Custom Tii Gauge Faces

[TZANIDO777]

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.

[PopsnBurbles]

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.

[TZANIDO777]

Originally Posted by PopsnBurbles

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.

Thank you, on the stock gauges they are translucent as opposed to these but I dont have a problem seeing the numbers on the rev counter at all.

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.

[CGMike]

How did you do the red needles?

[Rob Daman]

that's cool!

[PopsnBurbles]

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.

[TZANIDO777]

Originally Posted by CGMike

How did you do the red needles?

Painted them with guards red model paint

[Boosted_N54]

I want one now

[DrTom]

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.

[TZANIDO777]

Originally Posted by DrTom

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.

Yeah, unfortunately when you paint them thats what happens. They look really good during the day but when it comes time to light up during the night it doesnt come out so good.

Let me know how your idea works out so I can give it a try also.

[CGMike]

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.

[evo1guy]

Stained glass paint should work good for the needles, it's available at most craft supply stores. Transmits the light great.

[ShocknAwe]

In for news on how folks manage out with the requests for translucent markings.

The gauge faces look great BTW.

[DrTom]

I used transparent red vinyl:

[DrTom]

Little update, still working on it.



The red needles glow nicely. Need to fix the white.

[TZANIDO777]

Originally Posted by DrTom

Little update, still working on it.



The red needles glow nicely. Need to fix the white.

Looks good! How does it look when its not lit up?

[DrTom]

Originally Posted by TZANIDO777

Looks good! How does it look when its not lit up?

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

[loesch]

I'm interested in what you come up. I wish someone would make the 1 Series M needles for us.

[DrTom]

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.

[DrTom]

Check out my results. I posted them as a DIY in the DIY forum.