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Black Out Gauges

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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 06:11 PM
  #1  
cyberleader's Avatar
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From: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Car: 2002 Z28
Engine: 5.7 Stock
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Stock
Black Out Gauges

Here's what I want to do: replace the clear plastic on my instrument cluster with a piece of equal thickness smoked plexiglass, so that when my gauges aren't lit up, they fade into darkness.

Has anyone done this? I presume I will need the brightest gauge bulbs (194s?) available, so that the gauges can still be seen in daylight.

Thoughts?
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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 09:11 PM
  #2  
HCR13's Avatar
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From: Augusta, Ga
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: Black Out Gauges

someone will probably say to just get some VHT Nightshade. All it is is liquid window tint. Alot of the guys use it to smoke tail lights and turn signal indicators. Another option would be using window tint itself. Thats actually a good idea, I'm surprised no one thought of it (at least shared) before. As far as brightness, you might want to look into swapping the lights into LEDs. They make LED 194's at different wave angles too. Good luck and keep us updated...
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 06:07 AM
  #3  
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From: Dumfries, Va
Car: '89 Formula Firebird
Engine: LSX-451 / 705HP
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford 9" with 4.30
Re: Black Out Gauges

The only problem I see, is during the day you won't be able to see the gauges unless your gauges are digital or you ride with your lights on.

Eric
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 08:36 AM
  #4  
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From: Augusta, Ga
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: Black Out Gauges

thats true, but it should be pretty easy to rig up the dash so the lights come on all the time (once LEDs are installed) and not the headlights be on...
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 08:47 AM
  #5  
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From: Pepperell, MA
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: LQ9/L92
Transmission: 4L60E
Re: Black Out Gauges

I'd be interested in the results, sounds like an idea I'd like to try too. You could always try the idea out with some of the inexpensive window tint. I know they have a static stick version now, so it wouldn't be permanent and you could see if you like it without putting much work into it.
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