DIY Boost Gauge Color Change.

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by Alex, Nov 27, 2003.

  1. Alex

    Alex Community Founder Staff Member

    Unfortunately, I do not have pictures of the process. Luckily though, you shouldn’t need it as it is remotely self explanatory.

    Tools you may need:
    1. Screwdriver (flat head) - one that is preferably longer and thinner
    2. Either a 1/2 or 9/16 crescent wrench - to remove the nut which holds the vacuum line on
    3. Patience

    1. Lower your steering column all the way down. What does this do? Well, it allows you to see clearly over the wheel, and it gives you more slack for the gauge's main vacuum line.

    2. The next part is tedious, it may take you 5 mins or it may take you 20; It took me 15 or so. What you are going to do should seem rather obvious...I hope. That little bastard of a gauge needs to come out of his rubber housing. Carefully try to slide your screwdriver up into the rubber housing. Two hands worked the best for this, for me at least. It was a push-lift process. Push the screwdriver in, and then lift the lip of the housing letting it get further in. Repeat until you believe you have enough in there.

    3. Start wiggling the screwdriver around to break the suction and begin to slowly push on the gauge from the back. It should start to budge, don’t worry; there is nothing that you could break by pushing on the back of the gauge. Just keep fiddling with him, the bugger will come out.

    4. Alright good, so you have the gauge out of its pod, congratulations. Now the easier part: Remove the cover on the current bulb. On my car, it was blue -- ...why? Now, take one of your .2" bulb condoms, red in my case, and compare its length to the one which was on the bulb, you'll notice that it is slightly longer. Not a problem, find a pair of sharp small scissors and voila, se termine. Put this new cover on top of the bulb, place the bulb back into the gauge and reset the gauge in its pod. Make sure you set it in level; otherwise, you'll be staring at a crooked gauge. (Mine is rolled to the right ever so slightly).

    5. Results: Outstanding, here is what mine looks like
    [​IMG]

    /edit -- The bulb covers are available here: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=070-090
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 16, 2007
  2. Alex

    Alex Community Founder Staff Member

    Bumpin this for oem gauge owners :bigthumb:

    (yes, I am allowed to bump my 2+ yr old thread :p )
     
  3. miloman

    miloman Retired Admin

    oooooh... old school
     
  4. sol drums

    sol drums Active Member

    thanks alex!
     
  5. wrxracer87

    wrxracer87 Member

    Where did you guys find this so called bulb condom at? I looked at wallmart, Autozone, and Radioshack and couldn't find anything.
     
  6. SonicBoom

    SonicBoom Active Member

    Sweet, now I just gotta get a boost gauge :) When I do get one, I'm assuming this would be easier to do before installing???
     
  7. Kyle

    Kyle Member

    My friend did that to all his boost gauge and his radio on his 02 wrx. It looked really good. I think you can also paint the bulbs with a certain type of modeling paint.
     
  8. wrxracer87

    wrxracer87 Member

    yeah my friend painted his bulbs in his civic but the paint burns off over time and you get more of a peach color than orange.
     
  9. Alex

    Alex Community Founder Staff Member

    Bump for condom link edit ;)
     

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