added LED dash lights

[Low87]

I finally got around to swapping out the old bulbs in the dash for the LEDs I'd ordered (from superbrightleds.com). I'm pretty happy with the results, but I've got a dark spot on the left of the speedo I need to figure out. While I was in there, I foil taped the back of the front reflector. I was going to do the same to the front of the housing, but couldn't get the speedo out (but I did manage to break off the speedo needle, so there's that).
I forgot to take before pics, but you all know what your dash looks like at night. Here's the after;


Here's a daylight picture of new & old bulbs side by side for reference;


The website makes it pretty easy to order, even if you have no idea what bulbs you need. Just keep track of what you order and what it's supposed to replace, there is no cross-reference on the packaging or paperwork. They suggest ordering color based on the filter (i.e. turn signal indicators are behind green plastic, so order green LED bulbs). I wound up using 6 bright white for the instrument lighting, 4 amber for the warn lights, and 2 green for the signal indicators. I ordered the brightest applicable bulb for each, which is good except for the indicator bulbs. Those things are so bright they almost give me a headache at long stoplights. Can't wait to use them at night, they'll probably light up the cab. I'll change those out when I get back in there to fix the speedo.

[RandyP]

Looks good! Let me know if you need a needle, I got several speedo's here. Don't think I have one with a trip meter, but I'll look. I might have actually put that speedo in my 87.

[tylervalo]

Very Nice. I need to find a speedo with trip meter!

[Low87]

Thanks! Definitely need a needle. I'd like to keep the trip odometer though. Thought I might hit the junk yards if I can figure out how to correctly pull one.

[kikkegek]

nice!

what I did was paint the the inside gloss white and the reflector also.

I then used "warm white" LED SMD strips and stuck them to the back with the 3M strips that come on the back...

The warm white isnt as hard on the eyes at night as the normal white LEDS.

heres some pics. it also solves your blind spots.

before:


after


soldered the wires to the old bulbs connections


stuck the LED SMDs in there:


results

[Low87]

kikkegek, that looks good!

[RandyP]

I use a trim removal tool, they pop off pretty easy with the right leverage. Already popped one off just to be sure I wasn't fibbing , come get it if you want it! I'll be around a lot this weekend here at the shop, pm me if you lost my cell #. You can drive to the pull a part and 'try', or just drive here and take the freebie.

I'm guessing this is for your K5, right? Does it have a speedo cable going to it, or is it electronic? I think 89 still had the normal cable style. I can show you how they come out as a complete unit if you need.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Nice it looks great but ya a lil bright haha! I have been meaning to do something about dash lights on my truck I kinda like the look that those strips give!
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[Low87]

Dang Randy, just drove by your shop today (round trip to Nowata). Problem is the needle itself is fine, it's the spindle that it's on that I broke (about as thick as mechanical pencil lead).
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[RandyP]

Ohhh. And, I did notice since I drove the 87 today to Bixby, it has my speedo with the trip meter. I knew I had one, just did not remember swapping it out. I think for the speedo with trip, and only 5 digits on the odometer, you're looking at 88/89 suburban or k5. The guy in Coweta will have one eventually I bet.

[Low87]

But no trip odometer means a 6 digit odometer?
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[Goldfinger]

both with and without trip odometer have 6 digits

[RandyP]

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

both with and without trip odometer have 6 digits

I believe the speedo's that are electronic go to the 6th digit (you don't count the tenth).

[DENTON]

looks good man!

[Goldfinger]

I guess i've only dealt with non-electronic

[aldalail]

hello ,
can you show me all the bulbs ?

[InitialBoss]

The LEDs look good. I ordered mine from Vleds.com and they are ok, but I didn't realize I have to freshen up or fix some of the contacts for some of the bulbs. I got bright blue 4 LED bulbs for the speedo and fuel gauge and single LED Red bulbs for the Oil, and other left side gauges. I got red since my truck is red and I'm trying to keep some of the theme in the cab. The blue is easier on the eyes for night driving if I recall correctly. However, I don't plan on driving the truck all too much at night.

I put the 4 LED bulbs on and saw no difference with those and the regular OEM style bulbs I had replaced on it prior. I never took off the black reflector covering to see if they even were on. After I put the LEDs on, I was mad they were just as dull. LOL. I finally decided to take off the black panel to see which were lit and none of the newer 4 LED bulbs were even on. I bet the OEM style ones weren't on too. Ha ha. Of course this is probably due to the 35+ year old original circuit panel that's on the truck. I'm going to clean the traces and circuit printout if I get some time, to see if this helps with the lights turning on.


kikkegek- where did you get the tach for your console and what brand is it? Did it fit right in or did you have to trim it to fit it?

[kikkegek]

Originally Posted by InitialBoss

kikkegek- where did you get the tach for your console and what brand is it? Did it fit right in or did you have to trim it to fit it?

I am Dutch. Bought it online in the Netherlands. Its a simple 52mm gauge.

here some pics of how I mounted it

[motornut]

the 89 burb had 6 plus one for the tenth,cable drive + trip

[motornut]

I also painted the insides gloss white.
kept stock bulbs,but added red LEDs,seperately

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by motornut

I also painted the insides gloss white.
kept stock bulbs,but added red LEDs,seperately

I like the red , nice touch

Desert

[Sodell]

I painted mine white as well when I rehabbed the gauge cluster. I am a little older and cant stand the bright light when I drive at night. I don't like the fact that you cant dim the LED's. One other trick- you can use a silver pen on the circuit board to make sure the bulb makes good connection...