Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

emil77 · 07-10-2011, 06:55 PM

Hi guys,

I've been reading some past threads about people changing their dash lights to LED's, here's one for example: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=307962. Looking at 70C10's post, is that the stock gauge, or it's the aftermarket white ones some members switch to? The reason I ask is I buy a set of blue 194 LED's: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...6&_nkw=194+led how will that look in my stock cluster? Should I buy the white LED's?

cjohnson6772 · 07-10-2011, 07:10 PM

I'm pretty sure the ones pictured are the aftermarket white face gauges a lot of people switch to. I am planning on going with white leds. Actually planning on buying these (http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...6&_nkw=194+led) within the hour unless someone sees anything wrong with them. They're on sale for a great price and they are the 10 led vs. the normal 5 led. I am concerned they will be too long or too bright though :/

emil77 · 07-10-2011, 07:30 PM

I understand that the ones pictured are the white face's. My concern is with the stock faces, will putting a blue LED look good or I should go with white LED's?

cjohnson6772 · 07-10-2011, 07:33 PM

I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to insult your intelligence. I thought you were asking which his were and would yours look good with blue. I can't say from personal experience, but I wouldn't think the blue led with black gauges would look very good. JMHO though. Maybe someone who has this arrangement can give you a better idea.

emil77 · 07-11-2011, 12:27 AM

Anybody else done this mod?

MistaGavin · 07-11-2011, 04:29 AM

I used green SMD LEDs in my stock cluster, I figured it was a perfect color to go with green tinted gauges. The"SMD" LEDs are MUCH brighter than standard LEDs and they have diodes situated on 5 surfaces. My experience in the past with the ordinary 194 LEDs is that they are very directional, especially when they are located close to the gauges from behind the cluster, causing hot spots right in front of them, and poor lighting in areas with lights not right behind them. With SMD LEDs they disperse light much more evenly and it is much brighter. In my cluster (not in my truck now, as I am about to paint the truck) I used green SMDs on every light that shines on the gauges as well as the turn signal indicator lights and red/orange on the warning/high beam lights.

The thing about most LEDs is that they only work one way in the socket, so it is necessary to plug in the cluster without mounting it to the dash so it is possible to orient the lights in the correct position. Its also necessary to turn the turn signals on to make sure they are also oriented correctly, as well as making sure the warning SMD LEDs are oriented correctly. The end result is that I have a VERY bright and pretty green dash lights.

I am also going to use red SMD LEDs in my rear marker lights as well as amber in my front marker lights and cab lights as they provide even light distribution. I also installed a no-load flasher because these lights draw very little current, which is especially necessary with LED taillights.

**70cst** · 07-11-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistaGavin

I used green SMD LEDs in my stock cluster, I figured it was a perfect color to go with green tinted gauges. The"SMD" LEDs are MUCH brighter than standard LEDs and they have diodes situated on 5 surfaces. My experience in the past with the ordinary 194 LEDs is that they are very directional, especially when they are located close to the gauges from behind the cluster, causing hot spots right in front of them, and poor lighting in areas with lights not right behind them. With SMD LEDs they disperse light much more evenly and it is much brighter. In my cluster (not in my truck now, as I am about to paint the truck) I used green SMDs on every light that shines on the gauges as well as the turn signal indicator lights and red/orange on the warning/high beam lights.

The thing about most LEDs is that they only work one way in the socket, so it is necessary to plug in the cluster without mounting it to the dash so it is possible to orient the lights in the correct position. Its also necessary to turn the turn signals on to make sure they are also oriented correctly, as well as making sure the warning SMD LEDs are oriented correctly. The end result is that I have a VERY bright and pretty green dash lights.

I am also going to use red SMD LEDs in my rear marker lights as well as amber in my front marker lights and cab lights as they provide even light distribution. I also installed a no-load flasher because these lights draw very little current, which is especially necessary with LED taillights.

Can you post some pics? You have my interest...

MistaGavin · 07-11-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

Can you post some pics? You have my interest...

Sorry fellas the cluster is sitting in my room and the truck is waiting for paint here in the next few days. Hopefully ill put it in and have pics up next weekend.

These are the type of bulbs I used, I know they can be found a little cheaper though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK:MESINDXX:IT

wwotr · 07-12-2011, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistaGavin

I used green SMD LEDs in my stock cluster, I figured it was a perfect color to go with green tinted gauges. The"SMD" LEDs are MUCH brighter than standard LEDs and they have diodes situated on 5 surfaces. My experience in the past with the ordinary 194 LEDs is that they are very directional, especially when they are located close to the gauges from behind the cluster, causing hot spots right in front of them, and poor lighting in areas with lights not right behind them. With SMD LEDs they disperse light much more evenly and it is much brighter. In my cluster (not in my truck now, as I am about to paint the truck) I used green SMDs on every light that shines on the gauges as well as the turn signal indicator lights and red/orange on the warning/high beam lights.

