vik
11-18-1999, 11:27 PM
Saw some discussion on this subject; it's topical because I've been meaning to post a thank you to D. Schafari, if he's still on the board.
He posted instructions on changing the Alpine green illumination to match Audi red about 8 months ago or so. I saved it at the time, but only got up the energy to do it last week. End result -- it looks *great*! I couldn't be happier.
Just for context purposes, I'm not an electrical engineer, nor do I play one on TV. I know how to turn a screwdriver, but very little beyond that. So you don't have to be an expert to change the illumination, for Alpine at least. Can't speak for Sony.
Short version, if anyone's interested: the Alpine faceplate has two screws on the back. Unscrew them, then pry the back half of the faceplate apart. There are internal clips around the perimeter holding the faceplate together, you just have to work your way around the perimeter prying them apart one by one. It's a little frustrating until you get the trick, then it's routine. There are some buttons and stuff on the inside that might pop out, but they're easy to put back in place.
Anyway, once you get the rear of the faceplate off, you'll see a number of LED's. Mine had 6. Each LED has a green rubber hood on it. Take the hood off, and then paint over the LED with Testor's 1104 Dark Red model paint. You'll probably need 3-4 coats, let the paint dry in between coats. Put 'er back together, and away you go!! Makes a *world* of difference.
Standard disclaimer -- opening the faceplate probably voids the warranty, and it's possible you could be ham-handed enough to break something. If you do, it's not my fault.
-vik
99.5 1.8tqmsg
He posted instructions on changing the Alpine green illumination to match Audi red about 8 months ago or so. I saved it at the time, but only got up the energy to do it last week. End result -- it looks *great*! I couldn't be happier.
Just for context purposes, I'm not an electrical engineer, nor do I play one on TV. I know how to turn a screwdriver, but very little beyond that. So you don't have to be an expert to change the illumination, for Alpine at least. Can't speak for Sony.
Short version, if anyone's interested: the Alpine faceplate has two screws on the back. Unscrew them, then pry the back half of the faceplate apart. There are internal clips around the perimeter holding the faceplate together, you just have to work your way around the perimeter prying them apart one by one. It's a little frustrating until you get the trick, then it's routine. There are some buttons and stuff on the inside that might pop out, but they're easy to put back in place.
Anyway, once you get the rear of the faceplate off, you'll see a number of LED's. Mine had 6. Each LED has a green rubber hood on it. Take the hood off, and then paint over the LED with Testor's 1104 Dark Red model paint. You'll probably need 3-4 coats, let the paint dry in between coats. Put 'er back together, and away you go!! Makes a *world* of difference.
Standard disclaimer -- opening the faceplate probably voids the warranty, and it's possible you could be ham-handed enough to break something. If you do, it's not my fault.
-vik
99.5 1.8tqmsg