ArdWrknTrk Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 I just assumed they were all polarity sensitive, as they are a transistor fundamentally. Looks like I need to go back to school Is it this one ? https://www.hipoparts.com/fluorescent-speedo-gauge-needle-restoration-paint/ Diodes are -of course, by definition - polarized. Some bulbs have a rectifier bridge built in.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raywilson Posted March 6 Author Share Posted March 6 I just assumed they were all polarity sensitive, as they are a transistor fundamentally. Looks like I need to go back to school Is it this one ? https://www.hipoparts.com/fluorescent-speedo-gauge-needle-restoration-paint/ So, fluorescent red or orange? That's a great site! Paint is the way to go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBrother-84 Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 So, fluorescent red or orange? That's a great site! Paint is the way to go... Last year, I changed all the instruments gauges for NOS units. Well, almost all of them, since the only one I was unable to find NOS was the tach. So, I had to paint its washed out pale needle to match the «new» original color. I had on hand a Rustoleum Marking orange spray paint. I tested it on another old unit (with a thin paint brush) and it matched perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viven44 Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 So, fluorescent red or orange? That's a great site! Paint is the way to go... At that price I would buy both and see which is better. Also try the combination of both mixed maybe ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raywilson Posted March 6 Author Share Posted March 6 At that price I would buy both and see which is better. Also try the combination of both mixed maybe ? The reviewers at Hipo Parts said they used the red, so that's what I did. Thanks for all your comments and advise! This is a great site! Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viven44 Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 Diodes are -of course, by definition - polarized. Some bulbs have a rectifier bridge built in.... I had guessed they had some sophistication to sense polarity and work, just not the LEDs by itself. Looks like they are SMD (surface mount LEDs) so the SMD package has the ability to surface mount other components along with the LEDs. Pretty cool. At $9 a pop though they are on the expensive side. An entire dash would be approaching $100. Not sure I have the stomach for that knowing I can test the polarity and install them myself. This below here is what I think I would go for https://www.hipoparts.com/ultra-bright-1-smd-3-led-bulb-194-t-10-wedge-super-wide-angle/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viven44 Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 So, fluorescent red or orange? That's a great site! Paint is the way to go... Last year, I changed all the instruments gauges for NOS units. Well, almost all of them, since the only one I was unable to find NOS was the tach. So, I had to paint its washed out pale needle to match the «new» original color. I had on hand a Rustoleum Marking orange spray paint. I tested it on another old unit (with a thin paint brush) and it matched perfectly. Did you spray directly on the needle or use a brush to apply ? The Tach is a pretty stout gauge so I assume you masked all the areas of the gauge except the needle ? When I'm painting the needles, I'm always afraid I'm going to break one of them as they are so feeble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArdWrknTrk Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 So, fluorescent red or orange? That's a great site! Paint is the way to go... Last year, I changed all the instruments gauges for NOS units. Well, almost all of them, since the only one I was unable to find NOS was the tach. So, I had to paint its washed out pale needle to match the «new» original color. I had on hand a Rustoleum Marking orange spray paint. I tested it on another old unit (with a thin paint brush) and it matched perfectly. That's marking paint. It isn't meant to fluoresce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArdWrknTrk Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 I had guessed they had some sophistication to sense polarity and work, just not the LEDs by itself. Looks like they are SMD (surface mount LEDs) so the SMD package has the ability to surface mount other components along with the LEDs. Pretty cool. At $9 a pop though they are on the expensive side. An entire dash would be approaching $100. Not sure I have the stomach for that knowing I can test the polarity and install them myself. This below here is what I think I would go for https://www.hipoparts.com/ultra-bright-1-smd-3-led-bulb-194-t-10-wedge-super-wide-angle/ The Sylvania Evo (Ego?) bulbs are pretty good as far as no polarized and ability to dim. I have some of them too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viven44 Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 That's marking paint. It isn't meant to fluoresce Couple of colors called "Fluorescent Orange" or "Fluorescent Red-Orange". Marketing gimmick or real ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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