Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Group Buy BNM glow gauges... Update on progress

While not ready yet, I didn't want anyone to pollute the $50 indoglo thread any more, with comments of what might be with BNM gauges. We installed the first of the next generation of BNM glows in Buckshots car last weekend (Chris H has the first gen gauges). We came to the conclusion that the inverters used in other mass produced indiglo kits were not large enough, barely powering the glow sheets enough to see the glow in complete darkness. While I go out shopping this weekend, I'll be looking for inverters from Radio Shack and any other electrical supply centers I can find looking for inverters. The worst part is, the manufacturers of the indiglo product inverters are unwilling to share information about how many milliamps their inverters run at, or what is needed to power certain sq inches of material. I had inconclusive readings on my volt/ohm meter, so it's going to be a bit of a guessing game. I've spent $400+ on this first set so far and we're not done yet...

For those that want to know what they look like, take a look at my regular gauges. The prints can be just as customized or standard as the regular sets with graphics that you can add, fonts changed, redlines changed or removed, etc etc etc... The only difference between them and the new ones being that mine glow clear until I place translucent vinyl behind the prints to light up the entire gauge.

HVAC's and tach-less clusters will be as available as ever. IF I can get one person to send me their cluster or work out a deal to install them at SZ'02 or something to get the pattern down and better installation instructions made that are model specific to that cluster. Mainly just need to know where to put the wire connectors so they clear everything.

I will update everyone, you can be sure. Bottom line is, my gauges will cost 4 times minimum what the others ($50 group buy ones) will cost for these customizing options. Is it worth it for me to continue? Let me know by responding here...

Brad, both you and Chris I highly respect for the high quality of products you bring to the CEG and the wealth of information you share. I've probably bothered you both about the indiglos over the past year more than anyone else on this site. In fact I was just checking my hotmail folders and I still have the e-mails you sent me about the subject. But until the past 2 days, I had the thought in my head that the guages were pretty much an afterthought for you guys while you focus on other things like the powder coating and turbo for instance.

I wouldn't tell you not to make the guages because of all the work you put in and because the product will be top notch. And you do have loyal buyers who will definitely pay the extra price. Me included. I think it would be a shame if you didn't release them.

I will not be involved with any politics between the CEG and FordContour.org sites as I like them both. I will also be purchasing 2 sets of the indiglos if necessary from Cardoc to help get the group buy going. Bottom line is that I always keep my word and I want to see the SVT Contour aftermarket bloom like it should for everyone's enjoyment. Competition is healthy anyway so I see no reason why their can't be 2 different manufacturers of the guages.

Brad, First I want to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed having your gauges in my car. I'm glad that you have created some really neat aftermarket items for our cars. I initally wanted the indiglo gauges when I first found out that you would be making them and then decided to get to go w/ your replacements in the meantime, mainly because of how everyone on here gave them such rave reviews!

Having a some electronic background myself, I do know that if you are talking about using the proper size inverters and such, that you are producing the "real" deal indiglo, and there for costs more to produce. I'll definately be on your purchase list if you do decide to produce them. I've seen your work and I know you stand behind it. Not only that, but you were more that understanding when the gauges I ordred didn't fit my cluster!! Thanks for the help!
BTW... Have you tried Mouser Electronics ? (800)346-6873 They have a very large selection of electronic components and will probably have the inverter you need!

I'll let you borrow my guage cluster Brad. Won't make it to SZ though, it is too far.

I want some red indiglos! What do you mean when send the cluster? What parts do you need exactly? I seen the group buy for the other ones and it is only going to be blue and green for SVTs only, or at least at first. I really don't want to settle for blue or green especially when my car is red. Keep up with it!

Hey Brad, if you're trying to determine how much current the lighting draws why don't you just get a large power invertor and hook up an ammeter/multimeter in series with one of the leads going to the cigarette lighter. You can measure the total DC current drawn (this includes the power loss in the invertor). Use this to calculate approx how much power is required:

Power (Watts) = Voltage (14V) x Current (Amperes)

What about reverse indiglo gauges?
about half way down the page

Pretty much anything is possible with the light backing that is going to be used. I think they look pretty cool. One design at a time though

those reverse indiglos are damn cool looking.

Brad

If you need inverters, I have some 5 color ones that I might be able to obtain and send to you.

Doc