Ok, I have spent a little while looking at the varies 194 led setups. My only question, what version to get that won't emit TOO much light and won't emit a sharp "spot" inside the dash...

I also found both #73/74 leds and regular colored bulbs for the rest of the dash...

 

Bling Bling for the Truggy?

 

ha ha ha, its actually for the wifes 4 runner.

But, hmmm, might have to upgrade mine now

 

I have blue LEDs for my glove box, ignition, ash tray and shift indicator by the shift knob. I started the project and ended there when i discouraged about the gauge lights being un even, I have it in my web page I am really happy about ignition lights and glove box lights, they look groovy. It looks a lot better in person tho.

 

I have a quick question about all of this. Will the "intensity" knob still work?

 

Not nee more. it's WildBill's wrtie-up.

 

yes.

And yes again cuz I couldn't send a reply with less than 5 characters.

 

Got a better Pic this weekend from my Boost Gauge and using frosted blue LED in in to replace the bulbs inside.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...31368038hpzWIR
Will probably be doing more when I get a chance and it warms up some.

 

I just relized something. Anybody have any idea if 194's are whats in the altimeter on the gen1 runners? Trying to make sure I only order what I need...

 

just a heads up for anyone replacing their bulbs w/ blue LEDs. The needles tend to be really dark after replacing the bulbs, but I noticed that the orange marker on the shifter of automatics still lights up well because of the neon orange or whatever color it is. So, I'm guessing, if you could find the same orange color paint, you could paint your needles with it, and it'd still light up decently. I painted my needles white though, and I'm using cold cathodes to light my gauges...

 

Okay, so I'm looking at getting these (30 for $5 shipped) but want to make SURE that I'm getting what I'm supposed to and that I'm not FAR out of my realm. . .which is almost no electrical experience. Anyway, will these:

5mm T1 3/4

Lens Color : Water Clear

Peak Wave Length (nm) : 610 ~ 620

Forward Voltage (V) : 1.8 ~ 2.2

Reverse Current (uA) : <= 30

Luminous Intensity Typ Iv (mcd) : 4000(Typical) ~ 5000(Max)

LEDs work in my 2002? Also, I saw in the write up referenced above the author talks about needing 470 Ohm resistors. Are these resistors and the LEDs all that I need? Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions but I really don't want to mess anything up. I realize that the write-up (referenced above) is very detailed and informative, but I just get a little worried because I have visions of me totally destroying my truck. . .perhaps I'm just a little too paranoid. Anyway, I really appreciate any help/therapy that anyone may be able to provide.

 

There not frosted so you may get spottyness(sp) in the dash if you use them just my .02
Also the 470 Ohm resistors are needed per LED unless you plan on stringing them from same power source (get larger wattage resistor), Plus if your not to sure you may want to try just 1 or 2 first before going hog wild on them all.

 

if they're not frosted, you can sand the rounded part flat with some sandpaper to even out the light dispersion. It's probably better to sand the frosted ones as well, since they're domed as well. I sanded all of mine flat.
You need to use one 470 Ohm resistor for each LED. You can use several LEDs for one resistor, but you need a different valued resistor.

 

Thanks guys. I'm seriously considering doing this. I appreciate your input. If I do it, I'll take pictures along the way.

 

Ok well basically my headlights are using hyperwhite bulbs that emit pure white light. Not the stock halogen yellowish look. I want to get hyperwhite corner bulbs so the corners match up with the headlights acting like a natural extension of the headlights.

 

email me, I have LED lights that I used (I have an extra set).

They match hyperwhite bulbs perfectly.

paulbauer@gmail.com

 

Ok so Crash did mine for Christmas. I now have a blue dash and altimeter. He decided against the LED's. I'm not sure it's very bright and there is a spot on the Tach where a couple of the numbers still show white but other wise it looks pretty cool. He just got regular blue bulbs. We are going to get the different bulbs for the heater area and the shifter soon as well.

 

Those 194 bulbs are sold at autozone and if you have one pep boys, thats the only places ive seen any 194's in colors other than amber.

 

that's all fine and dandy but those 194's have been tried before by many of us and they don't produce enough light to light up the gauges, let alone the needles. don't waste your money on those, as WildBill called them, "mood lights."

 

that;s my experience and so I put all clear bulbs back in.