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Post by fivedriver on May 20, 2023 16:10:25 GMT
Hello all, May I share my next little project with you please? I received a package this morning from a company called "Laser dash".  You may have seen these before. It contains a new dash insert that resembles individual dials.  ... The original design allows for two alternative warning lamp designs. I've been chatting with the company owner and after a bit of discussion he kindly made me a custom design to accept Lucas warning lamps that match those I'm using elsewhere in the car. You can see an indicator just to the right of centre above the dial.  The lamps are illuminated by the OE lights in the cluster. Replacing the warning lamps with the Lucas items has thrown up a challenge though.  The chrome rims clash. My plan is to ease the lamp holder on one edge to allow it to slip across +/- a mm. Hopefully that will allow the lamps to nestle neatly next to one another. Failing that, I'll have to make the mounting hope a tad oval. Watch this space..... |
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Post by RS on May 20, 2023 18:01:25 GMT
Looking forward to seeing the finished article....  |
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Post by Jeff - jthspace on May 20, 2023 18:20:25 GMT
Going to look great!
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Post by goonz on May 22, 2023 7:21:14 GMT
very nice indeed.....keep us posted
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Post by Roadie on May 22, 2023 9:14:06 GMT
How about sawing it off immediately behind the bezel. Just leaving the bezel and lens. You could probably refix to the tube section slightly offset.
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Post by fivedriver on May 27, 2023 16:42:18 GMT
Hi folks. With the sun shining down I decided to tackle the new dash. After attempting to ease the lamps over by trimming the plastic bulb holder I eventually used a dremel style tool to elongate the holes.  This allows the lamps to squeeze in. I was also forced to trim each bulb holder in length.  The lamps are illuminated by the existing bulbs.  Here's how the whole assembly looks.  It's still beautifully sunny here so once I've eaten I'll take her for a spin and bring you my thoughts. Cheers, Guy |
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Post by Jeff - jthspace on May 27, 2023 17:23:23 GMT
Like it a lot! ✅
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Post by Roadie on May 27, 2023 18:18:40 GMT
All looks so good. Everything has gone together beautifully and the dash panel is spot on. Love it. Only thing I can see that might make it even better is the loose gaitor around the gear lever. A black plastic end cap fitted in the gaitor with a hole for the stick would do the job. End caps |
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Post by fivedriver on May 27, 2023 19:21:21 GMT
Thanks guys. Glad you like it.
Thanks for the idea for a gaiter finisher Paul. I shall look into it.
After a few miles around the block these are my first impressions.
It's colourful. Not used to that. It's not a bad thing just,....different.
Reflections. More than before. Again, not a bad thing. It's easy to see why Mazda designed that curved acrylic front piece that all but eliminates said reflections. However, what it does do is feel more old fashioned. Exactly what I was looking for.
The tell tale lamps are not very bright as they rely on light being bounced through black tubes from the original bulbs. They're visible in low light conditions and when the top is up they're easier to see too.
I'll spend more time with her before deciding whether anything needs to be done. I can live with it as it is but would it be better if I could see the indicator and handbrake telltales in all conditions?🤔
So all in all I'm happy.
It's another step in the right direction.
Earlier today I discovered I had won an Ebay auction for a Smiths vacuum gauge so attention may well turn in that direction very soon.
Cheers,
Guy
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Post by Roadie on May 27, 2023 22:16:45 GMT
How to make the tell tale lamps brighter. Needs a reflective lining on the black tubing. Something like this should do the trick.
Very flexible and can be easily cut with scissors. Should be able to squeeze a small section into the black tubing of the bulb holders. The ones I have used where chromed on the inside as well as the outside.
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Post by fivedriver on May 28, 2023 8:20:39 GMT
Roadie, that's an excellent idea and exactly what's needed. The most common size appears to be 15mm. If they can be trimmed with scissors I imagine I could trim a bit off the circumference along the length to allow for a smaller diameter? I'll need the length to be approx 20-25mm but that should be relatively easy from what you say. Also, since the diameter is originally 15mm I'd think that ought to keep the tube tight inside a smaller diameter? Another brilliant solution Paul, thanks. You're a handy bloke to know. Another route could be brighter bulbs. Does anyone know whether there are any alternatives available for the telltale illumination? Cheers, Guy
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Post by Roadie on May 28, 2023 9:05:23 GMT
Yes, yes and yes on all the questions about the chrome tubes. Designed to fit a 15mm pipe but they are smaller than that so they grip down on the pipe. Nothing ot stop them being pulled in to stretch out into the bulb holders.
Doubtful that you could get higher wattage standard bulbs and extra heat might melt the plastic. LEDs might be a better solution. Plenty of those available as replacements.
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Post by RS on May 29, 2023 9:13:36 GMT
Looking great Guy......  |
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