The thing about most LEDs is that they only work one way in the socket, so it is necessary to plug in the cluster without mounting it to the dash so it is possible to orient the lights in the correct position. Its also necessary to turn the turn signals on to make sure they are also oriented correctly, as well as making sure the warning SMD LEDs are oriented correctly. The end result is that I have a VERY bright and pretty green dash lights.

I am also going to use red SMD LEDs in my rear marker lights as well as amber in my front marker lights and cab lights as they provide even light distribution. I also installed a no-load flasher because these lights draw very little current, which is especially necessary with LED taillights.

Absolutely agree1!

I had Green (4 Bulb) LEDs against White Faced Gauges in my 67 C-10.
It was laughable at best, as the light emitted was directly out the Top.

Now on my 72 GMC, even though my Gauges aren't White faced,
(they're actually more of a Silver faced), I used directional LEDs from www.superbrightleds.com.

They were a 5000% improvement and here's a short video to back it up, (if that's your kinda thang).

YouTube - ‪GREEN LED INSTRUMENT...

tubbedII · 07-12-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwotr

Now on my 72 GMC, even though my Gauges aren't White faced,
(they're actually more of a Silver faced), I used directional LEDs from www.superbrightleds.com.

Can you point to which ones you have from superbrightleds? A long time ago, I bought the ones that only point straight forward (3 leds on the top only), and it doesn't put off much light. It's not horrible, but I would like something a lot brighter. Just wondering which actual ones you got from them. Thanks!

**RenoKeene** · 07-12-2011, 03:23 PM

Subscribed. I want to replace my stock cluster bulbs with LED's. I want it stock looking but brighter.

emil77 · 07-11-2011, 08:27 AM

Nice write up, thank you. The bulb you used is a "smd" 194 LED?

bigguy69 · 07-11-2011, 09:11 AM

me too intersted

mcmlxix · 07-11-2011, 10:38 AM

I did my cluster with red LEDs. I took the cluster apart and painted all the green with gloss white... now my red LEDs really shine. I used SMD LEds that were stacked 3 tall and on 4 sides... really spreads the light...

*stich626* · 07-11-2011, 01:40 PM

I'm use'n yellow as the truck is yellow and so is the dash,
got them http://www.superbrightleds.com

cjohnson6772 · 07-11-2011, 07:59 PM

@ MistaGavin: I'm about to buy some of the white leds online and I just want to make sure: There are 4 leds that light the gauges, and one for each warning light, one for the high beam, and one for each turn signal? So total of 9 bulbs total? 4 white, 3 red, and 2 green? Just wanting to clarify before I buy. Thanks in advance.

MistaGavin · 07-12-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjohnson6772

@ MistaGavin: I'm about to buy some of the white leds online and I just want to make sure: There are 4 leds that light the gauges, and one for each warning light, one for the high beam, and one for each turn signal? So total of 9 bulbs total? 4 white, 3 red, and 2 green? Just wanting to clarify before I buy. Thanks in advance.

Yes that sounds right. Make sure you get the SMD LEDs with diodes on each surface for good light distribution, although not as necessary for the turn signals and warning lights, I used them anyway.
Posted via Mobile Device

emil77 · 07-11-2011, 10:21 PM

Great info, keep it coming.

cjohnson6772 · 07-11-2011, 11:21 PM

Just found a good old thread on brightening the gauges. Starts off with brighter incandescent bulbs but ends on leds and has some good pics and info. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=199921

MistaGavin · 07-12-2011, 07:01 PM

Perfect for you^ doesn't hurt to paint your needles and clean up the faces while you're at it (careful not to take the white paint off).
Posted via Mobile Device

eightbanger · 08-20-2011, 10:14 PM

I want to brighten up my heater control, anyone done that?

Bad70sbchevy · 08-20-2011, 10:27 PM

Here's mine with stock guages. All I did was change the bulbs to LEDs and spraypainted the inside of the instrument cluster silver.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=480633

Rich72C10 · 09-03-2020, 07:12 AM

Hi guys - I am looking for LEDs for my dash gauges/cluster/indicators. So I have this correct for this setup? My truck is still at my brothers for a engine rebuild but want to start stocking up on parts for things I want to do when it returns (soon I hope).

4 - White (gauges)
2 - Green (turn lights) or is getting a green LED not really required?
1 - Blue (high beams) or is getting a blue LED not really required?

Perhaps I should not get "4 point/SMD" for Turns/High Beam indicators?

No Reds since I have gauges for temp, oil, amps???

Does the Gear selector have a light? I cannot seem to recall. NM, its some fiber wire thing for non-tilt columns.

