RPM FACE COLOR CHANGES--the whole process--LOTS of pics

After doing my swap I would add that when prying up on the needle the whole enchilada came off leaving a thin spindle. I actually didn't need the screwdriver as the second time I pulled it off (I had put it on in the wrong position) I just pulled it off with my thumb and forefinger. Not sure if my 99 is different to the OPs. I would say that if this happens to you make sure the needle is at zero before removing it and be very careful when putting it back on so as not to allow the spindle to rotate or you'll have to do what I did -- pull it back out after realizing the needle doesn't go back to zero on shut down.
Alan

 

Hello guys, nice job! I love this thread!
Is there a thread for the F430? Is it the same thing? Thanks.


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Hello to all
I read this whole thread and it is awesome.
Therefore I decided to try also on my 360 Spider, during the winter sleep of it.
Furthermore I will post some picture, when time is.
Thanks to all in advance.

 

Hey everyone,

My new to me 360 has a Ricambi yellow Tach face which i love, except at night. The lighting behind the face is very "blue" in color versus white. Does anyone else think it really makes it look cheap, or almost import/ricer with the blueish glow?

Has anyone tried to replace the lighting behind it with a more neutral yellow/white light? Perhaps a non-LED bulb or something?

 

There's a place in California who can replace the backlight film to white. Mine was dead so I'm in process of sending mine to them. They were mentioned on here and I also found them on eBay.
Here is their info:

FAI
935 Sunset Drive
Costa Mesa Ca 92627
949-631-6373

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What does it look like behind there? Is it not a DIY kind of thing?

Most cars use simple very small lightbulbs. Is the 360 different?

 

I followed the instructions but the only issue is getting the column to drop when you remove that top bolt marked with yellow paint. The second bolt on the hanger is tight and the column didn't just drop -- I had to force it down with a hammer and a steel bar. I guess you could loosen the other bolt so it does just drop.
Alan

 

It's an electroluminescent paper backlight. I wasn't sure where to source it and found FAI when looking, plus they are converting mine to US from metric at the same time.

My column dropped pretty easily with that bolt loosened, odd yours was so stuck.

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Loosen the other bolt behind that one. Do not take it out, just loosen then the column will drop another inch or so and display will come out.

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How about the F430? Does anyone know anything?
Where can I find these tachometers, actually?
Thanks!
PS: I live in Italy.

 

Thanks guys, not sure I'm up for messing about with the steering column though !!!

Might leave it up to the garage as due a service next month !!

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

Mark
It's really easy to do -- well except removing the column shrouds as you have to be careful to manipulate them off without breaking the plastic tabs. The column is a doodle once you remove the one bolt and loosen the other.
Your choice but I'm betting the shop will charge about two or three hours.
Alan

 

Hi I have just started to do this and am having a slight problem with the plastic shroud around the steering wheel . I have removed 2 screws from the underside of the steering wheel , some instructions say there are 4 to remove , anyone know where they are all located , pictures would be helpful . The upper part of the plastic cover has lifted from the front aspect (closest to the steering wheel ) but the back aspect feels as if it is still held with something , where are these screws !!!

 

You really have to get down on your back and look up to find them all. Make sure you have them all before starting to remove the shroud. I found that maneuvering the upper one around the ignition switch so that it will come out from the right instead of trying to lift it straight up is the best bet. Don't break any of those tabs -- be very gentle. You will tend to get frustrated but take your time as they will come off.
Alan

 

How many screws in total am I trying to remove ?

 

Four........ All are accessed from below

The Two in the back secure the bottom half of the shroud to the column.

The other two are in the front hold the shroud halves together.

Telescope the column in & out to access the screws. There is a access hole in the lower dash to make it easier

 

They are there and if I can do it anyone can do it
Ps I did fix my RPM needle to be dead on 0
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Yes -- making sure that you put the needle back on at zero is very important. Before you put the assembly back in the binnacle plug in all the connections and start and stop the engine to make sure the needle is at zero.
Alan

 

Thanks guys , I will be on my back in the footwell to continue later this week . I will post pics when I get mine done too , I`ve got a white rev counter for a white 360 spider !!

 

Got white RPM face changed , this is it before I put it into the car
I found and removed 5 screws from under the steering wheel !!
Many thanks to everyone who posted previously here with advice
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It looks AWESOME! I wish I could do the same on my F430


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You should change the needles to red and I bet it would enhance it more

I just noticed the RPM needle is off a little to the left, fix that before re-installing

 

Only-god-knows how much rpm


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Yeah , I took the photo on one of the many trips back from the car to adjust the needle position . I did think about changing the needle colour but wanted to keep the rest of the needles stock so as to keep a whole white and black theme going with the whole car . Thought about a black needle for the rev counter but glad I didn`t , white shows up fine during the day and on light up the rev back face is pale blue with the original green needle still . My main problem was getting the needle onto zero everything else was fine .

 

if you take off the surround and wind the needle clock wise just a tad when you bring it back around it should lay on zero. I like the white face