I'm not sure how to go about this... the back plate seems to be glued on?
If i put it in the oven at a low temp will that free the glue?
I know people have put LED's back there but i just want to know how to get it open!
Thank you for your time!
It doesn't open unfortunately... it's glued together and will probably break if you try to disassemble... $$$$ at the dealership too.. coincidence??!! ;-)
And of course if you look for 'em at a junkyard they are already gone... or are just as burnt out as yours are.
Vortex is fulla threads on adding LEDs, but the basic idea is that you use a large drill bit to drill out where the current wiring harness socket is... drilling thru the prongs of the socket and into the lightbulb itself (wear safety glasses)... then glue in a light bulb or a couple of LEDs.
Ahhh and then have your own wiring and stuff. I see.
Perhaps that job is for another day then
im just doing my speedo cable right now.
thanks for the prompt reply Vince.
Another question, how full should my manual trans be? I took the cable out at the trans side and i can see the fluid down there but how full should it be? I have a feeling it could do with a top up? The colour is concerning too its like a brown colour but i know that trans fluid is usually orange so that's not a big deal. it's not black or anything. what is the fill mark? sort of speak
I took mine apart....just this week.
you just need to be VERY VERY patient!!
I cut the glued seems with a hobby knife/exato...then use a VERY thin flat blade driver to "peel it apart"...DONT GET GREEDY!! or you will break it.
I'm doing mine just like this guy..but mines gonna say "1.6TD" instead of "GTI" :wink: :twisted:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4206297
oh that's awesome! thanks for the thread. definitely doing that!
Here is a picture of mine in my gasser.
As Vince mentioned, you need to be super careful pulling it apart. I didn't break mine but it still didn't go back together quite as nicely as it did from the factory. I found a larger LED (5mm I believe) that fit in the stock light location perfectly. Then I soldered on tabs so I can plug it in the factory wiring harness without modification.
The only problem with the LED is that they don't spread the light very well. The beam is intense but very focused. That's why it's brighter on the left where the light is located. If you took a bit of sandpaper and roughed up the LED or light diffusing panel I think you could get it a bit better though.
I buy my LEDs from these guys..
always FAST shipping..but yeah you will pay a little more then the HK LEDs
SuperbrightLEDs stocks bulbs for our dashes..they are SWEET!!
they also have most aftermarket gauge bulbs in the LED verity as well!!
they have LED#74 bulbs that plug right into the heater control broad..
http://www.superbrightleds.com/led_prods.htm
Excellent advice Rabbit!
I've got it apart now but im having issues with getting the burnt out bulb ... out of the plastic Any ideas?
I've decided that for now i just want to replace the bulb. I'll change all the lights to LED's another time.
If you've got a dremel tool and are pretty good with a fine paint brush you can do the method 53 willy's posted without ordering a special plastic piece.
Use a dremel to get the LED's into the shape you want and to cut the indents into the clear plate!
Also, instead of laser engraving you could use a piece of paper, print it black with white font on it of what you want with a photo printer at the highest quality, then use clear glue to stick it to the plastic piece. There you go, won't look as good as laser engraving but if that isn't an option for you im sure my method might be?
I'm doing mine just like this guy..but mines gonna say "1.6TD" instead of "GTI" :wink: :twisted:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4206297
Yeah, saw that tread.. that's some nice work for sure.... and the whole idea of laser engraving has lots of possibilities elsewhere.
Among other things, I'm kinda jealous of someone with enough time to spend that much effort on one detail. :cry: :wink:
I'm doing it right now and with that guide its REALLY easy and takes no time what so ever so long as you can get that piece apart. I'm basically done and i've been farting around on the computer all day doing other stuff. I also fixed my speedo and painted a bunch of stuff.
Like i said if you have a dremel tool you can do the LED swap no prob.