Speedo backlight

westernease · 07-02-2011, 02:56 PM

So we all know the stock speedo backlight is red. While red is an excellent color for night as it won't ruin our night vision. However, as my job takes me up into the air flying, red lights to me mean something bad is going on. I'm constantly having to break my mental and muscle memory when I look down at night to check my speed. I always think something is wrong.
So my question is, has anyone changed the backlight color? I haven't dug to far into taking the speedometer apart yet to investigate. It looks like the speedo plate is a clear background with a red light for illumination. Green is good, so is blue, even purple would work. I know the needle is red so without going to a digital display I would be stuck with that. What do you guys think?

captainfester · 07-02-2011, 03:29 PM

They are two LEDs integrated into the circuit board. If you were capable of some solder work you should be able to replace them.

2011MatteOrange · 07-02-2011, 03:52 PM

Yep and Radio Shack corporate stores carry's just about every style and color you desire.

I did a bunch of accent illumination and added a small LED light to my once dark cup holder in the interior of my truck... Works really good.

BigJohn141 · 07-02-2011, 04:24 PM

This was discussed a while back so there is another thread somewhere. Contact bluegauges.com and they can swap the color to whichever you want. As for the needle, maybe a luminescent paint of some sort?

link
Bluegauges.com - Backlighting Index

mental · 07-02-2011, 04:34 PM

I agree completly. You are a proffesional in the air, let the pros do it on the ground with the speedo. It is an expensive piece of equipment, a little stray current here or to much heat or short or mix up in leds quality, and it will make a nice piece of space junk. Yep, Big John Pretty Smart!

westernease · 07-02-2011, 05:36 PM

Mental I agree with you 100%. And Big John I'll check out bluegauges. I've seen and been involved in some pretty interesting maintenance fixes to know when I get above my skill level. Which by the way with electrical stuff is pretty low. I did try numerous searches before i posted, but I was probably typing in the wrong topics. Thanks again for all your help, its much appreciated.