LED bulbs for dash - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

apstguy · 10-19-2003, 04:13 AM

Call me the LED king.

I just installed LED bulbs in my dash including all the "warning" lights (Check engine, brake,choke,highbeams) I found a place that sells them for cheap. I like it so far. It is a little dimmer than before, but I am installing white face overlays only. I installed a blue one in my Heater/AC controls. It looks cool! I need to do some juggling around and order other ones since I ordered 2 of every type of bulb, leaving my with odd buls in odd places. Like a green one in my tach.

I put green LEDs in place of my turn signal indicators and like it much better.

Problems:
I cracked almost all the mounting tabs off the cluster.

I knew it was going to happen....

My temp. gauge has stopped working. Probably just a loose connector???

My voltmeter now reads slightly more that it used to (1-1.5 volts). