Need help, can't see hand/thumb warmer knobs at night

[PowerValve-700]

I'm trying to come up with something that makes the hand and thumb warmer control knobs easier to see at night. I'd like to make the back ground light up something like the climate control knobs in cars and trucks, or like how the numbers on a speedometer light up but can't figure out how to do it. I don't really want to use a bulb that shines on the knobs unless it looks good. Any suggestions? Pics? Thanks much!

 

[yamaholic22]

you mean you still haven't memorized where they are, which one is which, and which way to turn them? lol

 

[PowerValve-700]

Fast reply, yeah the thumb warmer is on the right so the control knob is on the right, I have that remembered. I find with gloves on, for example, if I turn the hand warmers up sometimes I accidently move the thumb warmer knob because the knobs are so close together. I think it would be better if you can glance down and see exactly where the knobs are, know what I mean?

 

[yamaholic22]

lol yea i know what you mean, just seems like a lot of work to make something functional that looks good as well for such a small complaint. But hey let us know what you think of.

 

[PowerValve-700]

I need to find a way to make a decal that light will shine through to put behind the knobs. Then I can use different knobs with a pointer. I can see it in my head, its hard to explain.

 

[crewchief47]

You could frost a piece of plexi glass and glue it to the back of the panel. Use an LED or two to light it.....

 

[crewchief47]

These examples are a bit more than you're after, but a variation could work for you.

 

[PowerValve-700]

After I posted I had a brain storm, I just put something together, its not the best but not bad either. I'll try it out and call it my first attempt untill I can think of something else (crewcheif you might be on to something there!)

I took the decal off (the one behind the knobs) and used a knife to cut out the red area on the decal, then I laid the decal back on and traced the same cutout on the black plastic and then cut that out (a little larger than the cutout on the decal). Then I stuck a piece of red decal vinyl over the holes and stuck the decal back on. I used a red snoforce LED to light it up. I drilled a small hole in a set of old stereo knobs and inserted a pointer (made from a cotter pin lol!) This will have to do untill I can find better knobs.

It's not the best because the knob rotates about 350 degrees so when the knob is turned all the way high or low you can't see the pointer. But when it's in the medium area you can see the pointer just fine.

Here are some pics, what do you guys think? Sorry for the blurry pictures, it looks better in real life.

 

[crewchief47]

That looks pretty good! I, of course, think it needs to be blue, but red will work. I think you're onto something here.

 

[03viperguy]

I like it, not bad at all the best thing is the gauge and controls from a viper s though but that would probably cost more than it is worth lol!

 

[auji700triple]

Neil..... lmfao!! im guessing you gota lots of time on your hands!! hahahah jk! Cool idea, i like it

 

[PowerValve-700]

That looks pretty good! I, of course, think it needs to be blue, but red will work. I think you're onto something here.

Yeah, I could have made it any color.

I like it, not bad at all the best thing is the gauge and controls from a viper s though but that would probably cost more than it is worth lol!

That's what I want to do, If I can find the stuff I need for cheap, say from a parted sled, I'll do it. I'm trying not to spend a lot of money on this sled because I might be getting rid of it after this winter.

Thanks everyone for your comments, also, everyone else's ideas are still welcomed

 

[yamaholic22]

wow Neil that does look good, great job. Nice having a sled customized to you hey?