Radio LCD to red *Brighter*

[sykou]

This how to will show you how to change the stock radio LCD to red without using any of that film stuff that everyone has been using. Everyone knows that the light output of the screen is greatly lessened when using the film. This method will allow for a brighter screen both during the day and at night.

Tools
- soldiering iron
- tweezers or small pliers
- Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel paint Clear and Red(See pictures below)
- Brush
- Something to mix the paint on


- First follow majestic lancer's how to untill step 7
** HOW-TO ** making stock radio red

- Now you should be left with what you see here in the attached pictures

- Notice where the arrows are pointing. These are the bulbs for the LCD display.

[sykou]

- Now what you want to do is, using your tweezers or pliers, gently pull up on one side of the piece while applying heat via the soldiering to the metal contact points on the same side.
- Then do the same to the other side. You will notice that each time the soldier melts, the housing for the bulb will move away from the board slightly. Keep repeating this untill the housing comes off.

- The drawing is what the led looks like when it comes off.

[sykou]

- Pull the Blue gel cover off of the LED either with your hands or if it doesn't come off, you can use the tweezers but DO NOT use the pliers because you could crack the LED.

- One the gel cover is removed, mix your paint.
- THREE drops of the CLEAR and ONE drop of the RED
- Clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol and let it dry before painting it
- Mix paint thoroughly and apply onto the bulb.
- Some of the paint may go onto the LED holder which is okay. DO NOT let the paint go onto the metal contact points.

- Let the paint dry at least 15 minutes, the longer the better.
- Brush another coat onto the LED and let dry.
- Two coats are required for the RED color. Using one coat will give you a weird orange color which isn't what we want.

[sykou]

Now for the reinstallation of the LED.

- Make absolutely sure that the paint is dry before attempting to reinstall the LED.
- Carefully replace the LED holder making sure that the metal contact points are aligned properly. (see picture below).

- Now instead of pulling the LED holder away from the board while heating the contact points, you want to push the holder towards the board and heat the points.

- The sameway as before, one side at a time, little by little.

- A little soldier may need to be applied in order to ensure a good contact between the LED and the board.


And you're done. put your radio back together and it should light up like the picture below.


YOU CAN USE THE SAME METHOD OF PAINTING THE BULBS FOR ALL THE LEDS OR BULBS IN YOUR CAR. You needn't buy the colored glass bulbs. I bet some of you are thinking that the paint will burn off because of the heat from the bulbs but it wont. The paint is designed to withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Farenheit. The light output is the same as the colored glass bulbs or if anything, barely less.

I've had my bulbs painted for almost two years now and you can see for yourself that there has been no fading or cracking of the paint.

Other paint colors may be used but i am uncertain of the mixture. You can try the 3 drops of CLEAR to 1 drop of COLOR.

Well thats it. Now you can customize your radio to almost any color you choose.
Hope this how to helps. Have fun!

[mr96gsx408]

Where'd you buy the Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel paint Clear and Red from ?

[sykou]

It's from a craft store here in Hawaii. Called Honolulu Craft Supply. I thought you could buy it anywhere...

[Blacksheepdj]

More discussion here.