Cheap AU Cluster Mod - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

AU Lover · 06-01-2004, 16:11

Just thought I would mention a good cheap and quick mod you can do to your AU dash cluster. I followed the style of Fairmont99 and sprayed the cluster mask with an aluminium colored paint. I used a paint made for plastics, vinyl etc. The result is fantastic and really brightens up the whole dash and gives it a sporty look. The grand total was about $14.00 and about 1 hours work. This is a good cheap mod to dress up an otherwise dull cluster. Nice one Fairmont99.

Hamo · 06-01-2004, 16:30

are there any pics of this?? not entirely sure of which part ur talking about.

AU Lover · 06-01-2004, 20:00

Sorry, no pics, but it's the black plastic shroud with the cut outs that goes between the clear lens and the actual gauges. Very easy to get out, but you have to be careful not to break off the plastic tabs that hold it all together. Cheers.

BlueAU · 06-02-2004, 01:46

Hmm would probably look good. I cant decide whether i wanna do my interior highlights in chrome or in a brushed metallic, ie vents, door handles and a few other little bits.

JC-XR8 · 06-02-2004, 04:17

AU Lover - I did my dash mask in a platinum colour, but it's now body colour (blue). It does make a difference. pics of each are below

Platinum

Not the best shot of the blue, but the only one I've got:

AU Lover · 06-02-2004, 14:47

JC, hi ya dude. Nice pics, but I have to admit I prefer the aluminium/silver color. I have a Galaxy AU and my personal preference is just that - what I prefer. I would still like to see the full shot of your cluster paint job though, as I may be persuaded, who knows? Hey! why do we do the things we do? cause we like em! Cheers

JC-XR8 · 06-02-2004, 19:31

AU Lover - You are right, it is individual choice. Like I said, I had silver, now it's blue. After this weekend it may be silver again - I reckon it would look good at night with the LED dash reflecting off the silver face. If I do it again, I will be smoothing it out at the same time (get rid of the crackly dimpled appearance). Might take a full shot of the blue before I do and I'll post it up here when I can.

AU Lover · 06-02-2004, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

AU Lover - You are right, it is individual choice. Like I said, I had silver, now it's blue. After this weekend it may be silver again - I reckon it would look good at night with the LED dash reflecting off the silver face. If I do it again, I will be smoothing it out at the same time (get rid of the crackly dimpled appearance). Might take a full shot of the blue before I do and I'll post it up here when I can.

Hey sounds good JC. I'll keep watching for the "smoooooth" look and the blue shot. Stay cool.

Hamo · 06-02-2004, 20:33

how hard is it to get that peice out?
do we have a guide somwhere already?

JC-XR8 · 06-02-2004, 20:36

There's a tech article on AUFalcon.com (in the 'workshop') that tells you how to get the cluster out. Pulling the cluster apart is pretty much common sense from there - ie lift a few tabs and pull!