Speedo Needles...and horn.

[hrb5711]

Does anyone have any idea how to change the color of your speedo/tach/fuel needles? I have seen it done on some of the Euro sites but no one will let me know how to do it. They all want to "sell" me a kit to do it. Anyone have any thoughts?

Lets face it the horn in this car sucks. I have never replaced a horn nor do I know what kind to get for this car. I am sure replacing it is pretty easy so I don't think I will have a problem with that, any thoughts about what type of new horn to get for it'?

[Mr. Clarkson]

To change the color, you'll need to un-solder the LEDs that are there now, and re-solder the different colored LEDs of the size size to the board. Not very easy if you don't have experience working with tiny electronics.

The horn should be a pretty easy swap. Do a search for horns made by Hella, as they're a reputable company and make loud horns 

[jason]

I do these smd conversions all the time, there is a few of them with pictures on AON.
even if you change the smd to another colour for the needles they will still light up red as the colour of the needle is red. You can change them but its a little bit more involved.

jason

[hrb5711]

Thanks for the info. I am starting to change out the LEDS today. I am starting with the window buttons in the doors. They seem to be a good start because if I mess it up it will be hard to notice.

I also ordered my Hella horn. I did go down to Checkers and buy a little $5 POS replacement horn to make sure I could hook up the Hella horn and after cutting the wires going into the harness thing got it all hooked up. All I have to do now is wait for the horn to come in.

I do think I am giving up on the speedo needles, I think that is a project above my head for the time being.

[jason]

just so you know the window switches use the middle sized smd, the ones in the steering wheel audio controls and the buttons for the aircon and heated rear window etc use ones that are even smaller, if you wanted to do the needles i may be able to get a set and convert for you and send you and you send me your ones back in exchange??, let me know and i will get a set of needles and do them.

jason

[Rondosa]

I just installed a Wolo horn, and didn't cut the OEM connector, I just used wire taps w/di electric grease and tapped off of the harness. The power supply from the car isn't powerful enough to power two new dual tone horns so I just left the OEM one plugged in and connected the lower tone one as well. If you have a trumpet shaped one, you have to be very careful as the angle you mount it changes the sound drastically.

K

[jason]

all euro astras have twin tone horns on so it should be able to power, and the ones that didnt come with twins still had to plugs on the loom for twin horns.

jason

[Rondosa]

are both plugs on the passenger side, or on either side? I will have to check this out. thx

[jason]

yes both plugs are on the drivers side (europe) so passenger side on yours, one will be on the horn and the other will be taped up to the loom near the horn.

jason