Instrument lighting with LED

[Essex Stag]

This subject has been addressed ,before but I was wondering if anyone had thought of the new LED strips that run on 12 V they are so cheap about £ 3 for about 300 mm with about 20 led on it self adhesive . Has anyone tried them at that price I may have ago . Come I have seen for cabinet work can be cut to length . They also come in colours such as red , green and blue. I was thinking of mounting then under the dashboard hood over the main instruments . Of coarse they are non dimmable so getting the illumination could be trial and error. may give it a go and let you know how I get on . I will ask around and get some info first .
Derek

[DJT]

John (Koy23) has done his that way. Very effective.

[Stagdad]

They are dimmable I have electronic dimmers running strips,you can also get RGB strips so you could have any colour depending on your mood.
i have a couple of pictures in my album page
cheers Steve

[1959terry]

Led lighting would also look good fitted to the bottom of the doors on the inside so that they lit up when the doors were opened

[DJT]

Led lighting would also look good fitted to the bottom of the doors on the inside so that they lit up when the doors were opened

Isn't that what the puddle lights are for

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID005345

[Ray Smith]

Hi I have just fitted LED bulbs, as a direct replacement for filament type. Also bypassed the dimmer. I am very pleased with the simple modification. Ray

[DJT]

Hi I have just fitted LED bulbs, as a direct replacement for filament type. Also bypassed the dimmer. I am very pleased with the simple modification. Ray

Ray,

Can you list the bulbs used and where you got them from?

[Staggard]

Isn't that what the puddle lights are for

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID005345

I guess they are getting quite a bit of use over there at the moment Dave

[Ray Smith]

Dave, all 6 gauges ( no clock have oil gauge) use E10 screw base bulbs ref 987, I have fitted LLB987 bulbs purchased from www.urmodbase.com they are in Ireland, helpful company. For dimmer bypass used a 3way connector ref 231031268565 from www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk. Hope this helps. Ray
Just viewed urmodbase web site, they are out of stock, Suggest you send them a message regarding restocking for those interested.

[DJT]

Thanks Ray. It seems that urmodbase.com are out of stock at present and listing with an unreasonable price :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-MES-E10-Screw-Base-LED-SMD-White-Vintage-Classic-Car-Instrument-Bulb-Torch-6v-/151193811245?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item2333da792d

[Ray Smith]

Hi Dave, yes out of stock, I paid 6.99 euro`s per pair plus 1.60 euro`s postage. Seems listing goes silly when out of stock. Ray

[edd]

Martin once listed every bulb and Internet source and I purchased the lot . One was from the states. It's somewhere in the history on here . Well I think it was Martin. Searching the forum using advanced the entering word appears in thread title helps
Edd

[KOY 23]

Yes it was Martin.

[Essex Stag]

Wow Steve they look great. i was just thinking of fitting a strip over the top of the instruments attached to the underside of the dashboard to.
My Escort van gave me the idea as the individual instruments do not light up but it has one central overhead light . I will do my research and see what I will be confident doing . I did note that the straight replacement LED bulbs are only 6 volt so can they be used or would they blow?

Derek

[38rover]

I have just fitted led strips to all my instruments (not clock no room for strip) purchased from e bay item (271286233254) Toby and Caroline I found there product better than others I have tried.They do various lengths and colours I have green looks great.
It is a fiddley job you need to take the instruments apart care needed I made a slot in the side of the case (once dismantled) for the wires to enter if you enter from the back you cant turn the strip so slot at the point you want the strip to start.On the small instruments there is not quite enough room between the class and the face so I cut about 1/2 a mill from each side of the strip and then stuck the strip behind the dial face sealed off the slot with black tack.
You can get a dimmer again e bay I have one not fitted yet.