What are the bulb type number in the stock Heater/AC controls?

I am looking at these 4 point LEDs here: www.whitegauges.net and they claim dimmable. "Works with most vehicle lighting dimmer controls, LEDs will dim between 6 volts and 12 volts."

Also just looked at https://www.superbrightleds.com/ but they do not claim dimmable like the whitegauges.net site does. States 10-30V DC for operational voltages.
Whites 5 SMD LED Tower
Green/Yellow 90' Beam Angle

PS: I just read elsewhere where it is preferred not to dig up old threads and I just realized this one is 9 years old. Sorry, I thought I was doing good searching and asking in this thread about Dash LEDs.

72LB · 09-03-2020, 08:28 AM

When I did mine I tried white (top pic)and it seemed too bright. Considering you loose the ability to dim them I ended up going to green (bottom) as it was a bit more subtle.

72LB · 09-03-2020, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich72C10

Hi guys - I am looking for LEDs for my dash gauges/cluster/indicators. So I have this correct for this setup? My truck is still at my brothers for a engine rebuild but want to start stocking up on parts for things I want to do when it returns (soon I hope).

4 - White (gauges)
2 - Green (turn lights) or is getting a green LED not really required?
1 - Blue (high beams) or is getting a blue LED not really required?

Perhaps I should not get "4 point/SMD" for Turns/High Beam indicators?

No Reds since I have gauges for temp, oil, amps???

Does the Gear selector have a light? I cannot seem to recall. NM, its some fiber wire thing for non-tilt columns.

What are the bulb type number in the stock Heater/AC controls?

The blue light your wanting for you high beams is going to make it purple as the high bean spot has a red filter on it.

The gear selector is fiber optic and runs off one of the dash bulbs.

The heat/ac control is a 1895 bulb.

07-10-2011, 06:55 PM	#1
emil77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 262	Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Hi guys, I've been reading some past threads about people changing their dash lights to LED's, here's one for example: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=307962. Looking at 70C10's post, is that the stock gauge, or it's the aftermarket white ones some members switch to? The reason I ask is I buy a set of blue 194 LED's: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...6&_nkw=194+led how will that look in my stock cluster? Should I buy the white LED's? __________________ Thanks, Emil 1972 Chevy C20

07-10-2011, 07:10 PM	#2
cjohnson6772 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 666	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I'm pretty sure the ones pictured are the aftermarket white face gauges a lot of people switch to. I am planning on going with white leds. Actually planning on buying these (http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...6&_nkw=194+led) within the hour unless someone sees anything wrong with them. They're on sale for a great price and they are the 10 led vs. the normal 5 led. I am concerned they will be too long or too bright though :/

07-10-2011, 07:30 PM	#3
emil77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 262	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I understand that the ones pictured are the white face's. My concern is with the stock faces, will putting a blue LED look good or I should go with white LED's? __________________ Thanks, Emil 1972 Chevy C20

07-10-2011, 07:33 PM	#4
cjohnson6772 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 666	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to insult your intelligence. I thought you were asking which his were and would yours look good with blue. I can't say from personal experience, but I wouldn't think the blue led with black gauges would look very good. JMHO though. Maybe someone who has this arrangement can give you a better idea.

07-11-2011, 12:27 AM	#5
emil77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 262	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Anybody else done this mod? __________________ Thanks, Emil 1972 Chevy C20

07-11-2011, 04:29 AM	#6
MistaGavin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 126	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I used green SMD LEDs in my stock cluster, I figured it was a perfect color to go with green tinted gauges. The"SMD" LEDs are MUCH brighter than standard LEDs and they have diodes situated on 5 surfaces. My experience in the past with the ordinary 194 LEDs is that they are very directional, especially when they are located close to the gauges from behind the cluster, causing hot spots right in front of them, and poor lighting in areas with lights not right behind them. With SMD LEDs they disperse light much more evenly and it is much brighter. In my cluster (not in my truck now, as I am about to paint the truck) I used green SMDs on every light that shines on the gauges as well as the turn signal indicator lights and red/orange on the warning/high beam lights. The thing about most LEDs is that they only work one way in the socket, so it is necessary to plug in the cluster without mounting it to the dash so it is possible to orient the lights in the correct position. Its also necessary to turn the turn signals on to make sure they are also oriented correctly, as well as making sure the warning SMD LEDs are oriented correctly. The end result is that I have a VERY bright and pretty green dash lights. I am also going to use red SMD LEDs in my rear marker lights as well as amber in my front marker lights and cab lights as they provide even light distribution. I also installed a no-load flasher because these lights draw very little current, which is especially necessary with LED taillights. __________________ You're not old, it IS loud! 1970 CST-10 BB 400

