Dashboard Lighting

[viper1400]

Hey all, so many of you guys have done so many cool things to your solara, that im sure that one of you has changed the dashboard lighting from the OEM green glow to some other color...also the A/C lighting. I REALLY wanna change the dashboard and A/C lighting from that greenish color to a cool blue (I have that new alpine MP3 player, and i thought it would be really cool if i could have the dash match the cd player)

[Jackass-Jeff]

The dash has 5 main bulbs for the temp, gas, speedo and tach gauges. The bulb size is 194. The a/c gauges are different sizes.


http://www.zer0.info/solaraguy/viewtopi ... light=dash

[PapaDukes027]

So instead of starting a new thread figured id use one from 2003 haha. Anyways, my dashboard lights are starting to fade Is there any turtorial on how to change the bulbs yourself?? I might just change the colors anyways if im back there. Thanks in advance.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

HOLY THREAD REVIVAL BATMAN!!!!!

In most cases, it'll be more worth your while to start a new thread. Fading ≠ bulb replacement!

Your best bet is to get a Haynes/Chilton's Manual; it's been covered here before, but no longer available... I applaud you for attempting searching first though.

[PapaDukes027]

Hahah. Thanks. oh and couldnt i just bring it to a toyota dealer?? how much would that cost roughly??

[Meow]

About $115 in Canada two replace two bulbs. Or like 8 dollars and 10 minutes of work if you do it yourself. On some cars it can be a chore to get at the gauge cluster. On my S13 I had to remove a lot of the dash and drop the steering column. On the Solara.... it's all of 15 seconds. TWO screws and pull lol.
I bought plain bulbs from Canadian Tire, and installed them. It looked like crap, so I painted them with nail polish (read somewhere on this forum that it's doable) and it turned out fantastic.
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/8151 ... 041ep1.jpg
I haven't done the A/C ones yet, but I'll get around to it.

[philosophicaljt]

while you have the bulbs out, why not do an LED retrofit? Just make sure you shave the tops of the LEDs down for better light distribution.

[Kenz]

So to change the gauge cluster color, all that needs to be done is different color bulbs?
Is it the same for the vent controls?

[Jakecallun20]

Hey, I really want to do this to my solara, but isn't nail polish flammable or will it burn or anything like that if left on for long hours? such as behind the cluster whilst driving at night for a while? Thanks

[philosophicaljt]

^^the LED's are the best choice for aftermarket color choices.

The nail polish would make me nervous

[PapaDukes027]

Damn Meow that looks just how i want mine. Kind of a dumb question though where can i order bulbs from online and also howd u get those screws out?? hahah i cant get a screw driver to fit between the wheel and the dashboard

[Kenz]

I found this...

http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=10319

Id like to change over too all blue.

[Astro]

Damn Meow that looks just how i want mine. Kind of a dumb question though where can i order bulbs from online and also howd u get those screws out?? hahah i cant get a screw driver to fit between the wheel and the dashboard

LOL, if you got a ratchet just use one of these...bit socket with #2 phillips. Excellent for some tight spaces.

[Kenz]

From what I'm reading everyone says the the LED bulbs in the dash cluster don't work as well as the regular bulbs.

Would something like these be any better? They have leds pointed on the sides, might give them a try....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2pcs-168-194-Refractor-5-LED-Spark-Blue-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQihZ010QQitemZ200136389020QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[PapaDukes027]

Hahah good call Astro. Brain fart i guess lol. Um can i buy some new bulbs at like any store like pep boys or Napa Auto Parts??