Well maybe it isn't all that bad

This is without the spreader in place so the light is everywhere, the factory spreader is fine so if it were there it would be just like factory, only blue. The 97+ cluster is all CCFL and completely incompatible with anything aftermarket in any way. You have to design a whole new transformer assembly, voltage map, etc.....

I knew this was going to be a pain since I have tried it before, but Lexus really went out of their way to make sure this cathode was not compatible with ANYTHING aftermarket.

The end result is completely removing the entire transformer assembly from the cluster and inserting an aftermarket transformer to power the new tube. The drawback is lack of dimmer control to the backlight, but....... with blue like this who cares about dimming it?

It's not too hard to get to the tube, but removing all the original transformer parts and wiring in the new one, plus trying to find a way to make it fit into the cluster is about a 7 solid hour job for a professional. i don't know if a shadetree guy could even pull it off since there is no diagram. You have to actually trace the voltage paths inside the cluster and find the spot where the new transformer should go to obtain the correct voltage. The cluster has a buffered circuit in it that protects the transformer - which does not do well on an unregulated power source. If you just grab 12v and go you'll end up burning the transformer up from the unregulated variations in voltage and the spikes from the alternator.

Anyway....... just thought I'd screw with something since it's been a while If you look in the LCD for the deepest blue, that's about the color. Very bright neon blue. Actually the high beam indicator is about the correct color. It is too bright to photo, it blows the contrast out.

 

Thats cool. I want one!!

 

Next I'm going to really start screwing with nature

 

Nice....wont mind my 97 cluster looking like that.What will be sweet is if you can chance the illumination to a different color. something like how the aftermarket indliglo guages.

 

all i see are light sabers.... hahaha

 

Love the blue cluster lights. I thought you said you were not doing lighting anymore? Too bad because I have to admit you can really make our clusters look pretty!

 

i like it, look nice where did you get it?

 

OLT is keeping it up

 

that looks great! pretty awesome!

 

I want the pink one! for my girlfriends car of course..

 

Hey its ok if you like pink.

 

I've had this 97 cluster (and these cathodes) for about 3 years or so when I wanted to experiment with it since I never got a chance to. Today is race day and while I am sitting around waiting to go to the track I figured I'd tackle an old rival.

It sure as heck isn't something I thought would be easy or I'd done it when I had the chance a few yrs ago, but I'd say with some tweaking on it that it is doable.

 

Sure.....after I dump my SC you do this.

Nice work chief....very nice.

 

Eh... Not my thing really, but how is it on the eyes at night? Maybe really dark blue like the VW's would look cool.

 

The purple is a UV and it's pretty tight with white needles at night. Of course the 97+ guys won't ever know that