Probably every motorist who owns a car of the VAZ family wants to modernize his dashboard. On modern foreign cars, the instrument dial is illuminated from the inside, which looks very attractive, as if the numbers and the instrument scale itself are shining. And here is the instrument panel VAZ cars are illuminated by ordinary lamps that emit light on the dials from the hands, with outside... At the same time, the brightness is low, and the detail of this backlight is not very effective. That is why most of the owners of such cars very often improve the dashboard with the help of backlighting. Plus, it's pretty easy to do it yourself.
To independently make a tuned backlight on VAZ cars, you do not need to have special skills, but in a specialized company this procedure will not be cheap. You can try to make a backlight dashboard from the inside, as on modern cars.
You will need a light-transmitting standard dashboard trim to work. Instrument panel with vehicle must be removed and disassembled. Do not forget to also dismantle the old cover and instrument arrows. In order for the illumination light to better enter the cover from the inside, special cuts should be made under the cover using a heated knife or a soldering iron.
Then we go directly to the highlight. It will be organized using LED strip. It is necessary to choose a tape that can be easily cut into small pieces, three diodes each. Regarding the uniformity of the glow, then it is made from ordinary foil using a reflector. For the speedometer and tachometer, we take three parts of the tape, and for the fuel level and coolant temperature indicators, one is enough.
The standard illumination of the VAZ should be retained, since its task will be to highlight the arrows on the instrument scale. If desired, it can also be upgraded by gluing in place of the standard lamps led strip... To prevent the highlighting from being too bright, you can tint it a little. Tinting is carried out using a tint film or black marker. It is better to leave the standard light filter, then the backlight will be soft and uniform with a bluish tint.
Everything should be connected to the contacts on the lamp plate standard backlight, having previously determined their polarity. In order to stabilize the current, it is advisable to use a driver to power the LEDs.
Illumination of the instrument panel VAZ 2114
First you need to remove the main backlight lamps along with the cartridges. Next, very carefully remove the arrows, prying them with something thin. You can simply crank them near the constraints and slowly pull them off the axis. At this time, there are many types of panels. On one part, the arrow drive is mounted on the main board, and on the other - on the basis of plexiglass.
After that, you need to carefully remove the plexiglass insert. Pry it off the edge and just peel it off. The sticky layer should not be soiled or washed. The insert must be turned over and placed on a clean surface. Using a blade, we erase the green dusting, which is noticeable in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe numbers. Now you can assemble the plexiglass and insert.
How to change the color of the instrument scale in a VAZ car
You need to take a piece of plastic and scissors. Cut out the contours so that the plastic fits into the main part. We also cut out the places for the arrow drives. Next, we apply the markup for the LEDs. Three LEDs are needed for fuel, four for temperature. Then we set the dashboard numbers for each scale.
Now, guided by the markings, we make holes for the LEDs and resistances. This can be done with a hot awl or small drill. The top of the LED needs to be ground off, since it has a lens for focusing the beam. It is important not to damage the light element itself. LEDs should be soldered in parallel with each other and in series with resistance.
How to install LEDs instead of incandescent lamps on the panel of a VAZ car
First, the base of the LEDs must be inserted into the housing and the connection wires lead out to the board. Next, we make a plexiglass insert with the body. The plexiglass should fit tightly. WITH back side fasten with four screws. Then we install the board. Carefully, the pins of the wires from the arrows should not bend. Next, fasten with self-tapping screws or screws. Now we solder the power supply of the LEDs to the power wires of any standard lamp. We put on the arrows and set them to zero.
How to make the illumination of the instrument arrows on the dashboard of a VAZ car
To do this, you will need:
- Fluorescent marker.
- Super glue or glue moment.
- Not power wires.
- Ultraviolet light bulb.
- Insert into the dashboard of the required model.
- Soldering iron.
The plastic and the dashboard must be removed, then we disassemble it, remove the black plastic and glass, then carefully remove the arrows, after which the standard insert. We make holes if there are none in the new insert. To prevent the arrows from sticking, it is advisable to make the holes slightly larger than they were in the factory insert. Now you can take out the stock lighting and the board with bulbs.
The neon lamp should be glued to the top of the panel, the standard backlight should be replaced and the plastic protection should be glued on top. At the top, attach the neon lamp control unit. Observing the polarity, we connect the lamp to the place of the standard illumination.
Now we mount two lamps on the device. We connect all the wires and stretch them inside the partitions. We connect to the place of power supply and put the lamps. We carefully attach the wires to the plastic. We paint the arrows with a marker several times. Next, we collect and install the instrument panel.
How to modify the dashboard design with your own hands? A little time, work, and you're done! Let's consider how you can make such tuning using an example Hyundai car Accent. Here is a list of what we need to get started:
- small pliers;
- sandpaper;
- double sided tape;
- screwdrivers of different sizes;
- Lomond Satin photo paper, matte, 280 g.
