Z31/lateanalogupgrade php - Revision history

XenonzcarImporter: Rewrite 2 archive URL(s) to internal wikilinks

2026-05-17T01:59:28Z

Rewrite 2 archive URL(s) to internal wikilinks

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:59, 17 May 2026
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	Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.		Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.
	See:		See:
	[~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31~~/Switchpodbulbs~~.html~~ Switchpod bulb replacement]		[[Z31/Switchpodbulbs\|Switchpod bulb replacement]]
	* Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.		* Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.

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	=== Sources Used ===		=== Sources Used ===

	[~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31~~/z31fsm.php 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]		[[Z31/z31fsm php\|1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]]
	* Writeup by: Nivo88T		* Writeup by: Nivo88T

	[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]		[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]

XenonzcarImporter: Reformat: split adjacent link runs into bulleted lists

2026-05-16T21:29:48Z

Reformat: split adjacent link runs into bulleted lists

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 16 May 2026
Line 54:		Line 54:
	Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.		Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.
	See:		See:
	[https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/Switchpodbulbs.html Switchpod bulb replacement] -		[https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/Switchpodbulbs.html Switchpod bulb replacement]
	Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.		* Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.

	-		-
Line 148:		Line 148:
	=== Sources Used ===		=== Sources Used ===

	[https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/z31fsm.php 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]- Writeup by: Nivo88T		[https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/z31fsm.php 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]
			* Writeup by: Nivo88T

	[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]		[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]

XenonzcarImporter: Inline image refs: rewrite to local archive; clean empty image artifacts

2026-05-16T18:01:29Z

Inline image refs: rewrite to local archive; clean empty image artifacts

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:01, 16 May 2026
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	{{ImportedFrom\|site=Xenonzcar\|title=1987 - 1989 Z31 Instrument Cluster Upgrade (Lighting and Needles)\|url=~~http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/z31/lateanalogupgrade.php.html\|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/lateanalogupgrade.php.html\|fetched=2026-05-15}}		{{ImportedFrom\|site=Xenonzcar\|title=1987 - 1989 Z31 Instrument Cluster Upgrade (Lighting and Needles)\|url=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/lateanalogupgrade.php.html\|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/lateanalogupgrade.php.html\|fetched=2026-05-15}}

	== 1987 - 1989 Z31 Instrument Cluster Upgrade (Lighting and Needles) ==		== 1987 - 1989 Z31 Instrument Cluster Upgrade (Lighting and Needles) ==
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	=== Comparison ===		=== Comparison ===

	~~[http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/stockneedles.png ~~image: Stock Z31 Gauge Needles]~~		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/stockneedles.png

	Stock		Stock

	~~[http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/redneedlesdone.png ~~image: Red Z31 Gauge Needles]~~		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/redneedlesdone.png

	Red Needles		Red Needles

	~~[http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/final.png ~~image: Final Product Z31 Gauge Cluster]~~		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/final.png

	Final Product		Final Product
Line 54:		Line 54:
	Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.		Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.
	See:		See:
	[~~http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/z31/Switchpodbulbs.html Switchpod bulb replacement] -		[https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/Switchpodbulbs.html Switchpod bulb replacement] -
	Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.		Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.

Line 148:		Line 148:
	=== Sources Used ===		=== Sources Used ===

	[~~http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/z31/z31fsm.php 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]- Writeup by: Nivo88T		[https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/z31fsm.php 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]- Writeup by: Nivo88T

	[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]		[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]

XenonzcarImporter: XenonzcarImporter moved page Sites/Xenonzcar/z31/lateanalogupgrade php to Z31/lateanalogupgrade php without leaving a redirect: Flatten Sites/ namespace; provenance preserved via ImportedFrom banner

2026-05-16T06:38:41Z

XenonzcarImporter moved page Sites/Xenonzcar/z31/lateanalogupgrade php to Z31/lateanalogupgrade php without leaving a redirect: Flatten Sites/ namespace; provenance preserved via ImportedFrom banner

← Older revision	Revision as of 06:38, 16 May 2026
(No difference)

XenonzcarImporter: Site import

2026-05-16T06:27:32Z

Site import

New page

{{ImportedFrom|site=Xenonzcar|title=1987 - 1989 Z31 Instrument Cluster Upgrade (Lighting and Needles)|url=http://www.xenonzcar.com/z31/lateanalogupgrade.php.html|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/lateanalogupgrade.php.html|fetched=2026-05-15}}

== 1987 - 1989 Z31 Instrument Cluster Upgrade (Lighting and Needles) ==

The reason I did this to my Instrument cluster was to update it a bit, give myself a more visible red needles at night and more brightness.

I started this project was because my Instrument cluster was dim and with LED's being the craze and my job being based on LED's (Fiber Optic Lasers) I figured oh, Why not.

