I have a set of pillar-mount gauges in our X that when I got them I thought they were really cool and yes they have been very helpful especially when towing. These gauges came with clear bulbs and we all know the X's instrument panel light up green at night. For past two years, while driving at night, the combination of the bright white glow of the pillar gauges and the fact they did not match my instrument panel have been driving me crazy. I also have this problem were everything’s gotta match. I finally went on a quest to the speed shop by my house to find green bulbs. They did not have any but the guy at the counter gave me some little green rubber gauge boots by Auto Meter to try. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
It's the little things!!
__________________ 2002 Excursion ~ Limited Ultimate ~ 7.3L PSD ~ 4x4
Mineral Gray, Limited Premier Group & Monochrome Package, two tone leather interior (pre-Eddie Bauer), TTT Mirrors, 3.73 Limited Slip, F250 Lariat wheels.
Kentucky Born: 4/9/2002 Improvements: 2002 PSD Badges, and lot's more!!
Sorry, yes I tried them last night and they were awesome, I was totally shocked and surprised at how good they looked!! They do not dim my gauge lights too much, just enough, and the green color match the green lights on the dash instrument panel perfectly at night. It was so cool that I dragged my wife out to the X last night to show her. I then got on-line to share the knowledge. Two thumbs up!!!
The green rubber gauge boots I got were by Auto Meter, part number 3215 and came 3 in a pack.
You must not have bought the gauges from Diesel Manor. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Actually, I think most site sponsors consider the bulb covers a default piece of any gauge install. To go one step better, use a green perm. marker on the bulbs first. Depending on how bright they are or placment in the gauge, you may need to completly color them, or just partially, then put the covers on. My gauges look about as close to stock as you can get.
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
If you used a pen it sounds like you did not buy you gauges from Diesel Manor or one of the many site sponsers either. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] My gauges were part of a Banks kit I purchased two years ago before I discovered this web site; at the time I also had to paint the pillar mount, that came with the kit. Your right about some of the sponsors going the extra mile and doing things like painting the pillar mount for you. The permenent marker sounds like a great idea but $3.00 for the rubber gauge boots, not having to color them, or just partially and the result being an OEM look that matches the dash lights perfectly works for me!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
[ QUOTE ]
You must not have bought the gauges from Diesel Manor. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Actually, I think most site sponsors consider the bulb covers a default piece of any gauge install. To go one step better, use a green perm. marker on the bulbs first. Depending on how bright they are or placment in the gauge, you may need to completly color them, or just partially, then put the covers on. My gauges look about as close to stock as you can get.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yea, I got the "little green rubbers" and didn't care for the somewhat washed out look and used the "green marker" trick and was able to get that "emerald green" to match the factory lighting much better. I think all this happened about when ISSPROs starting making their EV series guages back in 2001 and some used acrylic paint and then someone found the permanent green marker even worked better. It took a little experimenting like you indicate and I found that roughing up the bulb service with some 320/400 emeroy cloth helped a lot, but now my guages match both the color and intensity of the dash lights using the dimmer. It might also depend on what gauges you have since both you and I have the ISSPROs.
Larry, keeper of the <font color="blue">"little secrets" </font> CLICK HERE [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
__________________ <font color="green">MY PICTURES - Look around ... lots of good stuff </font>
2001PSD(PCM:HPI2)SD E-350,Dk Emerald Grn,4.10LS, <font color="blue">Mustang dyno - 183.9/400.4 stock</font> [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img], BTS w/Schaeffer's ATF[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] , ITP 3.5"/4" exhaust w/Magnaflow & Aeroturbine,Dieselsite 203* T-stat/Zerex G-05,F.Pwr, Ext/Int. Upgd. pkg,R. Bds,AIC,Tow Pkg, Rear & Slider windows,<font color="red">AMSOIL air, oil-bypass & rear end 75w-140 fluid ,<font color="blue">3/8" fuel sys w/10µ Dieselsite DAHL100 & fuel manifold/sight glass</font>,6 way dr. pwr. seat, Magnefine trans/P.S. filters</font>, husky mats,<font color="red">5 gauge A-pillar ISSPRO EVs w/Grn mkr illum. + air & fuel restriction gauges</font>,Dieselsite coolant filter and zinc electrode, manual GPR switch & GP LED, blinking security LED, weathertechs, a few other "Gadgets" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img], & a 1981 26' Prowler TT(26Y)
The green rubber gauge boots I got were by Auto Meter, part number 3215 and came 3 in a pack.
[/ QUOTE ]
Mike the boots you picked up are they normally used over the front face of the 2" gauges or they actual bulb filters disguised as another part? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
They almost sound like the mini tach light covers.
They are little rubber boots that are designed to fit snug over the bulb that plugs directly into the rear of the gauge. This is the first time I have used them so I don't know how long they will last. They may break down because of the heat of the bulb or somethings else that I am not yet aware of. It Sounds like if there is a problem I can always fall back with the suggestion that FamilyRide had and Larry M seconded with detailed instruction. Not sure what type of permenent marker they used but I guess a green Sharpie will do the trick.
I just checked my gauges tonight and I want to applogize, I was wrong in my previous posts about them being a perfect match to the dash lights on my X. My fault, Last night I was so tickled that they green and not white that I did not pay close enough attention. The color green is very close but not exact; close enough to make me a happy camper!!
[ QUOTE ]
If you used a pen it sounds like you did not buy you gauges from Diesel Manor or one of the many site sponsers either. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
[/ QUOTE ]
Actually I did. David is who first told me about the marker trick. The boots are good, but like Larry said, the marker gives it that emerald color that matches even better. Just be carefull not to make it too dark. I did on one and it was almost emerald black. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Cleaned it up and 2nd try got it done!
One thing that I'd like to see better, if the pointers would glow as bright as the OEM pointers. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] I know, I'm asking too much.
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
