So I just ordered me a set of BROS KDM Gauges from kspec.com It seems to be that these gauges are quite a trend on here, this I didnt know, but I figured I'd ask for any tips tricks ideas with these gauges. I have already had my dash apart several times, so I do not need the gauge install DIY, but was just wondering if anyone had any pointers with these gauges.

 

the maxtrims or the overlays?

 

im actually not sure

these

http://www.kspec.com/list.php?ac_id=83&ai_id=803

 

it's pretty straight forward.

I'd fill up with gas first, and try to remember where it shows on the gauges. You'll have to put the Fuel Needle back on, so make sure you know where to put it!

the needles come off pretty easy, just be gentle.

The silver ring around the gauges with the indentions for the MPH line tick marks WON'T match up, since the gauges are in KM/H. Just keep it in case someone wants to buy it. No need to put it back on.

When you put your needles back on, install the gauge cluster but DON'T put the plastic cover back on yet. Reconnect the battery and start the car. Put the RPMs at the proper place (can't remember off hand, 800ish RPM?) Let the car idle a few minutes to make sure it's at normal idle speed. When it warms up, put the needle between the H & C marks appropriately. Make sure the needles aren't too tight and move freely when revving / driving. Then after a day or two I'd put the plastic cover back on.

Not much to it really. Be careful, somehow I broke the plastic piece behind the gauges and it doesn't disperse light the way it should. Not sure how I did that...

 

ah, that was my 4th out of 5 different sets of gauges i had in my tib.. i really liked those ones though ALOT.

 

Here are my Marine Blue BROS Gauges

 

here's some tips. use a fork to pull off the needles

Use some stensil material from walmart to make sure you don't end up with bright spots. Stensils from walmart are frosted and you can use that to redistribute light. on the back side of the clear plastic behind the gauges

Be careful when working in the gauges. Some pieces break. If you break a light channel you're screwed.

Do a needle LED conversion. Tibby01 posted a way of doing it. I do mine similar, but I use more LEDs, crossthatch the needles, and repaint them. I also use silver paint on the base of the needle to keep the LED light inside the housing.

Never pull the gauge cluster out and put it back in while driving, it will pop your airbag warning light on.

As for calibrating the gauges, reassemble your dashboard, but leave the clear plastic off of the front. don't secure anything except the bottom panel and start the calibration.

I like to drive by a your speed is sign with the cruise control on and get my reading, that way I'm calibrated by radar. You can always find a cop doing a speed trap and do the same thing.The rest of the needles are simple. Drive to a gas station, let the car idle with the A/C on for 1 minute and put the needle right below 1000RPM (idle is about 900 with A/C on). Place the coolant in the middle. Then fill your car, wait 5 minutes while driving home, and put the fuel needle on full.

call your local city/state police to find a location of a radar your speed is sign.

 

I thought idle was 750-800 rpm ?

 

eh.. 850 not 900.

 

mine idled at like 1000 rpms when i was boosted.

and idled at like 650 or so without ac on and like 850 with AC on. even when i took AC out, always had the fan going or it would idle like crap when i was stopped.