=== Comparison ===

[http://www.xenonzcar.com/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/stockneedles.png image: Stock Z31 Gauge Needles]

Stock

[http://www.xenonzcar.com/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/redneedlesdone.png image: Red Z31 Gauge Needles]

Red Needles

[http://www.xenonzcar.com/z31/images/lateanalogupgradeznivo/final.png image: Final Product Z31 Gauge Cluster]

Final Product

==== Items Needed ====

-
3x
[http://www.v-leds.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/4835706/vpcsid/0/SFV/32481 Mini SMT LED bulbs for the #158](Amber) -
1x
[http://www.v-leds.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/4481016/vpcsid/0/SFV/32481 2722 T1.5](Amber) -
6x
[http://autolumination.com/74.htm T1.5/Neo Wedge/12mm Base bulbs](Red) - Testors Model Master Paint Flat White - FS37875
* Testors Model Master Paint Fluorescent Red - FS28915
* Testors Model Master Paint Insignia Red - FS31136
* Phillips screwdriver
* Flat Head Screwdriver
* Ratchet
* Assorted sockets

==== Bulb Chart ====

| Nissan Part Number | Common Part Number | Volts / Watts | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (24855C) - 24860-21P01 | 158 | 12V/3.4W | T3-1/4 | 3 |
| (24855C) - 24860-21P02 | 2722 | 12V/2.0W | T1.5 | 1 |
| (24855B) - 24860-21P00 | 39320 | 12V/2.0W | T1.5/Neo Wedge/12mm Base | 6 |
Notes: #158 bulbs can be replaced with #194 types. #2722 bulbs can be replaced with #74 types.
|

==== The Process ====

* Remove the lower steering column plastic trim. Use a Phillips screwdriver for the 3 screws.
* Remove the trim around the steering wheel (plastic casing just behind the wheel). There are 4 screws, 2 per side. Take off the top portion.
-
Remove switch pods on each side of the instrument cluster.
See:
[http://www.xenonzcar.com/z31/Switchpodbulbs.html Switchpod bulb replacement] -
Drop the steering column by loosening the 2 golden bolts underneath (but don’t remove them). This helps you get the cluster out without removing the steering wheel.

-
Remove the 2 Phillips screws from the instrument cluster bezel.

* Carefully remove the bezel from the instrument cluster area.
-
Remove the 2 Phillips screws on the left and right of the cluster to free the unit.

* Slowly pull the cluster forward to access the rear.
* Press the top and bottom tabs on each connector to unplug from the cluster.
* Carefully sneak the cluster out between the steering wheel and dash.
* Now, we’ll upgrade to LED bulbs. Some modifications are needed.
-
Remove the Gauge Face Lighting bar on top of the cluster (3 small Phillips screws on the bar, plus 2 auxiliary bulbs).

-
Carefully remove the 3 PCBs (lighting bar and auxiliary bulbs).

-
Remove the front gauge lighting bar to reveal the white lighting diffusers.

-
About diffusers: Keep them for incandescent or LED bulbs. Remove only if using UV bulbs in the 365-390nm range (most LEDs are not true UV).

* Remove the acrylic plastic cover (4 screws front, 5 rear). Gently undo 4 rear and 2 front tabs.
-
Carefully separate and lift the cover.

* LED Directionality: LEDs are directional, unlike incandescent bulbs, so add reflectors for better luminance.
* Red LED note: Red LEDs are focused and near infrared—consider reflectors or paint for better needle illumination.
-
Mix premium white enamel paint well for reflectors (Testors Model Master recommended).

-
Paint the underside of the front lighting bar flat white, as well as the PCB spots for temp/fuel bulbs.

-
Paint the inside of the trough where bulbs rest; stir well and apply several coats. This boosts needle lighting with red LEDs.

* Review: Additional pictures of the cluster and bulbs.
-
This cluster uses an acrylic diffuser for even illumination.

-
The gauge faceplate is lexan, with two squares for temp/fuel gauges.

* The faceplate is orange lexan, screen printed and dotted with white paint on back for even light.
-
Factory odometer/trip bulb: 2722 bulb, can be replaced with #74. Note acrylic diffuser.

-
Center bulb/diffuser: can use #194 bulb.

-
Bulb behind temp gauge: can use #194 bulb.

-
Bulb behind fuel gauge: can use #194 bulb.

-
Comparison: 11 Mini SMT LEDs vs factory #158 bulb. These are the tallest that fit.

* Z31 needles: poly with a weight. Painted fluorescent red for effect.
-
Fluorescent red = orange/red, glows under blacklight. Blend with insignia red for deeper color.

-
Result: Paint matches tachometer, looks more red.

* This method is great for stock, LED, or black light bulbs—needles look red day/night and glow under UV.
-
Needles now glow red, even under black light.

-
Red needles under black light.

* Reinstall needles, clean acrylic cover, button up screws.
* Test the cluster and gauges in car. If all works, tighten all remaining screws.
* View: With regular light and UV (no backlighting yet).
-
Goal: Red needles achieved!

* Slide the cluster in, plug in illumination connector (behind tach). Turn on parking lights, check LED polarity (+/–). LEDs won’t work if reversed!
* Photos show: stock white needles, red colored needles, and finished cluster.
-
Key point: All needles glow red; fuel/temp gauges have red effect.

* Optionally use UV light for fluorescent glow!
* Result: Cooler-running, longer-lasting LEDs, and red illumination for needles and gauges.

=== Sources Used ===

[http://www.xenonzcar.com/z31/z31fsm.php 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]- Writeup by: Nivo88T

[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]