Guage lighting update for the CSOB, Electro Luminescent illumination for your guages! Options

[Rotary'14]

Porsche Gauge illumination upgrade/modification.
For this write up I’ve used a 914 Tachometer, but the method is similar for other Porsche VDO gauges.



Pointers appear dim, but this is a short coming of my camera.
In real life pointers are easy to see.



Tools you will need:
Small flat screwdriver
Scissors
Soldering Iron
Wire stripper
Crimp tool

Parts you will need:
2 wire connectors
wire
Small diameter heat shrink tubing
Clear packaging plastic(saved from trash)
Scotch tape
solder
5 feet of Electro Luminesent wire
12v inverter for above wire



Gauge Dis-assembly:

First thing is to open up the gauge. This is done by prying at the bezel with a small screwdriver. Work around ¾ of the circumference of the gauge. It should be possible to remove the front trim bezel holding the lens in place. Beneath the lens is one or two additional bezel trim pieces (depending upon year of gauge).


Examine the rear of the gauge and you should notice 3 or 4 small flat head screws. These hold the gauge mechanism in place. CAREFULLY remove the mechanism by loosening the screws, and set the mechanism aside.

[Rotary'14]

Installation into Gauge:

Route EL wire thru the socket originally used for gauge illumination. Position the un-lit
regular wire portion to either top or bottom of the gauge face. Position the EL wire by gently bending it along circumference of gauge. Test fit trim bezel from beneath the lens on the gauge housing. Trim off any overlapping EL wire.

Secure in place by taping wire to plastic support. Use 3 or 4 along the circumference of the gauge. Test fit gauge mechanism back into gauge housing. Insure that no wires interfere with the action of the gauge mechanism.

Hold lens in place over trim bezels and look for EL wire. It should be tucked up nice and tight beneath trim bezel, and should NOT be visible from the side of an assembled gauge