Temperature Control Buttons

[mjoyal4]

I took apart my dash today and took the temperature controls off. It's a white box-like with the silver front on it. What I want to do it remove the green film behind it and replace the bulbs with blue ones.

The problem is I don't know how to detach the face-plate from the rest of it without damaging the front..


Anyone do this before and can help?


Edit:

 

[Joe Dirt]

you have to pry the white portion faceplate up slightly then push the black tab underneath the retainer. Best way is to use a mini flathead from the rear of the tab, pry up, then slide the black tab underneath the screwdriver.

 

[mjoyal4]

alright thanks. I'll try that when I get a chance.
Just didn't want to break it..

 

[mic98xlt]

I tried something similar on the exact type gauges and I screwed up and somehow it separated wasting the silver face. I'm not saying Joe D. is wrong but use care because I ruined my extra set. Maybe Joe you can provide more details because I too would like to change the green film to blue. I just gave up after wasting a good gauge set.

 

[mjoyal4]

Got the Pieces Apart

I got the black and white housing apart. The green film is more of a gel and if I scratch it, I may damage the silver cover that shows on the front.

What's the best way to get rid of the green without damaging anything?

Or

Is there a replacement part I can put on in place of the current silver front.
I saw what looked like an indiglo faceplate before, but I can't find it again or where they sell it.



And where's the best place to get a blue film/ transparent paint/ gel cap to turn the controls blue?

 

[Paraphoe]

And where's the best place to get a blue film/ transparent paint/ gel cap to turn the controls blue?

Any hobby shop in your area should have this.

 

[mjoyal4]

Okay, thank you.

I need to buy a replacement now for it. Someone thought they could help and ended up tearing the faceplate apart..
Are there any after market replacements? I can't find any..

 

[mic98xlt]

I believe the earlier Mustangs (previous to 2005) had a similar temperature control gauge setup with a white color aftermarket face replacement decal. They also had chrome knobs available and both used to be on E Bay. Try searching there.

I found this link under a quick search. I'm not sure which one would fit the Explorer.
http://www.americanmuscle.com/99-04-mustang-gauges.html?gclid=CP3KzryWjKMCFYlY2godJHaudA

 

[mjoyal4]

okay I'll look for some.

Those won't fit but thank you for the idea.


Mine looks like this:

I'd like to get rid of the green when it lights up.