Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Kleftiwallah]

Can anyone help me with a circuit diagram and checklist for LED lighting for the instrument panel, suppliers of lamps, holders and rheostats would help? I would like to illuminate the instruments from within a 'tin box' I've constructed.

Many thanks in anticipation. Cheers, Tony.
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It may work in practice, but not necessarily in theory!

[peter scott]

My instruments were originally lit by four 5 watt BA15 side lamp bulbs. I replaced them with plug-in replacement LEDs. The filters on the instruments were blue translucent plastic and these work well with the high blue content of the LEDs.

Peter


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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[jp928]

The important part of LED bulbs is they are polarity sensitive - they have +ve and -ve sides, so you need to get that right or they wont light up. You may also need to test to find out what wattage you need to be effective - my first try was too dull. Also, wedge type 'bulbs' (wedge shaped at the back, and push into sockets) sometimes come with both the wire leads folded back and around the rear edge , so both wires (+ve and -ve) are on BOTH sides - if you fit these into some socket types you have a lovely short circuit! 80s Porsche dash panels do this, so watch out.
jp 26 Rover 9

[Riley Blue]

Peter - that's exactly what I want to do with my Riley's dash lights so it's good to see the result of switching to LEDs.

JP - I always thought they were polarity sensitive too, then I read this page which mentions 'bi-polarity':

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/dash-board-panel-lamp-bulbs-shop.php
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David

1963 Riley 1.5
1965 Riley 1.5

[peter scott]

I confess that I had converted to negative earth to accommodate a tracker so LED polarity was less of an issue for me.

Peter
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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Kleftiwallah]

Thanks for all those helpful replies...now where is that circuit diagram?

riley541, do these people sell adjustable resistance/dimmers/ rheostats as well?

Cheers, Tony
_________________
It may work in practice, but not necessarily in theory!

[peter scott]

[MikeEdwards]

[Kleftiwallah]

Good evening Peter, the trike is Neg' earth and converted to 12V but the starter motor is still 6V.

Thanks again all for info' sent. Cheers, Tony.
_________________
It may work in practice, but not necessarily in theory!