- scissors.
Stage 1. Disassembly.
We proceed to disassemble the panel. Unscrew two screws at the top. Then we disconnect the three connectors and now you can sit comfortably at the table and unscrew the devices.
Stage 2. We remove the arrows.
Use 2 screwdrivers and a hair dryer for this.
Be careful not to damage the tachometers.
Stage 3. Plastic backing processing.
We take sandpaper and sand the backing.
Stage 4. Intermediate.
As a result of your manipulations, the following should be on the table:
- opaque part of the scale (1);
- old scale (2);
- printout of a new outside scales (3);
- scale substrate (4);
- tachometer (5);
- arrow.
Stage 5. Printouts.
Carefully cut out the printouts with sharp scissors.
Stage 6. Fastening.
We attach a substrate to the scale. We fasten the opaque part of the scale with double-sided tape. If at temperature amplitudes the glue does not warp the paper, it can be used as well.
Here is the opaque part already glued. Photographic paper with black fill was used for its manufacture. Other opaque and thin materials can be used.
7 Stage. Collection of constructions.
Trying on the scale using the gap. The holes are marked with numbers 1 and 2. This is adhesive tape visible through the photographic paper. This can be remedied by making a plastic backing.
We attach everything to standard screws.
Panel assembly. The calibration of the arrows is to be done on the car.
Stage 8. Calibration.
We warm up the car well, in the middle position we fix the arrow of the t-ry of the cooled liquid. We do the gas release - put the tachometer needle on idle speed... Most likely, she is standing incorrectly, she may either not move at all or move in jerks. Remove and install it again until it moves as it should! We roll out the gasoline and put the "Fuel level" arrow in the zero position until the warning lamp comes on.
First, we string the arrow in the “half-tank” position, after which it begins to move, at the bottom or at the top, reaching the limiter. Here it must be removed and quickly put back in place and secured "to zero". Next, we measure the speed, follow in which direction and by how much, there will be an error, after which we remove the panel and the device itself. The inner rotating part, which is at the back of the device, is pressed with a screwdriver, and then we scroll the arrow.
An important element, which is entrusted with serious functions - it displays some of the characteristics of the car while driving. Thanks to her, the driver monitors the instrumentation, looks at the state of the light signaling, announcing the normal operation of most of the most important components and systems. An attractive appearance can be given to the cabin by additional tuning of the dashboard, which will fit into the overall interior. However, the structure should be decorated in such a way that it does not interfere with driving and meets the minimum requirements. passive safety... All factory cars always have an ordinary dashboard installed, there are several options modern tuning that you can do with your own hands.
Where to start tuning?
So that the car enthusiast does not decide to do, he must first prepare the tools that will be needed during work:
- hair dryer used in construction;
- an ordinary clerical knife or, as a last resort, a new blade;
- wiring and controls;
- soldering iron.
Most likely, other materials will be needed, which will depend on the preferences of the car owner. It is better to purchase and prepare in advance the tools that will be needed for disassembling the panel, removing the casing and unscrewing the elements that need to be replaced.
Unscrew the old dashboard
Qualified specialists usually carry out tuning of the dashboard in a dry ventilated area, it is important that there is no dust in it. Despite such a simple condition, the success of a creative idea depends on it. Dust does not allow even sticking of the film, which changes the color of the instrument illumination, and high humidity, in turn, can ruin the wiring. To do everything neatly, you should not rush. It is best to remove the trim, this will allow you to get to the "organs" of the car, monitoring its control and condition. Some motorists change the instrument scale, for this you need to remove the arrows as carefully as possible. An ordinary marker will help in this matter, they can mark the connection point of the arrows. Soldered arrows should be removed with a soldering iron, the heated tin will free them from the coil. Performing all the work, you need to be extremely careful in order to correctly set the arrows back after improvements. If the connection points are not affixed, a calibration will be required, which can only be carried out by the employees of the service center.
All kinds of improvements
After complete removal and disassembly of the dashboard, you need to stop again and think over in detail all the operations that you plan to perform. Everything must be done deliberately so that the modifications carried out do not adversely affect the performance of the machine. Today, you can decorate a car in several hundred ways, if we talk about tuning the dashboard, then it is worth considering several of the most interesting options.
Complete replacement of the instrument scale
Most often, motorists try to give an attractive appearance to the cabin by replacing the scale on the devices. In this case, the former scale is painted over, and in its place a new pattern is applied using a stencil or a specialized film with the existing dial is glued. The production film will help you get a better result.
