White faced Gauge Install

[Loaded98Sport]

Hi guys. First thanks for this awesome board. I discovered it after buying my explorer a couple of weeks ago, and after lurking for a bit decided that it was time to register. Now, hopefully, I can give something back to the board.

So...

To anyone looking for white faced gauges for their Explorer, take a look at what I just installed. The first shot is before, with the stock gauges. The second two are after, with my new Initial K Auto Concepts gauges. You can find these on eBay fairly easily. The quality is quality is great and the instructions are okay. The gauges themselves like up like the face of an indiglo watch when your lights are on.

However, installation is a mother bear, at least on my 98. To install the gauge faces you need to remove both upper and lower dash panels, radio bezel, and the metal lower dash plate. But if you've ever installed a stereo or an alarm kit you should be able to do it without too many problems.

Before:

http://downloads.redjupiter.com/users/images/thingumabob/cab.jpg

After:

http://downloads.redjupiter.com/users/images/thingumabob/IMG1244.jpg
http://downloads.redjupiter.com/users/images/thingumabob/IMG1245.jpg

Let me know what you think!

Phil

 

[espnfreak]

looks great! i have a 96 and was thinking about this and i have installed an aftermarket radio in my car, how much do the face guages run on ebay?
thanks, jas84

 

[Loaded98Sport]

Gauges

I paid about $100 for the faces, wiring, controller, dimmer swtich, etc... The whole kit. It was worth it, in my opinion. I really like the way they make my truck look. It's subtle enough that you don't notice at first, but at the same time it really sports it up.

 

[Loaded98Sport]

Needles

Thanks! The needles are actually pretty easy to see--much easier than you expect. During the day there is really enough contrast that you can get your bearings at a glance. I can't tell you about true night visability because I'm in Alaska and it won't be dark here for another 3 months, but I did drive into an underground parking garage with the gauges lit up, and it was actually easier to read than the old gauges. With the backlit "indiglo thing" going, the needles are dark against a bright background, and very easy to see.

If I find myself in another parking garage, I'll take a picture and post it so you can see.

 

[espnfreak]

i wish i could get that but all my mod cash is going towards lifting and bigger tires for my truck

 

[DarkFox1]

looks great man, whats with the needles tho? are they hard to see during the day/night? thats THE reason why I have hesitated to get white faces.