up. I've got it about a quarter of the way off right now, that should help me get it off. I agree with you guys, the first time you do something like this it's really hard because you don't know what will break or not break and how to pull the cowl off the dash. Thanks for the help! John

09-06-2008, 08:36 AM	#12 (permalink)
cbrsport17 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Okinawa, Japan Originally from NJ Posts: 386	My 1990 Surf with LED conversion in the dash.... Wasnt too hard to do, it does suck pulling the dash tho... __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2049644 http://www.myspace.com/cbrsport17 http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbrsport17/ Cryo Guy '90 Toyota Surf(4Runner)(SOLD)<-----I am going to miss this thing!! '95 Honda Saber( Acura TL)(selling) '04 Nissan Titan 4x4 '95 Toyota Lucida Luxury '92 Suzuki GSXR(The Daily Driver)

09-06-2008, 08:56 AM	#14 (permalink)
cbrsport17 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Okinawa, Japan Originally from NJ Posts: 386	yea it does, you can really see the patchy look at night...someone recommended filing the bulbs down a little bit, but i havent felt like pulling my dash again... __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2049644 http://www.myspace.com/cbrsport17 http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbrsport17/ Cryo Guy '90 Toyota Surf(4Runner)(SOLD)<-----I am going to miss this thing!! '95 Honda Saber( Acura TL)(selling) '04 Nissan Titan 4x4 '95 Toyota Lucida Luxury '92 Suzuki GSXR(The Daily Driver)

09-06-2008, 09:36 AM	#15 (permalink)
RobD Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,073	WLED-x5 LED Wedge Base Bulbs from http://www.superbrightleds.com/mini-wedge.html They shoot light from 5 sides and are far less patchy than other LEDS, plus they are completely controllable from the dimmer. I'm in the process of adding an oil pressure and temp gauge from Autometer and I've lit them with the same bulbs. I'll try to get pics posted, depending on how successful I am building a two gauge pod. __________________ 1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio

09-06-2008, 09:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
Jay351 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 5,951	x2!! I used the WLED-x5 leds from superbrightleds.com. Heres how my dash looks.. In that picture the bulb on the drivers side was only half working, I fixed it but never took another picture... Don't forget the heater (bad picture) I also replaced the lights in the ashtray, most of the idiot lights, turn signals and my corner lights. __________________ 91 Pickup - xcab - 5sp - 3.0 - sr5 - 4x4 - 230,000kms \|2.25" catback w/ magnaflow cat + glasspack \| Weasy2k cams \| Aisin manual hubs \|Diff breather mod \| Marlin HD clutch \|3" BL \| es3000's \|2" AAL \|1.5" bj spacers \| ISR \| Alpine headunit \| 4" Infinity fronts/5" rears \| 4.88's \|Rear lockright \| 33x12.50" BFG M/T on 15x8" steelies \|Hella 500's \|4" reverse lights\| Grant GT \|Downey idler arm brace\|hella E-codes\| Marlin armor \| %100 Amsoil synthetic http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2572486

09-06-2008, 01:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
Belize Off Road Team Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Corozal Town, Belize Posts: 2,378	They really do make a difference. i loved the difference compared to bulbs with condoms. i used bright white and black lights in different areas. __________________ -Phyl 1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 193,000kms l 3.4L V6 264,000kms to be rebuilt then installed! l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Drop in filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l TRD shift knob l Lv. 3 First Aid Kit l White Gauges & Temp Controls l LED conversion l 80/100W Hella H4 l Hella Black Magic l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l TOYOTA TOUR 2008 トヨタ\|NEVER QUIT