RE: [DML] Removed my own binnacle! Cleaned/replaced lights

["Tom Tait" <TTait@xxxxxxxxxx>]

See http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/leds.html

 

Keep in mind that you cannot use an LED for the charging system light.

 

The trick with leds is that they are polity sensitive, and unmarked.
You will need to hook up the wiring connectors to see what works and
then rotate about half the bulbs 180 degrees in their sockets.

 

Tom

 

________________________________

From: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Jack Singer
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 6:02 AM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [DML] Removed my own binnacle! Cleaned/replaced lights

 

David,

Thanks for the blow by blow instructions. This is why I belong. I have
been dreading this task for a long time. I purchased a new binicle since
mine was cracked and after reading your experience, I am going to do
mine next weekend.

Where did you get your LED's as I probably should do that at the same
time.

Jack.

----- Original Message ----
From: daviddelorean <daviddelorean@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:daviddelorean%40yahoo.com> >
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:dmcnews%40yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 7:33:39 PM
Subject: [DML] Removed my own binnacle! Cleaned/replaced lights

It was a lazy sunday today and I had nothing to do. I decided that 
instead of giving a shop $200 to remove my binnacle, I'd do it 
myself. Wasn't hard at all once I studied the underneith of the dash. 
In fact, it only took 30 minutes. It was important to have a good 
work light; I used one of my construction portable halogen lamps. It 
lit up the underneith like a football field.

First, I had to take off the 2 decorative trim pieces under the 
steering wheel. They are held on by 4 nuts. No biggie.

Next I removed the plastic air duct that runs under the dash to the 
door vent. My door vents are plugged up anyway, so removing this 
didn't make a difference.

With the plastic air duct gone, everything I had to do to remove the 
binnacle was right there. 6 tiny nuts. I needed to go to the store to 
get a 'metric' set of nut drivers though (remember our cars were made 
in Ireland). After the nuts were removed the binnacle slid right 
out. I had to remove the wire harnesses (which are just snap ins). 
Then I took off the plastic front.

I cleaned all that pesky dust that was stuck in place for 25 years. 
It was fun seeing how everything works and touching the gage needles. 
I cleaned everything so it looks brand new.

Finally I replaced all the bulbs with LEDs (except for the alternator 
light - I assumed it won't work with an LED). The tell tale warning 
lights are now a brilliant, piercing color. I also put white LEDs in 
for the gage illumination. It looks awesome! The gages now light up 
a brilliant pure white light.

On a side note, while laying on my back on the floor, I saw the front 
dashboard speakers. They are held on from underneith with 2 nuts and 
can easily be replaced. The wires are just snap ins. I got a quote 
for $1,000 for this job. I can do it myself in no time now that I 
know where to look.

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