LED Dash conversion begins.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Hey folks,

I am getting started on my LED dash conversion project, based on this thread.

All of the items where purchased from hitlights.

The LEDs can change color (and even perform animations for those who want to get in accidents)

The idea is to remove the original lighting, and run the strips through each instrument. It has adhesive backing, and would attach to the green portion of this quick illustration.

The strips can be cut every 3 lights, and cables can run out the original holes for the bulbs and between instruments. They will be powered from the existing leads for the bulbs as seen in the ratsun tutorial, allowing them to be controlled normally.

My 240z is my daily driver, so I have to work quickly. My days off this week are Wednesday and Thursday. I hope I can tackle it in that time.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Looks like I will not get to start today, because they sent me this instead of this by mistake.

Probably wont get a chance to do it this week after all. Ugh.. Emailed the company and hopefully they get the correct item out gracefully.

I needed that piece to connect the LED strips to the cars power, and I'm not going to tear anything apart until I know I can power it.

[Hardway]

The Ratsun write up looks great and I see no reason why the LED strips could not be used in the 240z gauges. I think the biggest challenge will be that there are 5 separate gauge holes to fill and light. Running the wiring to each gauge pod may be a little tough. If your install goes well Ninja I may try this on my 240z when I tackle the interior later down the road. Thanks for taking the time to do this and sharing it with us!

[ninjazombiemaster]

I think the biggest challenge will be that there are 5 separate gauge holes to fill and light. Running the wiring to each gauge pod may be a little tough.

I am a little worried about that. I will be using this to connect each pod together. I'm not sure if they're long enough, but I'll know soon enough! Still waiting on the correct item to arrive, to wire it to the power. The company was very responsive and fair in getting the right item out after their error.

I initially intended to power it at the light socket in the speedo, and have everything hidden under/in the dash, except the small IR receiver poking out somewhere. Connecting each pod with that cable left to right, and finally down to the heater control panel. I suppose I could work in reverse of that, too. Whichever offers the best mounting for the receiver. Also, that way I suppose I could still drive it if the project runs long since the speedo and tach would be the last.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Its been two weeks and I still haven't received the correct item. I guess I'm going to have to email the company again. All this over a $5 part.

At least the weather warmed up a little in that time, so when I can start, it'll be a little nicer.

[ZCurves]

This still sounds very promising! Make sure to keep us up-to-date and post lots of pics!

[SteveJ]

This was a lot easier. I guess the young guys have to do things the hard way first.

[ninjazombiemaster]

This still sounds very promising! Make sure to keep us up-to-date and post lots of pics!

Will do. I emailed the company again, and I'm still waiting to hear back about the missing part. Thanks!

This was a lot easier. I guess the young guys have to do things the hard way first.

True! ha. My goal is to get as even lighting as possible, as well as being able to easily change the color to anything I want, and still be able to change it back to stock look without having to take anything apart, change bulbs or filters. In this case, there's a remote and infrared receiver that lets me do it all on the fly. Thats why I'm making it extra hard..

[ninjazombiemaster]

Finaaaaaly received the correct item from the company and can get started on this project.