AutoMeter Cobalt and Instrument Bezel WRX MY02/3/4

**JBSerrell** · 02-11-2009 07:24 PM

What about utilizing the ash tray and lighter compartment on the 05-07's You could even retain the door to the compartment in theory.

**Impreza2.0** · 03-03-2009 03:59 PM

Just finished this and an LED swap in the OEM WRX cluster, I am waiting on an 04 Impreza cluster with the larger bezel rings... better matching of the bezels for sure. LEDs are more effective in MY04 clusters also. The gel film is better engineered. I used blue SMT LEDs from SuperBrightLEDs.com. They are 194s, and took some modding to add, so I ordered the 74s that the cluster uses, and will be changing out to the new cluster with those. Pics of that coming.

**Impreza2.0** · 03-28-2009 03:27 PM

I just recieved a new instrument cluster for this setup, one not yet modded at all, obviously. I did rather a shoddy job with the wiring, and used what I have since learned are inferior LEDs. What I ordered is the AC AutoTechnic S7 gauge kit, an Aluminum bezel from inferno (really perfect machining), A set of instrument cluster LEDs from ZeroPoint Electronics in Australia, and will keep the AutoMeter bezel cluster and it's gauges.

Anyone who followed me this far on the dash project knows that this is my second time around doing this with this cluster, and a knowledgeable tech is helping me this time. He made me a set of sealed LEDs for the whole dash, all plug-n-play excepting those needing a quick soldering.

Next gauge mod will be a double pillar and clock pod (ATI w/ Aluminum trimplate and Cobalt gauges).

I just want the stock cluster dressed to kill first. I don't know how this is going to turn out, but it has to beat the junk LEDs I got from SuperBrightLEDs...

**Higgs** · 03-29-2009 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by humara

i went low profile and installed an LED gauge into the clock housing.
i park on the street and don't want someone braking in to steal $100 worth of gauges.
someone already stole my girlfriend's crappy $75 car stereo.

there gotta be a write up!

**AtomicFrawg** · 03-30-2009 10:15 AM

My DYI A Pillar guage mount

And I painted the other one to match.

**Impreza2.0** · 04-06-2009 08:56 PM

Pic should explain everything...

**WESTWERX** · 04-08-2009 12:43 PM

Ya that looks sik..

**BeBop86** · 04-10-2009 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by CadetARP

Yo, here's the resources I used to get started. I modified these designs a little to make it fit my car. Also, some of the references and parts numbers have been updated and I had to research a lot. If I get a chance, I'll post my updated parts number list and where I got everything from.

AudiWorld Tech Articles
AudiWorld Tech Articles

SWEET!

Thanks for the links!

**Impreza2.0** · 04-10-2009 01:49 PM

It sounds to me like a really fun project, but the long term result is my only issue.
I know an LED will not stay lit for it's whole life expectancy when kept burning constantly, but when cycled the material can cool enough to prevent crazing of the plastic (the most common cause of death in an LED). If you run LEDs in your cluster, you know what I mean, and last time, you got a few years worth, since ordering them is as PITA as installing them.

Do you have a backup board for burned out LEDs?

I can only imagine that the LED board was a major task to make visually correct, and a burnout would have me really steaming.
If so, is it fully modular? The data cable looks like it ought to allow another board to be made, something to keep in the boot for that day before a show when the coolest mod you have inevitably gets messed up or goes missing...

n'then... there's proabably enough readers (going from hits to this thread) to warrant a market for what you did... meaning, yeah, it's sick@** and I already know a guy who'd pay you more than you would ask for a setup like that in his GST Spyder Eclipse... Now since he's a FWD guy, talk me into telling him about you...

**l2yan** · 05-20-2009 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by AjIsDope

This is a nice HUD display:

http://www.amzperformance.com/silvia...6b5ea303b6575&

I like this, where can I find it?

**Mikie13** · 05-21-2009 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by l2yan

I like this, where can I find it?

I can't find anything specific like that one...that link doesn't work and AMZ Performance, when googled, doesn't have it on their site now.

I did a quick Google search and you can find many different options. I assume you mean the HUD though (Heads Up Display)

heads up display - Google Product Search

**CadetARP** · 05-22-2009 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Impreza2.0

It sounds to me like a really fun project, but the long term result is my only issue.
I know an LED will not stay lit for it's whole life expectancy when kept burning constantly, but when cycled the material can cool enough to prevent crazing of the plastic (the most common cause of death in an LED). If you run LEDs in your cluster, you know what I mean, and last time, you got a few years worth, since ordering them is as PITA as installing them.

Do you have a backup board for burned out LEDs?

I can only imagine that the LED board was a major task to make visually correct, and a burnout would have me really steaming.
If so, is it fully modular? The data cable looks like it ought to allow another board to be made, something to keep in the boot for that day before a show when the coolest mod you have inevitably gets messed up or goes missing...

n'then... there's proabably enough readers (going from hits to this thread) to warrant a market for what you did... meaning, yeah, it's sick@** and I already know a guy who'd pay you more than you would ask for a setup like that in his GST Spyder Eclipse... Now since he's a FWD guy, talk me into telling him about you...

I think you were referring to my LED boost gauge I made so...

I considered the fact that LEDs have a limitied life span. I made everything reversible except for the holed I drilled into the gauge cluster and glueing the LEDs in. If one goes bad I'll have to dig it out and replace it. I've already got ideas for a modular piece that will just be inserted from the top into the holes already cut and look a little cleaner.

The gauge is calibrated to light the first light at about 4lbs boost so they only come on when I'm hauling and stay off during normal everyday driving.

I just did a VF 39 turbo and intercooler swap, mapped it with Cobb AP and now I'll have to recalibrate the gauge because I'm running about 2lbs higher boost and the red warning LEDs are lighting.

Anyway, if nothing else I learned a lot and I had two boards manufactured and can send out for more in about 2 minutes online.

Later.