From previous posts i had read that getting the tachometer working in a non-tachometer lanos was a right b*tch so i was not expecting it to be easy.
I have a few tips on the best way to remove\replace the needles on the clocks. Firstly remove the stoppers from all the clocks and let the needles drop right down (doesnt apply for fuel guage). I suggest leaving them from 5 mins or so as they still carry on falling for ages. Once you have done this rotate the needle clockwise all the way round to the maximum position and let go. Once the needle has stopped use a pencil to mark where the needle stopped on the plastic bezel. Then remove the needle.
Open the unit up to reveal the clock backs and remove them (should peel off gently - there is some double sided tape holding them on.
Once i had the dial backs i scanned them in
I then opened the image up in Corel PhotoPaint 11 (Can use anything like photopaint etc). I then inverted the image so that the black went to white and the white went black. The red (The km/h and red line etc) colors turn some other weird colour so i used the Replace colour facility; selected the original colour and then selected a new colour of blue. It was relatively easy but to do it yourself you will need a basic knowlege of photo editing and some half decent software.
If you are feeling very inventive you could add an image\logo or change the fonts of all the text or something - i was only interested in white dials.
Once you have the dials how you want them print them out on some high quality photo paper (Not too thick for the light to shine though).
I used a small craft knife and alot of patients to cut out the dials. Once fitted some trial and error is needed with the needles. Line the needle up with the pencil mark made earlier and genly push it on (Not all the way on). Then rotate the needle all the way to the max and let go.
If the needle falls in the same place as the pencil mark then youve got it bang on. If not remove the needle and try again until it does fall on the mark.
I then fitted some speedo rings
I bought 4 x LED wedge bulbs (Each bulb had 6 X super bright white leds) and replaced them with the boring old filament bulbs in the back. I also changed most of the smaller warning\indication lights to blue LEDs (Except for the serious ones which should be kept red i think).
Once the guage is ready its just a case of fitting it :
a bit of trial and error was needed to find out which way round the LED bulbs needed to go.
Blue-Lining - much safer than Red-lining!
In the dark - was supprised at how bright they are (didnt exepct the light to be completely diffused)
I was completely amazed to find that the Tachometer \ Rev Counter worked straight up - i was almost jumping for Joy! all i can imagine is the newer lanos 1.4's (Mines a 2000 model) have a different ECU or something.
I suggest this mod to anyone - its the best one i have done so far on my lanos.
Feel free to use my White dial template. It is 300dpi and will need to be printed at this setting for it to be the right size.
http://www.ukstudentlaptops.com/matt/ca ... 300dpi.jpg
or here are the original scans if you cant scan your own:
http://www.ukstudentlaptops.com/matt/car/Originals.jpg
Let me know what you all think.
MATT!
