DIY: FR-S and GT86 Amber cluster backlight (no soldering)
 

Hey guys just want to share what I did today. I used some translucent amber sheets to change the color of the gauges from white to amber. Here are the pros and cons of this mod before you decide to try it out for yourself..

Pros:
-100% reversible
-no need to remove the needles and risk messing up the needle motors
-dirt cheap
-relatively easy to do

Cons:
-backlight is a little dimmer compared to stock, but not by much. This can be a pro because since the backlight is a little dimmer, the Shift light is now more noticeable.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible if you f*ck something up. Do this mod at your own risk. It should be really easy if you're handy with a pair of scissors :)

Follow the DIY on removing the cluster hood here:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NU5ba3ChgM"]Remove the Gauge Cluster of FR-S, BRZ - YouTube[/ame]


And how to disassemble the cluster itself: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58207

Once the cluster is disassembled, you will have something like this
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd6d7e246.jpg

Now you need to find something that will change the light from white to amber. I used a "clear book" folder I bought from an office supplies store. It's a folder with a translucent cover and clear plastic sheets inside that you can stuff documents into. Cost me 45 pesos or 1 US Dollar :D
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb8859db8.jpg
As you can see, it changes white light to amber
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1e76681c.jpg

Begin by cutting a pattern similar to the one in the photo. Use a sharpie to mark where you need to cut.
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps88aaadcb.jpg

You will end up with something like this
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps6348a64e.jpg


Now repeat the same thing for the tach. Make sure you don't cover any of the warning lights
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse36e88c3.jpg

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps611d8418.jpg

And finally the fuel and temperature gauges
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps889a22dd.jpg

Slide the amber "diffusers" underneath and use some tape to secure them
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps4a5d277e.jpg

Reassemble everything and enjoy the fruits of your labor :thumbsup:
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps53fcc87b.jpg

Matches my Defi Advance CR gauges really wellhttp://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps128200b5.jpg


http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8bdb811e.jpg

Comparison of the stock tach and modded speedometer
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse8133104.jpg

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/o...psa6fad0bb.jpg

Nice simple diy!

Didn't know what to expect but I like it a lot! Nicely done.

If I ever do this, I'll do blue!

^ I'm curious as to what it will look like with blue. I used the same method to change the backlight of the Defi boost gauge in my 90s Land Cruiser from white to green. Turned out great too!

siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick!!! Nicely done!

That's pretty nice, though it reminds me of 90's pontiacs with all that orange, lol. Great idea on using the folder.

Green would be appropriate for the early-model AE86 look...

Wow, very creative!

That folder cover looks a bit thick. Try some lighting gels from Rosco or Lee, usually available from your local camera store.

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?o...Feature1=Rosco

I used a Rosco lighting gel (cut to size) to dim my high beam indicator. That bitch was bright, now it's tolerable.

thats a great idea. the lights are too bright on the dash anyway lol i cant stand the 8 different colors they use

That looks awesome!
Thanks for sharing :-)

Came in here because best username I've seen on this site yet.