DIY: 360 Increase brightness on LCD clock | FerrariChat

DIY: 360 Increase brightness on LCD clock

Discussion in '360/430' started by mello, Apr 29, 2014.

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  1. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    #1 mello, Apr 29, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    For those of you with hard-to-read LCD clock, this will solve your problem. Your model may vary, but mine is a 2003 Spyder with this particular style of clock. I assumed that you already know how to remove the dome light assembly and detaching the clock unit from it. Do a search on this forum if you need dis-assembly instructions.

    Once the clock is separated from the dome assembly, it's just a matter of removing the two screws on each side of the clock casing to get into the circuitry. Now I can put down the top, enjoy the nice weather and be able to go home for dinner in time! Enjoy!
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  2. Rnye

    Rnye Karting

    Mar 17, 2014
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    Why in the world would I want to see it? It's the worst part of the interior :)
     
  3. netman

    netman Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2008
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    I was able to change my bulb without having to remove the circuit board. The lamp holder twists out
     
  4. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    If you look at the second picture. I cut off a piece of plastic that's facing the front of the bulb. That makes all the difference in the world. More so if you have already replaced the incandescent bulb with an LED one.
     
  5. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Interesting that I did the same mod last night to my 2003 360 Spider.

    I replaced the stock dim OE bulb with LED and now I can finally see the dang clock nice and bright. I did cut the center plastic tab too with exacto knife.

    Thanks for posting Steve so that I wont have to post the same DIY LED myself.

    All the best to you.

    Dan

     
  6. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    This is a splendid and easy mod. I will have to find another excuse for getting home late since I always take the longest route and telling my wife that I lost time. :)
     
  7. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    My wife dont ask anymore. She got tired of asking. She knows by now I always take the long way home :)
     
  8. English Rebel

    English Rebel Formula 3

    Aug 13, 2013
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    My wife asks me why I leave for my 9:00 AM Monday morning breakfast with a friend at 8:30 when the restaurant is only 5 minutes away. :)
    Alan
     
  9. mello

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    That's about right... 5 minutes to do a walk-around inspection before engine start and 20 minutes of slow driving to allow the engine oil to come up to operating temperature. ;)
     
  10. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    I agree on all counts!

    Dan

     
  11. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Hi Steve,

    The LED bulb I used may be a tad too bright as it has 5 Mini LEDs. Can you share with me which bulb you used please so I can try it and perhaps that may be better? Thanks in advance.

    Wife and I are here in Munich. All done sightseeing.
    Drove to Salzburg, Austria yesterday.

    Leaving for Rome this morning and will be in Italy the next 10 days.

    Can't wait to go back to Ferrari museum. Last time I was there was 5 years ago and that's when I fell in love with Ferraris and told myself I will own one one day. Took me five years to save up for my 2003 360 Spider.

    I loved my 2009 M6. But my 360 spider doubles the smile it puts on my face every time I drive it.

    Been gone on vacation now only 4 days and I miss my 360 badly already. Luckily I have home security camera in my garage and I can see her anytime I want to.

    You all take care.

    Dan
     
  12. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    Dan,
    I bought the LED bulb awhile back from this site. Instrument Panel Gauge Dashboard Colored Led Bulbs Lights Lamps
    Scroll down about 2/3 of the way until you see "High Powered 3 Chip 5050 SMD Led". You might want to try applying some black nail polish to block out a few chips on your existing one to see if that will dim it a bit. Spend your vacation time with your better half! Your 360 isn't going anywhere!
     
  13. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Great tip on nail polish application. Thanks Steve!

    I miss my 360 already......

    Dan
     
  14. davebuchner

    davebuchner Formula 3

    Jun 1, 2005
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    Great info guys - I can't see my 2003 spider clock at all. Why was that opaque strip put there in the first place I wonder??
     
  15. 8202632

    8202632 Karting

    Jul 9, 2017
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    #15 8202632, May 16, 2018
    Last edited: May 16, 2018
  16. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    The opaque strip is a heat barrier to protect the LCD panel from the intense heat, given off by the incandescent bulb.
     

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