Decided to finally replace one of my burnt bulbs so I figured it was perfect time to put the CF gauge surround in. This one isn't for amateurs or beginners so if you aren't confident in your skills then don't do this one.
FIRST, UNPLUG BATTERY!! (Disclamer: proceed at your own risk, I am no liable for anything you may mess up so proceed accordingly, this is for informational purposes only) basically you have to take everything off, steering wheel, airbag, pull out the instrument cluster (with gauge puller tools) then unplug the two plugs from the rear of the cluster. Then you have to take the cluster apart into pieces and then slide the CF backing into the cluster WITH PAPER still on back (don't pull off the waxed paper off yet!). Then once inside, peal off the wax paper backing and carefully line up the openings then pres down everywhere to ensure its on there (The backing is 3M so its very strong and will never come off, this is NOT reversible).
Takes about 2-3 hours at least to do everything but I think the results are worth it.
the piece cam precut, you can buy it on ebay for about $50. The reason its probably so cheap is just b/c the labor is so difficult (for most). It is REAL CF and the quality is phenomenal.
I have a brand new set of gauge rings of anyone wants them I'll sell for super cheap. I personally am not a rings kinda guy but some people love them. They sell for $35 shipped I'll let mine go for $25 including shipping. PM me if interested
That looks so sick............
Amazing & great write up..........
Is all your woodgrain updated to carbin fiber also?
Regards,
I wish, sadly NOBODY does real CF on our cars interiors, its all fake crap. But this at least gives the instrument cluster a very high quality sporty look vs. the dull grey thats there normally.
Its really not a big deal at all to remove the cluster, it can be done easily without taking the steering wheel out. I have installed white gauge faces in my W208 and taken one out of a W202, both come the same way, pry at the side and it comes free no tools needed.
If you want this upgrade dont be scared to install, its really not bad.
not for someone whose done it before, but for beginners it maybe way over their heads.
I tried to do it without taking wheel out, no matter how I rotated or tried to slide out... wouldn't budge. Either way everyone should cautiously proceed at their own risk
... it can be done easily without taking the steering wheel out. ...
Those with Telescopic Steering Wheels do not need to remove the wheel, but those without Telescopic Wheels are best advised to remove the wheel to avoid damage (that many who didn't, regret).
__________________ 1999 C280 Sportfor sale Black/Black
• Loaded beauty, 37823 miles, garaged with TLC for its next owner 1999 AMG C43 Black/Black
• Black grill behind the Chrome
• Eagle Eyes: BZ055 Clear Corners, BZ062 Tails with LED top & bottom
• VVME H7 4300K HID/Xenon Low Beams
• VVME H1 4300K HID/Xenon High Beams
(& replaced OEM Halogen Lenses with OEM Xenon Lenses)
Those with Telescopic Steering Wheels do not need to remove the wheel, but those without Telescopic Wheels are best advised to remove the wheel to avoid damage (that many who didn't, regret).
bingo, thats why i removed it, just to be safe. once removed its a piece of cake
Didn't all C36's come w/ telescopic columns ?? was this an option ?
DR.C36, to just change the instrument bulbs do you need to take apart the cluster ? or are they accesible at the back plate like most clusters.
Thanks.
Looks great w/ the CF plate.I think painting the gray surround matte black might give it that final oomph . Never cared for that gray. Looks un-finished IMHO.
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