Instrument Cluster Lens

[dnsherrill]

mine was damaged before I got it, a bunch of spottiness , maybe someone used a harsh chemical on it...who knows
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has anyone had success buffing it out like we do the headlight lenses? or will that make it hazey and worse?

 

[Trippen Out]

i have never tried it but that was my first thought when looking at it. cant hurt it much more then what it is now and im sure ya can find one in the yard thats probably in better shape.

 

[GMAN]

I have some instrument clusters in my box of parts.

 

[96_Lincoln_LSC]

mine was damaged before I got it, a bunch of spottiness , maybe someone used a harsh chemical on it...who knows
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has anyone had success buffing it out like we do the headlight lenses? or will that make it hazey and worse?

Any chance you have this still out, i have to replace my lights on the cluster, as i have a few out but yet to pull it out, was wondering if you can snap a pic on the circuit and tell me what type of bulbs is there, I want to pick up all new bulbs and replace them all so its just a 1 shot and done deal...
Thanks

 

[dnsherrill]

i put T10 neo wedges (LED's) back in, the oem lights are the same as in the courtesy lamps and most of the tail lights...if you don't have bulbs I can send you the ones I pulled out, new they can add up the $
I cleaned it up real nice, and the LED's make it kind of blue-ish...pics to follow

 

[96_Lincoln_LSC]

Are they all the same bulbs? I think standard ford is 194's? Also is there two different bulbs? 1 smaller then the other? I think they may be for the needles in speedo, Tach. temp, alt,gas Etc... ? I know on the Wifes Explorer there are tiny bulbs.

 

[dnsherrill]

all the same, 194's...with LED's it's polarity specific, so you haffto verify it's all lit up beofre reinstaling

 

[dnsherrill]

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[Trippen Out]

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is that hows your turned out because that is way ****ing sick. also how did you get such a clear picture of it.

 

[dnsherrill]

super macro setting on the camera, used for high resolution/detailed close-ups; knocked down the exposure time on the second pic (of the lights)...with the LED's it's kind of pita making sure each bulb is in correctly...remember to check the turn signals/hazard lights
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it's not perfect but it cleaned up really well, thanks to OnlyTony for the suggestions on buffing;

 

[My Great 8]

Looks great. Nice job!

 

[soduka]

i put T10 neo wedges (LED's) back in, the oem lights are the same as in the courtesy lamps and most of the tail lights...if you don't have bulbs I can send you the ones I pulled out, new they can add up the $
I cleaned it up real nice, and the LED's make it kind of blue-ish...pics to follow

How many does it take to do the gauge cluster?

 

[dnsherrill]

How many does it take to do the gauge cluster?

eh...good question, it's reattached now, i think it was... 5 per side, 10 total....it includes the turn signals and trouble lights on the right side...if you get just 10 that may be enough, but I''d get 15 or 20, and do the courtesy lamps also (under dash, door panels, back seats

 

[Trippen Out]

did you use white behind the dash ? or blue ?

 

[dnsherrill]

white

 

[97 Octane]

Wow, good job you two. That gauge looks real sharp - real fresh!

 

[Epwillis]

eh...good question, it's reattached now, i think it was... 5 per side, 10 total....it includes the turn signals and trouble lights on the right side...if you get just 10 that may be enough, but I''d get 15 or 20, and do the courtesy lamps also (under dash, door panels, back seats

It's 9 bulbs:

 

[dnsherrill]

It's 9 bulbs:

where'd you find those slick blue aftermarket twist conductors?

 

[Trippen Out]

Not sure if question above is real. Okay Ill play. those come stock on the bulbs. Its your socket

 

[dnsherrill]

it must just be the photo/lighting, mine look different...i was thinking he found something newer as a replacement

 

[96_Lincoln_LSC]

It's 9 bulbs:

This was the image i have been looking for.. Wanted to see what the back looked like before i tear it out.. and for now till i get the LED's the regular bulb is 194 right? i know the one in the message console is different and the headlight switch but the ones on this gauge is all the same correct? 194's?

Is there any bulbs for the needles in the tach, speedo etc? or are they feed off of the light for the cluster itself?

 

[96_Lincoln_LSC]

Really stupid question????
Is there any way to add a bulb(separate wiring of course) for Cruise Control? any way of adding the overlay somewhere in the cluster to show its engaged.. Don't know why Lincoln never had an indicator in these cars...
When Im on the highway and want to use cruise im always playing the guessing game did it engage or is it off?? LMAO or maybe i should put in message center?

 

[dnsherrill]

This was the image i have been looking for.. Wanted to see what the back looked like before i tear it out.. and for now till i get the LED's the regular bulb is 194 right? i know the one in the message console is different and the headlight switch but the ones on this gauge is all the same correct? 194's?

Is there any bulbs for the needles in the tach, speedo etc? or are they feed off of the light for the cluster itself?

all the same, 194's...no dedicated bulb for needles, there are dedicated bulbs: brights, turn signals, battery trouble, and probably temp or fuel trouble- I've never seen those last 2 illuminated however...I can't imagine doing a CC mod, someone smarter than me might describe how to do it though

 

[Trippen Out]

I didnt think anyone used cruise control. its worthless to me. Id expect it to brake next thing ya know bam. 90 mph into the rear of someone. it wouldnt be pretty. it should be removed from all cars. if you cant drive your car with out it you shouldnt be driving the car period. just my perspective on it.

 

[pepperman]

I didnt think anyone used cruise control. its worthless to me. Id expect it to brake next thing ya know bam. 90 mph into the rear of someone. it wouldnt be pretty. it should be removed from all cars. if you cant drive your car with out it you shouldnt be driving the car period. just my perspective on it.

I never use my cruise control.