First you need to take your gauge cluster off your bike.
Then you need to take it apart, including desoldering the tach off. Or you could just take the needle off and remove the faceplate.
There are plenty of threads detailing the removal of the gauge cluster, and you could use the thread about changing the LEDs in the gauge cluster to pull it apart.
Tool list:
polarize film
screwdriver
pliers
razor blade
rubbing alcohol or some other type of adhesive remover
cotton swab
paper towels or lens wipes
scissors
Tape (clear)
Once you have your gauge cluster apart you should take the big LCD display off like this.
I started by taking the film off the big LCD display first. Using a razor I lifted a corner of the film up and once I get a big enough portion of it off I just rip it out by hand.
Again I did the same with the smaller display.
When you are done you will end up with 2 screens like this. Now comes the hard part of cleaning the gluey residue off.
I started the cleaning process by swabbing some rubbing alcohol on the LCD screen. Remember to work on them one at a time. Then with a razor blade I slowly scrape the glue off. (This is a long long process. I wish I had some 3M adhesive remover)
Once you scrape most of the glue off you should be able to grab some lens wipes and clean the rest of the residue completely clean. Alternatively you could just use paper towels dab with a little rubbing alcohol.
Now you need to cut the polarize film and fit them over the display. Here is an example of how the film works. Notice when I rotate the film it darkens over the LCD screens. Since the stock ones were glue on and the film I bought was none adhesive, I just cut them a tad big and jam them in there.
The Following User Says Thank You to Too_Funny For This Useful Post:
good job, were where you last week when i did mine (07)
i used the same process, the only thing ill add is to use a heat gun, makes the film and glue come off a lot easer. and i used methylated spirits and the razor blade to remove the glue.
i use the adhesive film on all of my customers to make sure there will be NO issues, but then again am a little OCD with the customers gauges
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hey, thanks a ton for this guide! :01_thumbu just did my 08 led color and polarization, much easier than i thought it would be. i used the adhesive polarization film, and it wasn't bad at all, only one little "bubble" showed up and was easily removed with pressure.
http://www.3dlens.com/shop/polarizer.php these the same kind of film? i mean statistically/specification wise it seems the same. Just noticed they were cheaper than $20. Could probably be fine with (1) 8" sheet for $9 if it is the same stuff as at polarization.com
what are the advantages of having the polorized film on the bike?
You gain +10 hp and +15tq....
Just kidding! The bike already has polarizing film on the gauge cluster. Changing it just changes the LCD screen contrast. SO you could have a black background with amber (or any LED color) numbers instead of an amber (or any LED color) background with black numbers
I just did this mod, and used the PFSC-AD Hi contrast polarized film from polarization.com and the colors just look wierd. I changed out the LED's with red ones, and the gas guage still looks like it used to, except with red behind black instead of amber colored. The speedometer kind of worked, but its more like red lettering on a red background and it is very difficult to distinguish between the backround color and the numbers. I will get pictures up later but did anyone else have this problem? and I did take off the original film from the LCD screens and cleaned it thoroughly.
http://www.3dlens.com/shop/polarizer.php these the same kind of film? i mean statistically/specification wise it seems the same. Just noticed they were cheaper than $20. Could probably be fine with (1) 8" sheet for $9 if it is the same stuff as at polarization.com
im wondering the same thing, plus (maybe its just me) but the polarization.com link doesnt work anymore
I just did this mod, and used the PFSC-AD Hi contrast polarized film from polarization.com and the colors just look wierd. I changed out the LED's with red ones, and the gas guage still looks like it used to, except with red behind black instead of amber colored. The speedometer kind of worked, but its more like red lettering on a red background and it is very difficult to distinguish between the backround color and the numbers. I will get pictures up later but did anyone else have this problem? and I did take off the original film from the LCD screens and cleaned it thoroughly.
Thanks
"It has a protective film on the front and back that should be removed upon application. It blocks UV. "
Just as the stated website and this is what I found
Linear Polarizer
Super-High Contrast
With Adhesive
PFSC-AD
10" x 6" = $22
Hi guys, I used this film also but my guages do not have a high contrast at all, in fact I can barely see the digits. Im pretty sure I have the sheet turned the correct direction...any ideas?
and i did remove the protective film from the front...
NOOB!!!
