Updating Gauge Cluster?

[Mitchy G]

G'day guys.

I was wondering if its possible to outfit a mk3 golf with a set of newer gauges say out of an r 32.

Im not talking the entire insert unless thats possible also but just taking the circular pieces out and putting them into an older model.

[bboyskidz]

i don't see why it wouldn't be possible. whether it is practical is another matter...

There is no real reason why you couldn't just use the dials from the r32 and rewire/solder them in place of the mk3 ones... it would just take alot of work to adjust them, get them to fit, calibrate them, reframe them and re-seat them in the dash...

[The_Hawk]

If all you want is the faces, it's doable, but aligning them so they read right is another question. People have put TT dashes into other cars and gotten them working, but it's no simple task.

There are a couple of aftermarket guage face options in either black or white available which will give you a different look available on eBay. (although getting one in km/h as the major numbers can be a little more of a challenge.

[rayray086]

Another member of the forum has these: http://www.dubdesignindustries.com/c...roducts_id=241

Or you could design your own in photoshop and put the inserts in. I've got templates saved on my computer somewhere...

[MattyT]

Those look sweeeet, but I'd have to have em in green!

[VR6child]

the 3.5 cabrio has red lights in the cluster I believe. i may be wrong though. worth a shot though for a change from the green.

[bboyskidz]

the mk4 cabrio has got blue dials i'm pretty sure.
there is SOOOO many threads on vortex about this sort of thing though, just search.

[The_Hawk]

It's easy enough to mod up the cluster lights to be different from the stock whitish/greenish colour to anything you want.

In the back of the cluster there are two holes for the stock bulbs:


Under this part is a green plastic bit the light shines through:


which is easily removed:


Coloured LED's or a hand made different coloured plastic bit and it can be any colour you like. If your keen the bits behind the LCD's should be very similar, although much harder to "fix" if you break them. (I have a dead spare cluster I should look closer at).

With Hot glue + a soldering iron, anything is possible, and as Rayray has said, you can make your own faces in whatever style you like and either print them yourself or get them made up by a pro printer cheap enough then just slide them on

[VW VR6]

Another member of the forum has these: http://www.dubdesignindustries.com/c...roducts_id=241

Or you could design your own in photoshop and put the inserts in. I've got templates saved on my computer somewhere...

Any chance to see your templates. I would like to make something diggerent for my car. Thanks

[glidn]

well if you get a 1998 - 1999 (early 1999) it's possible. But R32 unit and such. I would have to say no, They have a immobiliser in them called IMMO2 (end 1999 - early 2002) then switched to IMMO3 clusters. They require to be coded to the ECU and the Key of the car. so unless you can some how remove the immobiliser parts in it. I would have to say it would be a waste.

You would be better off as rayray086 recommended.

[rayray086]

Thanks for the DIY Aaron - always wondered how to do it.

[DUB 12V]

It's easy enough to mod up the cluster lights to be different from the stock whitish/greenish colour to anything you want.

In the back of the cluster there are two holes for the stock bulbs:


Under this part is a green plastic bit the light shines through:


which is easily removed:


Coloured LED's or a hand made different coloured plastic bit and it can be any colour you like. If your keen the bits behind the LCD's should be very similar, although much harder to "fix" if you break them. (I have a dead spare cluster I should look closer at).

With Hot glue + a soldering iron, anything is possible, and as Rayray has said, you can make your own faces in whatever style you like and either print them yourself or get them made up by a pro printer cheap enough then just slide them on

Could it be possible if you cut out the same shape and use a bit of coloured cellophane to changed the colour? or do you think it would melt thru lol?

[The_Hawk]

Only one way to find out, but I would suggest it wouldn't melt since they are only 2W bulbs and all.

Plan B is to remove it completely and paint the bulbs themselves

[DUB 12V]

Only one way to find out, but I would suggest it wouldn't melt since they are only 2W bulbs and all.

Plan B is to remove it completely and paint the bulbs themselves

if your poor yes! and doing a budget job... Easy enough and the best way would be to just buy coloured bulbs and put them in and ditch that coloured bit of plastic..

[tassie_euro_mk1]

hey buddy

im the member with the DDI dials. they are awesome as they are back lit so no more green glow

But try those R32 dials if your up too it. I think they would look smashing.