rbeaud
10-20-2004, 12:51 PM
I don't know if anyone is interested in my most recent upgrade, although this may be particular to only the Alpine TDA-7552/7554 and not other brands or styles of head units.
My Alpine TDA-7554 has a green display. I've always wished it would match the dash better. Through EBay, I discovered that it was possible to use repair parts and change the color. Alpine uses little rubber "hats" for the lamps Could be pricey thought- $10 for the manual (unless you can locate an owner) plus the cost of the bulb covers (guess about $1.50 ea for 8-10).
However, my local hobby store sells Tamiya car paints; one is a "clear turn signal" (amber). After applying several coats of paint to the bulbs, voila, instant amber face plate.
If you do this, I would recommend more than several coats (6-10?) as the lamps are bright and the bulb covers reduce the output much more than the paint I applied. My radio required some soldering skills to remove the dial plate and access two of the backlighting bulbs.
Cheers,
Roland
My Alpine TDA-7554 has a green display. I've always wished it would match the dash better. Through EBay, I discovered that it was possible to use repair parts and change the color. Alpine uses little rubber "hats" for the lamps Could be pricey thought- $10 for the manual (unless you can locate an owner) plus the cost of the bulb covers (guess about $1.50 ea for 8-10).
However, my local hobby store sells Tamiya car paints; one is a "clear turn signal" (amber). After applying several coats of paint to the bulbs, voila, instant amber face plate.
If you do this, I would recommend more than several coats (6-10?) as the lamps are bright and the bulb covers reduce the output much more than the paint I applied. My radio required some soldering skills to remove the dial plate and access two of the backlighting bulbs.
Cheers,
Roland