Performance Lighting

This is my second and hopefully much more helpful writeup on converting the 95-01 gauge cluster to LEDs. I have tried 3 different types of 12v wedge based 194 replacements and I have finally found the one that puts out enough light and lights up the cluster evenly. Here were my candidates. From Left to Right: Inverted Wedge LED, Refractor LED, SMD LEDs The Results Inverted Wedge LED: Even Light output, but not bright enough Refractor LED: Horribly Uneven light output, Short Lifespan (they started blowing on me) SMD (Surface Mount Diode): Even Light output and very bright (brighter the the 194LL Bulbs) Getting to the cluster: Step 1 Remove the Radio Step 2 Remove the 2 screws (circled in red)...

I was unable to find a how to on changing the color of the dash lights on a 1st gen explorer, so I made one. There are a bunch of them for 2nd gens, and the procedure is the same, only the removal of the cluster is different, but at the same time, I can't recall seeing a write-up that actually showed the best way to get rid of the green filter paint on the back of the gauge faces. If there are any write-ups on how to do this then I must have missed it/them, but I spent a considerable amount of time searching. This is now the 3rd vehicle I have done this on, and the same process has worked for all of them. Although I didn't do it at this time, I will also show you how to change the bulbs in the other switches on the dash so they are...

This is my how to for installing signal mirrors on the 3rd Gen Ex. I know that a lot of you know how to do most of this, but it is a how to so I must assume you know nothing. I am not trying to insult anyone’s intelligence. Before I begin, I would like to thank a few people: RickOTR – for finding the signal mirror kit and pointing it out to me. NHarris – for the OEM mirrors. Without them this wouldn’t have happened. Explorer Forum – For obvious reasons. Thanks Rick, for a great place for us to swap info and hang out! I purchased the Signal Mirror Kit from www.hillbankmotorsports.com. Cost was $39.99 + SH. A huge Bang for the buck. The kit is for the 2001-2005 Ranger, but it is a direct replacement for the 2002-2005...

Here Is how to convert your dome lights from light bulbs to LEDs. Starting with the Driver and Front Pax What you will need 20 LEDs 55,000mcd 20 Resistors to bring the voltage down from 12volts to what your LEDs are rated at. Mine were 3.6v Radio Shack Project board First cut 2 pieces of the project board to 1.35" X1.35" Then arrange your LEDs on the board the way you want them. I used 10 on each board, 6 as spot lights and 4 on the corners as floods (grind the tips flat on the 4). Solder a resistor to each + lead of each LED and wire all the - leads together. Use Hot glue to attach each LED. Use clear nail polish to refinish the 4 ground down LEDs. Test Now disassemble the over head console and remove the 2 bulb holders...

Well after Christmas I had an idea that I might be able to convert some of the 120v strings of lights that were on sell to work off 12v to decorate my car next year. Turns out it's very easy. I found some instructions online but the site has now gone down so I decided to do a write up for those of you that might want to put some on your car foe the holiday season next year. So to start you need to pick up some Christmas light and not just any kind. You need the ones that have a plug on both ends and have 3 wires running through them. Here's the box of the ones I picked up they were about 1$ a box on sale. Here are the tools I used to convert mine. I also found my pocket knife very useful too. Now take your lights...