Changing LED's in Radio, Heater Controls, & Instrument Panel
02-25-2009, 01:25 PM
#21
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Join Date: 02-09-2009
Location: New Jersey
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Abslutely, I will be getting the LED's for those tomorrow. I didn't order enough. Below are all of the lights i plan on changing when all done.
Wiper Button
Mirror button on drv door
Radio - (Already Changed)
I/P Cluster - (Already Changed)
Steering Wheel Controls
HVAC Controls - (Already Changed)
Overhead LED - (Already Changed)
Wiper Button
Mirror button on drv door
Radio - (Already Changed)
I/P Cluster - (Already Changed)
Steering Wheel Controls
HVAC Controls - (Already Changed)
Overhead LED - (Already Changed)
02-25-2009, 01:59 PM
#22
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Location: Toledo, OH
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what size LEDs does the rear wiper switch use. i plan on doing this one first since its a little cheaper than the rest of em to replace if i break it.
02-25-2009, 02:05 PM
#23
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oh and for coloring the LCD you could use a gel for studio lighting. buy a few different colors of cooling gels and find the one that matches the best . they are cheap. some of the larger companies will pratically give you a sample pack for free and figure out what color you need. just google search light gels
02-25-2009, 05:00 PM
#24
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Those little LEDs are only about 2MM wide on the solder pads. A magnifying glass is very helpful when you're working with parts that small too. I used to mod Playstations for my friends and fix motherboards for my school when I was in college, so this is probably much of the same. Difference is that I only have a cheap Weller station right now with no reliable temp or ESD control. Just remember how expensive a new gauge cluster will be if you burn a pad while trying this.
800 degrees is awfully hot. I'd be worried about burning the pads off the boards with that kind of heat. If you've got the touch, though, whatever works!
800 degrees is awfully hot. I'd be worried about burning the pads off the boards with that kind of heat. If you've got the touch, though, whatever works!
02-25-2009, 09:10 PM
#25
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i really dont want to go out a buy another iron i have a 15W iron is this still to hot for this or just right?
02-26-2009, 06:15 AM
#26
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15 watts is plenty. I would suggest ordering some extra LEDs you could practice with on a project board from Radio Shack or something. The key is getting the solder to flow right while keeping the little part in place. Too much heat for too long and you'll burn the part and the solder pad right off the board.
The secret to good soldering is good prep. Clean the parts with a little rubbing alcohol, apply a little rosin flux, and use a good quality fine electronics solder.
The secret to good soldering is good prep. Clean the parts with a little rubbing alcohol, apply a little rosin flux, and use a good quality fine electronics solder.
02-26-2009, 05:32 PM
#27
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ordered electonic solder. just need to get some flux
02-26-2009, 06:19 PM
#28
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02-26-2009, 06:23 PM
#29
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what is the best electric iron for this project. I colored mine awhile back and the color is coming off I want leds
02-26-2009, 06:34 PM
#30
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Join Date: 02-09-2009
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You can use a 15 Watt Radio Shack one. Just don't want to keep the heat on the board for a long period of time. You should be using a Rosin Core Solder and a little Liquid Flux. You may want to invest in a Desoldering pump, which is also available from Radio Shack......STAY TUNED FOR HOW-TO!!!