Bought some GT clocks a while back, problem is I can't see anything at night because the bulbs are too dim. So I need some new ones (blue SMDs are my preference) but am not sure which type - one topic I've seen says 286s, another says 509t's. I'm confused.

And on the topic of bulbs, can I swap out the bulb from the heater controls for a SMD as well? What type do I need?

There's also the question of changing the backgrounds on the clocks. I took the whole thing apart to have a look when I got it, but I'm not keen on buying the backgrounds advertised on ebay as I've heard some unpleasant stuff about them. So what's the usual approach - photoshop my own and do some trial and error to get the sizes right, then laminate, cut holes for the needles & stick them on top?

Next up is the speedo - I've been using an app on my phone which measures my speed via gps tracking, and noticed it's slightly more accurate than the car's speedo, which is about 3-4mph too fast (I verified the phone was the more accurate by way of speed camera, and thankfully it was). As an avid Mightycarmods fan I'm aware of the existence of speedo correcters... would such a thing work with a 92 Polo? If so, where and what should I get?

Finally, there's the question of actually getting the instrument cluster out of the dash. The FAQ topic says something about removing the stereo and stuff, but when I took her to a local garage when I initially put the GT clocks in, they just used some two-pronged tools in the holes in the sides to get the old cluster out without taking the dash apart. What are these, and where I can get some?

you can buy replacement bulbs then fit the clocks. dont mess with them.

they over read on purpose

follow the FAQ or buy the tool

live happily ever after

they over read on purpose

I'd understand if it was a multiple of 5 or something, but atm there's about 3.5mph difference, so I'll be going 70 when it reads 74 and if I slow down so it reads 70 I'll actually be going 67 and AAAAAAAAH OCD

All speedos on cars have an error in some way or another. Simply using tyres that are worn down will cause an error as the rolling radius is reduced so as a result you will be going slower at an indicted 70mph than a new tyre of the same make.

Also your test with a speed camera wouldn't have proved your phone to be completely accurate as speed cameras are set to a tolerance. So for example they may be set to flash at anyone doing 80mph or over. Plus the GPS on your phone may not account for hills. I've noticed that with some satnavs.

The best way to check speedo accuracy is to find one of those flashing signs that tell you your speed as you approach them. They are usually in 30mph or 40mph zones though so no use for motorway speeds.

The best way to check speedo accuracy is to find one of those flashing signs that tell you your speed as you approach them. They are usually in 30mph or 40mph zones though so no use for motorway speeds.

My phone usually matches up with these too, with one exception where I'm going downhill (as mentioned), but even then it's only 1mph out. And tbh they should put these signs on motorways, and have a minimum speed limit for them as well. I once found myself behind a car who brilliantly tried to merge onto a motorway from the services at 45mph, and then *continued* at 45 leaving me waiting to try and get into the second lane amidst all the other cars going past at 60+

Aaaanyway, ok I can live without a speedo corrector. #1 priority is getting some new bulbs though and I need to know what types to look for. And also that thing to get the cluster out. What is it called, google is not helpful here :3

Go to Halfrauds and look for stereo removal pins. They will do the trick. Should only be a couple quid.

Removing the steering wheel and couling will make life easier too.

speedo is normal , it might save youu from a speeding fine one day

speedo is normal , it might save youu from a speeding fine one day

That's only true if you don't know it's too fast... from now on I'll always be thinking "oh I can go 3-4mph faster" and thus become more likely to get a fine

Or you could be safe in the knowledge that it's 3-4mph fast, stick to the speeds you were doing before that and not get a fine. Not too hard really, is it. :)

Picked these up today, not for any car related project, but they're designed to run on 12v each strip can be cut into 50mm lengths with 3 smds per 50mm, I bought Red/Green/Blue & White but they also sell them in Orange & a semi UV purple £3.25/0.5m



Legally a speedo only needed to be within 10% @ 30MPH it might be a bit tighter on newer cars??

don't show Vio stuff like that

You'll give him ideas!

You'll notice I didn't give any link to where I bought them from

Ah I will settle for whatever I can find on ebay

Have you seen these? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10x-12V-White-T5-B8-3D-5050-1SMD-LED-Dashboard-Panel-Dash-Wedge-Side-Light-Bulb-/171560417312?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27f1cc3820

Looks like they replace the bulb and holder for one unit. Worth a try for just £1.99

if youre wanting to have another colour remebmber theres a green filter inside the clocks , you will need to take that out to let the new colour through

if youre wanting to have another colour remebmber theres a green filter inside the clocks , you will need to take that out to let the new colour through

Oh. Must have missed that completely when I took the GT clocks apart, and would also likely explain why the current blue bulbs I have are so dim while they're going through a green filter. DERP.

Will dig out my old cluster and have a look, and I've ordered the white bulbs Kwi suggested. With any luck, all I'll need to do is make up some sort of blue filter, and that should do it

Edited 18 January, 201511 yr by Vio

you can try it with no filter or some folk use those transparant file folders you can get for cheap at the shops