Custom triple meter modification...
 

I have all of the interior LED lighting changed except for the triple meters since I already have aftermarket gauges. 2theextreme volunteered to be the first to get the triple meter modified with custom gauge faces and LED colors. Thanks to Alex at Black Cat Custom for the custom gauge faces for the 370Z. In the meantime, he is also working on a custom bezel for the fuel/temp gauge.

For this modification, the gauge faces are white on black for a stock look. The needle paint has been removed. I opted for needle paint, but it looked nasty (like white out). Gauges will light up blue, and the needles will light up white. The clock backlight is white, so the numbers light up white with a blue background (check out my gallery).

Here's a preview before shipping out the gauges to 2theextreme:
http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1297231592

in for updates

Brave man!! :tup:

you are a mad man bro :D cant wait to see the end results

it would be nice !!!!

:yum: Will get them installed as soon as I can and also get some night time photos uploaded. :tup: Thanks as always, DIGI! You have been very helpful on many of my minor upgrades!

i did a full LED swap on my old TC too. was my first time trying to solder anything. you definately needs LOTS of patience when doing this. and a steady hand. i remember the LEDs were soo small...that even a heavy breath would blow them all over the place.

Good job!

In for results!!

If you can work on the tC, then you should have no problem working on the Z! :tup:

yup. took me the entire day. did my full gauge cluster and HVAC display.

did you switch out any resistors as well?

I WANTS! Digi!! I wants this lol :rofl2:

I call next! :tup:

I'm watching you DIGI.......... :tup:

:tup: Rep point for the DIGI, and his mods!

Thanks everyone! :tup:

With the blue and white LEDs I had in possession there wasn't any need for the combination meter. As for the triple meter, I didn't have any means of testing it so 2theextreme will be the first to see the result when it gets plugged in.

As for the door switches and HVAC, changing out the resistors may be needed blue. For white, it's bright enough for my taste.

Digi - Can you post how much time goes into something like this? Downtime for the car/ labor for yourself, shipping the parts if need be...

I'd really like to do this to my Z as well if you're interested in making a trend out of doing this. I'll do whatever Tony did to reimburse you! lol

According to the guys that worked on Lou's car, with the Defi gauges, expect 2 day down time removing the dash and putting it back together. This is why my aftermarket gauges are still in the closet. :P

As for this triple meter, it takes about 1.5 hours to disassemble and change out the LEDs. Refer to my DIY thread for a photo of the guts. You guys can contact Alex at Black Cat Custom for a set of gauge faces for this mod.

First!!! Let's wait to see the results of this modification because these gauge faces are technically "beta."

Gonna call the local body shop that has my Z tomorrow.....DIGI, should I tell them to expect about a 1.5 to 2 hours to do the swap out of the gauges? If so, maybe I can drop them off tomorrow and they can have them installed Friday when I pick the Z up. What do you think....possible?

From the Service Manual and from what I've heard, they need to remove the entire dash. That may include removing the glovebox, center console, combination meter, steering wheel (if necessary), vents on each side, and some trim near the windshield vents, etc.

Based on experience of the previous shipping mishap, let's wait until you are certain you'll be getting the package safely. :)

:bowrofl: That's a good idea!

Can you ask your shop to take some notes in regards to the installation? I'm contemplating about installing aftermarket gauges and just wire the power/dim terminals on my own.

My main concern is the steering wheel and the tweeter location. What I can tell you is that I can remove the combination meter without removing the steering wheel. As for the tweeters, I'm concerned about the wire getting snagged and damaging the tweeters.

I will def ask them. This may fall into the second phase of upgrades with the Central 20 side skirts and Varis hood. Those two items are due within the next 4 weeks.

(or I may just say screw the wait and do this separately!) :icon17:

Want to see installed pics

:iagree:

Seeing a Z with Blue interior lighting is going to be bad for my mod bug lol :stirthepot: