I did DD's mod today but with a small variation.
Here is my original filter which I had removed ages ago. The filter is a yellow piece of plastic that then has a black-out cover applied to one surface.
I decided to try and retain all 3 of the central lugs plus all 4 of the base tabs so with a drill, dremel with cutting wheel & a file removed most of the clear yellow:
Here are pictures of the results taken in the garage today. I can't completely close the door from the inside so please ignore the right hand side of the pictures where there is some day light. The main point is a comparison between how much light spillage there is with & without the filter.
This is without any filter:
And this is with the modified filter:
I think as DD suggested, the black bits on the filter do a useful job in that they reduce the amount of light greatly that spills on to the black instrument surround. The end result is a greater contrast between the lit face of the instruments and everything else. I shall be interested to see how it looks in total darkness but I think this is the way to go.
Richard
1.8i Mk2 Solar Red, 16 inch square spoke wheels, MGFMania hood with zip-in glass rear window, DRLs, Kmaps ECU, Pipercross panel air filter, MGOC Supersports back box & some cockpit bling