However, master drivers can independently make such a film: a layout of the markup is drawn in a graphic editor and printed on a special film in a printing house. You can additionally change the color scheme of arrows and other elements located on the scale, paint over the desired areas with paint. An unusually interesting glow effect will help to create a fluorescent paint that glows after connecting the LEDs to the backlight.
Replacing the backlight
The dashboard illumination is created by adding LEDs for certain devices. To replace the standard factory backlight with LED, you should prepare in advance, since this process is quite complicated. Removing old wiring and backlights is not easy, and you should not install too many LEDs. It is best to start with 1-2 LEDs per fixture. This amount will provide a bright backlight, thanks to which good visibility will be provided even at dusk, while it will not act on the eyes as an annoying factor.
The main thing is not to overdo it with LEDs. Sometimes car manufacturers create devices that glow from the inside, while making the scale completely transparent. Such elements can be decorated by adding a larger number of LEDs, however, they should be placed so that the direct light emanating from them does not interfere with passengers and the driver, does not dazzle.
Backlight brightness control
The dashboard backlight needs a mandatory brightness adjustment. You can adjust it behind the device itself, if the light is too bright or, conversely, dim, the device will have to be disassembled and adjusted again. A few thoughtful actions will allow you to save time: the backlight can be connected using a variable rheostat, which will edit the intensity of the incident light in a few twists. For accuracy three times - during the day, in the evening and at night, this will allow you to check the availability of a convenient viewing of devices.
Complex tuning
Naturally, complex tuning of the dashboard will simultaneously improve its appearance. The updated fixtures with interesting lighting will give it a new stylish look. If the car enthusiast decides to improve everything, you will need a full set of pre-prepared templates for scales and LEDs of the same color. If it is not possible to purchase LEDs of the desired color, you should install ordinary white LEDs, and cover the required areas with a translucent film of the preferred color. This will create a light filter that will be no worse than the light from the LEDs of the desired color.
Conclusion
The process should be completed by installing all removed devices and the complete assembly of the panel. This should be done only after the car owner has made sure of the correctness of his actions, checked the system's performance and was satisfied with the result. You should look at the power supply of the devices and the condition of the fastening of the casing. The time consuming process can tire the owner. However, he will be rewarded with a DIY dashboard. A similar procedure in a service center will cost a large amount, in addition, if something is not done the way you want, it is unlikely that you will be able to redo it yourself.
The dashboard is a multifunctional element of the car that is always in full view of the driver. It contains the main instrumentation. The light shows in which mode of operation the main units of the car are functioning. As a rule, the design of the panel is executed according to the factory parameters, which do not always fit harmoniously into. Tuning the dashboard will help make the driver's seat not only original, but also more convenient to use.
Decorative tuning method
Making changes in the design of this part of the car, it is necessary to ensure a harmonious combination of the finished product with the overall interior of the cabin. The finishing structure must fully comply with all passive safety requirements. Most car owners want to replace their regular panel with a new one. That is why we will tell in the article about the most interesting methods for improving this part of the machine.
The decorative tuning method is performed by adding external details to the main element. Such details can be:
- leatherette for covering the panel;
- overlays;
- the use of bright colors for instrument scales.
In order to fully perform all the operations of the decorative method, it is necessary to partially or completely disassemble the car dashboard.
Color change
- To change the color on the instrument scale, you need to remove the dimensions from the old one.
- Next, a new scale is prepared. Numbers and divisions are applied to it. In this case, you can use a computer program with graphic functions. It will facilitate the process of making a beautiful blank, for which you can choose the font you like, and will help you adjust the size of the inscriptions.
- The resulting template is applied to the prepared material, which is intended for the new scale. For this, such materials are suitable - plastic, self-adhesive film, photographic paper, colored tape, vinyl film.
- In a situation where the tachometer or speedometer is being improved it is necessary to remove the measuring arrow before installing the improved scale, and then put it back.
It should be remembered that tuning the dashboard with your own hands is a long process that requires patience and care.
Tightening is used when the coating loses its original appearance and there are obvious defects on the surface. Using leatherette for tight fitting, it is cut according to the size and shape of the product. This is necessary so that the material does not gather in folds and does not stretch. A high-quality execution of the process is possible only with the panel removed. On the removed product, the seams and joints will be more accurate. Ordinary cardboard can be used for cutting. Having made the cutout, we check how all the parts fit together. We sew all cutting elements into a single product. We do this so that all the seams are hidden inside. The final fixation of the sewn leatherette is made using special glue and original self-tapping screws.
The selection of material requires special attention. Choosing the cut you like does not mean that it will fully comply with the functional parameters. Some materials can create glare when exposed to sunlight. Others will allocate to the salon bad smell or lose their properties under the influence of high temperatures.
