Instrument lighting

macmattom · Postby **macmattom** » 24 Oct 2009 20:19

As I have heard a few scare stories about the lack of lighting provided by the instrument panel lamps, does anybody have any thoughts on changing the lamps over for LEDs? I was thinking that as I have my dash and instrument cluster out, if it was worth the money then I'd swap the lamps over.

Any thoughts? Do LEDs work with the dimmer, or do they need a constant 12 volts? I only ever have my instrument lights high, so could by-pass that if necessary. Just a thought!

Cheers,

Mac.

The pheonix rises from the ashes - just give it time!

(two and a half years and counting - but who's counting!!)

http://s733.photobucket.com/albums/ww338/macmattom/

Beans · Postby **Beans** » 24 Oct 2009 20:30

Just been cleaning my DHCâ€™s instrument panel today.
Had the same idea, until I noticed the 4 bulbs used for illumination of the clocks are only 2.2W
So I just put some 5W bulbs in, should be more than bright enough.
... and clean the inside of the green lenses, they van sometimes collect quite a lot of dirt.

<center>

1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)
1980 TR7 DHC (my first car currently being restored)
In parts a 1980 TR7 PI DHC, 1981 TR7 DHC, 1981 TR7 FHC
http://tr7beans.blogspot.com/</center>

PeterTR7V8 · Postby **PeterTR7V8** » 24 Oct 2009 20:43

Comprehensive coverage of LED conversion here http://www.forum.triumphtr7.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8855

Never say die. At least not while you're still breathing.

stevie_a · Postby **stevie_a** » 24 Oct 2009 20:46

My dash might not be to every one's taste
Blue LED lights

Also done the switch lights and radio/Heater lights wich is now finished and look great (but no photos)

And no the dimmer will not work as led lights need full voltage
see more here 

http://www.forum.triumphtr7.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8855

--------------------------------------------------------------

If it's not broke don't fix it.

Odd · Postby **Odd** » 24 Oct 2009 22:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by macmattom

As I have heard a few scare stories about the lack of lighting provided by the instrument panel lamps, does anybody have
any thoughts on changing the lamps over for LEDs? I was thinking that as I have my dash and instrument cluster out, if it was
worth the money then I'd swap the lamps over. Any thoughts?
Do LEDs work with the dimmer, or do they need a constant 12 volts? I only ever have my instrument lights high, so could by-
pass that if necessary. Just a thought! Cheers, Mac <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> Been there, done that, got the bright lights...

You missed your chance
- see http://www.forum.triumphtr7.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8855

But actually I'm thinking of doing a new batch... Maybe...
/Odd

My two 1980 Wedges...

FI Spyder · Postby **FI Spyder** » 25 Oct 2009 04:02

With all bulb contacts cleaned as well as lenses my dash lights are plenty bright enough. I have it full blast in city but most of my night driving is rural so I turn them down so they're not distracting. Personal preference I guess.

TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

MCNX BFF · Postby **MCNX BFF** » 25 Oct 2009 23:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Odd

But actually I'm thinking of doing a new batch... Maybe...
/Odd <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Oh, Odd!! That would be fantastic! How can we convince you to do so?! I saw your original thread, but at the time had bigger fish to fry. If you decide to run another batch, sign me up--please! I'm sure others that missed out on Round 1 would jump on this, too! [:D]

----MH-----

moestr7v8 · Postby **moestr7v8** » 25 Oct 2009 23:35

Hi Mac
If Odd does decide to do a re-run of the LED's get on the list quick as it really is worth doing,we did both our cars earlier on in the year and the difference is amazing, a job really worth doing.
Cheers
Moe

Bill · Postby **Bill** » 26 Oct 2009 11:50

I'd be interested!!

Bill
1980 Persian Aqua DHC

UKPhilTR7 · Postby **UKPhilTR7** » 26 Oct 2009 13:49

When I get my engine sorted out I too am thinking of putting in LED's in all the dash. I was looking at maplin as they have a nice range or car LED's. I also noticed that motorworld do a few that may just fit into the spaces.

Beans · Postby **Beans** » 26 Oct 2009 17:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by UKPhilTR7

... I was looking at Maplin ...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yes, could also try Ring Automotive also have a fair range of LED's(bit of a search to find what you want though ...)

<center>

1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)
1980 TR7 DHC (my first car currently being restored)
In parts a 1980 TR7 PI DHC, 1981 TR7 DHC, 1981 TR7 FHC
http://tr7beans.blogspot.com/</center>

bottomtop · Postby **bottomtop** » 26 Oct 2009 23:16

Beans - I have heard that putting the higher watt globes in can cause the green lenses to melt. Could be an urban myth but thought it worth mentioning.

Rich in Vancouver · Postby **Rich in Vancouver** » 26 Oct 2009 23:38

If you get a chance to do ODD's LED conversion go for it!
They are superb. I can actually see my instruments at night now![:)]

1975 TR7 ACL764U

Cobber · Postby **Cobber** » 26 Oct 2009 23:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by UKPhilTR7

When I get my engine sorted out I too am thinking of putting in LED's in all the dash. I was looking at maplin as they have a nice range or car LED's. I also noticed that motorworld do a few that may just fit into the spaces.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Phil I'd just go with Odd's package rather than muck around chasing stuff. Anyway with your luck lately you'd end up with the wrong thing and burn the bloody car to the ground! [xx(]

80'Triumph TR7, , 73'Land Rover (Ford 351. V8),
'89 Ford Fairlane
85'Alfa 90, 69'Ford F250.
76' Ford F100

Beans · Postby **Beans** » 27 Oct 2009 17:27

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bottomtop

Beans - I have heard that putting the higher watt globes in can cause the green lenses to melt. Could be an urban myth but thought it worth mentioning. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thx for the advice was wandering about that one.
As I will need 5W bulbs for the door mounted interior lights (from a 1988 Peugeot/CitroÃ«n/Talbot) I'll just try one out, see how hot it gets.
Do have a few not so good green lenses around so ...

<center>

1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)
1980 TR7 DHC (my first car currently being restored)
In parts a 1980 TR7 PI DHC, 1981 TR7 DHC, 1981 TR7 FHC
http://tr7beans.blogspot.com/</center>

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Instrument lighting

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