LED lights for the dash just got easier

[paulie71]

Was checking out the Jaycar website and found they now carry LED globes that fit into T5 (that's Mk1 & 2) holders.

Got a few blue ones to replace the LED set-up I made with resistors etc.. Best bit is that they cost less than $2 each.

[ryana89]

Where in the dash?
Like in the actual cluster (speedo, tacho, fuel gauge ect)?
I replaced all my dash switch lights with custom made LED/resistor set ups and this took quite a long time.

Could you show us the link?
Thanks

[paulie71]

Here is the link.
T5 Wedge Replacement LED Globe (White) - Jaycar Electronics

Sounds like you did what I did. Joked with the bloke at Jaycar as I said it would have been real easy to have these 3 years ago-he reckons they only just got them in.

Also, the green diffuser at the top of the instrument cluster where there are two globes, I replaced that with the opaque white plastic of an old 2ltr milk bottle cut to size. Looks much better and softer on the eyes.

One trap is polarity. Sometimes they need to be switched around to get the LED globe to work.

[ryana89]

Like this?


I was planning on replacing the 2 bulbs above the cluster with green LEDS, but you just made quite a valid point about how harsh LED's can be on the eyes.
Those bloody blue things in my switches are bright enough!

This is another good site for various LED fun bits
42 Draft Designs

[paulie71]

They sure are bright. In that model instrument cluster, do they have a green diffuser? Looks like the later Mk1 Cabby instruments on a differnt dash. If so rip that out, replace with the milk bottle version as mentioned above and see how you go. All the orange detail on the dials come up glowing at night. Noice!

[ryana89]

Ahhh you picked up on the (lack of) diffusers. All 4 of those switches used to have the green diffusers, but I managed to loose 3 of them in my rush to convert them to led.
The swtiches take piddly little bulbs liek these

Which sit like this


I don't think that LED set-up would work, unless the 'legs' could be moved out to be similar to the above piccy?

[passatstef]

good work.i can see what you mean mate.i like the red and blue vw and audi have.keep us up to date whats else you are going to do.

[Spyda]

They didnt fit in my early mk1 dash but i didnt try realy hard. We have had them in store for over a year.