07-12-2011, 03:23 PM	#11
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,029	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Subscribed. I want to replace my stock cluster bulbs with LED's. I want it stock looking but brighter. __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

07-11-2011, 08:27 AM	#12
emil77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 262	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Nice write up, thank you. The bulb you used is a "smd" 194 LED? __________________ Thanks, Emil 1972 Chevy C20

07-11-2011, 09:11 AM	#13
bigguy69 dazed and confused Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: marion nc Posts: 1,649	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? me too intersted __________________ members met: redbaron69, billsbowtie,nc67

07-11-2011, 10:38 AM	#14
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I did my cluster with red LEDs. I took the cluster apart and painted all the green with gloss white... now my red LEDs really shine. I used SMD LEds that were stacked 3 tall and on 4 sides... really spreads the light... __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

07-11-2011, 01:40 PM	#15
stich626 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: hingham ma Posts: 1,721	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I'm use'n yellow as the truck is yellow and so is the dash, got them http://www.superbrightleds.com

07-11-2011, 07:59 PM	#16
cjohnson6772 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 666	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? @ MistaGavin: I'm about to buy some of the white leds online and I just want to make sure: There are 4 leds that light the gauges, and one for each warning light, one for the high beam, and one for each turn signal? So total of 9 bulbs total? 4 white, 3 red, and 2 green? Just wanting to clarify before I buy. Thanks in advance.

07-11-2011, 10:21 PM	#18
emil77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 262	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Great info, keep it coming. __________________ Thanks, Emil 1972 Chevy C20

07-11-2011, 11:21 PM	#19
cjohnson6772 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 666	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Just found a good old thread on brightening the gauges. Starts off with brighter incandescent bulbs but ends on leds and has some good pics and info. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=199921

07-12-2011, 07:01 PM	#20
MistaGavin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 126	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Perfect for you^ doesn't hurt to paint your needles and clean up the faces while you're at it (careful not to take the white paint off). Posted via Mobile Device __________________ You're not old, it IS loud! 1970 CST-10 BB 400



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-20-2011, 10:14 PM	#21
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? I want to brighten up my heater control, anyone done that? __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

08-20-2011, 10:27 PM	#22
Bad70sbchevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Newberry,FL Posts: 277	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Here's mine with stock guages. All I did was change the bulbs to LEDs and spraypainted the inside of the instrument cluster silver. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=480633 __________________ 1970 Chevrolet C-10 w/355sbc 2010 Silverado Daily Driver 1971 Mercedes 280sl project car

09-03-2020, 07:12 AM	#23
Rich72C10 Mr. Cheyenne Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Kyle, Texas Posts: 1,687	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? Hi guys - I am looking for LEDs for my dash gauges/cluster/indicators. So I have this correct for this setup? My truck is still at my brothers for a engine rebuild but want to start stocking up on parts for things I want to do when it returns (soon I hope). 4 - White (gauges) 2 - Green (turn lights) or is getting a green LED not really required? 1 - Blue (high beams) or is getting a blue LED not really required? Perhaps I should not get "4 point/SMD" for Turns/High Beam indicators? No Reds since I have gauges for temp, oil, amps??? Does the Gear selector have a light? I cannot seem to recall. NM, its some fiber wire thing for non-tilt columns. What are the bulb type number in the stock Heater/AC controls? I am looking at these 4 point LEDs here: www.whitegauges.net and they claim dimmable. "Works with most vehicle lighting dimmer controls, LEDs will dim between 6 volts and 12 volts." Also just looked at https://www.superbrightleds.com/ but they do not claim dimmable like the whitegauges.net site does. States 10-30V DC for operational voltages. Whites 5 SMD LED Tower Green/Yellow 90' Beam Angle PS: I just read elsewhere where it is preferred not to dig up old threads and I just realized this one is 9 years old. Sorry, I thought I was doing good searching and asking in this thread about Dash LEDs. Attached Images __________________ Richard *'72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 \| TH350 \| LWB \| AC \| Buddy Seats Upgrades:** Tilt \| Front Sway Bar \| Radio \| Sliding Window \| Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails \| Full LEDs \| Courtesy Lights \| Tachometer \| Glovebox Lock & Light \| Head Light Relays \| Upgraded Fully Super Trim Last edited by Rich72C10; 09-03-2020 at 08:17 AM. Reason: Added superbrightleds.com Option*

09-03-2020, 08:28 AM	#24
72LB Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Inman/Boiling Springs, SC Posts: 420	Re: Changing dash lights to LED's with stock gauges? When I did mine I tried white (top pic)and it seemed too bright. Considering you loose the ability to dim them I ended up going to green (bottom) as it was a bit more subtle. Attached Images __________________ 1985 C10 shortbed, current project. Member of the Upstate SC GM Truck Club.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.