Good day Pakwheelers!
I would like to share my DIY restoration of my gauge cluster on 1994 Toyota Tamaraw or Zace or Qualis.
In time and usage, the gauge cluster can accumulate dust and carbon due to the heat of the T10 bulbs. The T10 bulbs are 5watts to my knowledge and can radiate a lot of heat inside the gauge cluster, at worst it can deform the plastic parts inside it.
Disassembly may vary depending on your type of vehicle, and here is how I take out mine.
Disconnect all wire terminals from behind the gauge cluster and lastly if equipped with the speedometer cable. The back-end of your gauge cluster usually looks like this.
This is one of the OEM T10 bulbs or better known to us as the "Peanut Bulb" (as it resembles a peanut). Originally there is a round cap over it that diffuses the light, this cap (which I already removed) often times absorbs the heat from the bulb and turns black gets deformed, so I took them out.
As you can see in this photo, there is still dust and traces of carbon accumulation, after I have take out all of the other gauges, you wouldn't believe how more dust and blackish carbon was there....
Remove all necessary parts from the gauge cluster body/case and set them aside for later cleaning. Be careful not to damage the needles or even thinking of removing them, don't!
After all gauges and plastic lenses have been removed, wash the body thoroughly with water and dish washing soap. I suggest the dish washing soap as it has very good oil removing properties. Rinse, wipe and let dry.
Paint the inside with white glossy spray paint with 2 to 3 coats and let dry. The inside of the gauge cluster reflects the light around it that makes for a brighter gauges.
This time I have replaced the T10 bulbs with White 5-led Corn type LED. Also notice the inside has been painted white.
Reassemble everything and voila! A brighter and clearer gauge cluster...
At night.
You may choose the LED color you desire :)