this is just flabbergasting amazing, there is no way in the life of me i could ever do this, without paying someone an arm and a leg

kudoos to you, one of the most impressive cosmetic interior mods i have ever seen in my life

Thank you. It is still very rewarding. If you've been in a car with OEM white lighting, this is pretty much what it looks like. It retains the dimming functions. I even set my head unit panel color to match the white lighting as well.

How did you do this?

Took everything apart, ordered surface mount LEDs, and all soldering work. I have a DIY page that details all the mods.