Technical tuning method
Under technical view it implies the improvement of this part of the machine in the direction of increasing its functional parameters. An exemplary example of such work can be the replacement of standard shapes and sizes of control devices, the installation of bright and economical LEDs instead of incandescent lamps, the installation of various switches and devices. The dashboard badges can also be part of the overall tuning.
To perform the process at a quality level, you must clearly have a panel diagram in front of you and clearly understand what result you want to get. This formulation of the problem is necessary in order to correctly connect additional consumers to the on-board network.
LED installation
Installing LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs is the most common method technical tuning... To complete this process, you need to do the following:
- First of all, the instrument panel is removed.
- Factory sockets and lamps are removed.
- The places where the LED lamps will be installed are determined. As a rule, they are located around the entire perimeter of the instrument scales.
- The shade that the LED lamps will give should create a comfortable ride without straining your eyes. At the same time, it should not be too bright in dark time and be clearly visible at dusk.
- A hole is drilled into which the LED housing is placed.
- The LEDs are connected together by soldering. For this, a flexible wire of small thickness is used.
- Using a variable resistor will allow you to adjust the brightness of the lighting devices. In some models, a standard rheostat can be used for this.
- Dashboard LED bulbs can be installed white... The desired shade can be obtained using a light filter. To do this, you can use such improvised tools as nail polish, self-adhesive paper or transparent plastic that was part of old appliances.
- After soldering the LEDs to the power wires, we connect them to the dashboard. This is done in the desired polarity.
- If the lamps work well at different illumination levels, then you can collect everything.
Arrow highlight
The arrows can be illuminated by means of the fastening LED lamps on the backlight plexiglass. If you supply power from the red block, you can make the arrows illuminate separately from the entire product. The key feature of such a connection will be the lighting of the arrows at the start. By installing the LED next to the arrow, it will be possible to change the color of the arrow itself when the vehicle speed increases.
Now you know all the basic methods of improvement appearance dashboard of the car. By making this car part, you can significantly improve the interior design and increase the driver's comfort while using the vehicle.
It was:
Became:
In my reliable, but old Mazda car the dashboard began to clearly indicate his age. Its night lights are now too dim, and the exterior is clearly out of fashion. So I decided to do something and give her a "facelift" :-)
What you need:
- Factory user's manual for the car.
- Screwdrivers.
- Isopropyl alcohol.
- Matte adhesive paper.
- Scissors or knife.
- Diffusion plate (found on older LCD monitors).
- Instead of a diffuser plate, you can still use 2-3 layers of tracing paper.
Removing the dashboard pointers
Since in different cars this is done in different ways, I would recommend downloading the factory manual directly to your model. In some cases, it's pretty simple, but sometimes you have to put in an effort.
This master class is about how to transform the look of dashboard dials, so I won't go into details on how I managed to remove the dashboard.
Removing pointers
Removing the gauge pointers is fairly straightforward. However, you need to remember about arrows, as they break easily. For convenience, you can use tweezers. The main thing is patience and consistency in actions. Alternatively, the arrow can be tipped with a fork.
If it gets stuck, then warm it up with a construction or regular hair dryer. This will expand the plastic and remove more easily.
Removing the dial
Usually the dial is held by screws or small bolts. Find them and carefully remove the plate. Additionally, it can be held on to small plastic mounts that secure it. Understand how the fastening mechanism works and remove the dial.
Draw the look of the future dial
After removing the dial, the first thing I did was scan it. Then I imported the image into a vector graphics editor, and outlined the contours of the plate. This way, I don't have to measure the exact dimensions of the dial. Then I finished designing the appearance of the new sign and printed it on adhesive paper. I used paper with a matte surface and the image was applied with a color laser printer. You can also use an inkjet printer with photo paper, but the laser image will be of higher quality.
It's time to clean up the old dial
You need to remove the paint from the dial. In order not to spoil the plastic from which the dial is made, I used 70% isopropyl alcohol. The use of solvents for this work is undesirable. Soaking the dial in alcohol softened the paint, and after a few minutes it easily removed, and in front of me lay two clean plates.
Making stickers
Time to cut the stickers. We take scissors and carefully cut out the desired shape. Now we glue.
To prevent the formation of bubbles when gluing, you need to thoroughly clean the surface of the dial. Peel off a small portion of the sticker from the paper and line it up with your watch face. Stick on the adhesive paper gradually. To do this, you can swipe it with your index finger or a plastic card.
After you have completely glued the paper, you need to cut the corresponding holes in it.
Attach the diffuser plate to the dial
The light from the dashboard bulbs can be unevenly distributed, making some parts of the dial brighter. In order for the light to fall uniformly, a diffuser plate must be attached to the dial. In my case, I used a plate removed from a cracked LCD monitor. After cutting out the shapes I needed, I glued them to the back of the dials.
Note: You can also add a few additional LED lamps, but this is already the topic of another master class.
