|
|
|
04-22-2014, 09:21 AM | #1 |
Lieutenant
73
Rep 527
Posts
Drives: 2011 E82 135i, 2015 F15 X5 35D
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NY
|
Custom Tii Gauge Faces
So I had custom Tii gauges made from these guys in Germany and just wanted to share some pics of how it came out with everyone. I also changed the amber leds to white leds to flow better with the new gauge faces.
|
04-22-2014, 11:53 AM | #2 |
Captain
192
Rep 893
Posts
Drives: 135is :) 192/586
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: LA, CA
|
They look amazing. So, the numbers on the tach is not translucent. I always thought light would go through the numbers and that light would be amber. Either way, I like 'em a lot.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-22-2014, 01:28 PM | #3 | |
Lieutenant
73
Rep 527
Posts
Drives: 2011 E82 135i, 2015 F15 X5 35D
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NY
|
Quote:
I would suggest keeping the stock mph tach readout on the left because the custom one they send to you is not translucent so you wont see any of the white numbering when its lit up. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-22-2014, 02:06 PM | #4 |
First Lieutenant
24
Rep 382
Posts |
How did you do the red needles?
__________________
2011 Space Grey 135i Sold
06 GTO , 06 WRX, 59 Bug AV cars and Coffee www.facebook.com/Avcarsandcoffee/ |
Appreciate
0
|
04-22-2014, 02:30 PM | #6 |
Captain
192
Rep 893
Posts
Drives: 135is :) 192/586
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: LA, CA
|
I've never soldered in my life ever before and I'm scared to touch the lighting in my cluster. I'll see if I'll be able to request translucent numbers.
I might just paint the needles but I'm still unsure with what exact red. I wonder if the OEM needles are just painted but are actually clear underneath. If so, I might go for translucent red paint. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-22-2014, 02:34 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant
73
Rep 527
Posts
Drives: 2011 E82 135i, 2015 F15 X5 35D
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NY
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-23-2014, 06:55 AM | #9 |
Enlisted Member
4
Rep 32
Posts |
You have the same issue with the red needles I was having on the speedo in that the light doesnt want to transmit down the length of the needle. I'm going to try mounting red LEDs directly behind the needle to see if I can get more light to transmit down it.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-23-2014, 10:48 AM | #10 | |
Lieutenant
73
Rep 527
Posts
Drives: 2011 E82 135i, 2015 F15 X5 35D
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NY
|
Quote:
Let me know how your idea works out so I can give it a try also. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-23-2014, 11:05 AM | #11 |
First Lieutenant
24
Rep 382
Posts |
I was reading on the 3series forums that guys were using a red sharpie marker to "paint" the needles red. They said mask off the areas you dont want red and make ONE (1) pass with the marker over the needles on each side and the top, leave the bottom white. The pics seemed like the light shined through them well. Im going to try it when my new gauge faces come in.
__________________
2011 Space Grey 135i Sold
06 GTO , 06 WRX, 59 Bug AV cars and Coffee www.facebook.com/Avcarsandcoffee/ |
Appreciate
0
|
04-23-2014, 02:18 PM | #13 |
1Addict
3233
Rep 7,894
Posts |
In for news on how folks manage out with the requests for translucent markings.
The gauge faces look great BTW.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-28-2014, 03:26 PM | #16 |
Lieutenant
73
Rep 527
Posts
Drives: 2011 E82 135i, 2015 F15 X5 35D
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NY
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-29-2014, 06:42 AM | #17 |
Enlisted Member
4
Rep 32
Posts |
I'm trying a few things. When you wrap the needles in transparent red vinyl, they're too dark to see well in sunlight when they're not lit up. I bought some fluorescent red gauge needle paint to try and see how that looks. What I might end up doing is just leave the needles white and use red LEDs behind them to light them up. I'm still working through it. I have a spare cluster to play with, I'll come up with something good and post some pictures.
Tom |
Appreciate
0
|
05-04-2014, 10:15 AM | #19 |
Enlisted Member
4
Rep 32
Posts |
Getting closer. I initially sanded off the white from the needles, but I'm thinking that was a mistake. The temp gauge needle has the white on it and is just covered in red vinyl. It seems to shine better, so I'm thinking just wrapping over the white. It's finally a true white though. Need to sand the hell out of the back of the gauge faces to let the light shine through properly. I also need a better camera. It looks better in person. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|