Painting Gauge Rings!

[Tarks]

Now i'm not too sure which cars you can do this on but this was done on my 99 Prelude.. You might wana check if you have these rings around you cluster before you attmept this..

Heres a lil step by step guide on what I did..

1. Remove top 2 screws as shown below:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/1.jpg

2. Pull out plate and remove next 4 screws:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/2.jpg

3. Now pull the cluster out slowly and remove the 3 harnesses attached at the back. There are 2 blue and 1 grey one. Don’t mix up which blue one goes where.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/3a.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/3b.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/3c.jpg

4. Next step is to remove the plastic part by pushing through the clear tabs. Once that is done, push through the black tabs and remove the black gauge trim.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/4.jpg

5. Now set aside the cluster and clear part somewhere dust free. We will now proceed to removing the rings from the black gauge trim. Flip the trim backwards and push thru each post. There are 8 on each big ring and 4 on each small ring. To do this we need something thin to poke through the holes. Luckily I found a file with a skewered end perfect for the job. Do this step carefully as you don’t want to break or snap any of the posts or the ring. I’m only guessing but I think they can’t be bought at a Honda dealer’s!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/5a.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/5b.jpg

6. Now simply spray the rings what ever colour you want. I went with silver. Do a few light coats and try not to put too much on as it may clog up and wont fit back into place. Once this is done, leave for about half an hour to an hour and ensure that it is completely dry before you proceed. I also used the hair dryer after an hour just to make sure it was dry.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/6.jpg

7. Next step is to place the rings back into the gauge trim. Carefully push the posts back through the holes. Once all 4 rings are in, turn the trim the other way around and apply some clear adhesive to where the posts come through the holes. I used some loctite and applied with a toothpick!
Once that is done you should end up with something like so:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/7a.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/7b.jpg

8. Now it’s just a matter of putting the cluster back together and placing back in the car! Work in reverse, duh!

And ze final product…

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/8a.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/vahshi/Gauge%20Rings/8b.jpg

[aaronng]

Whoa Tarks! Very very nice!!!!
Your cluster now looks like that of the JDM STi!

[dudeling7]

WOW that looks nice as! good work man!

does anyone know if you can do this with integra DC clusters too, i want to do this! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[edw-R]

Very good DIY JOB. Very good result. Keep going.

[jdmlvn]

i like, i like.

top job tarcczz

[Sensei]

Looks great. Nice write-up and pics.

[Mrkrooz]

dope..... :thumbsup:

[VTC-8OY]

nice man well done..

[joyride]

it makes the speedo/tacho really jump out at you. good job

[Bayani]

Looks good, Might do this. :)
Thanks.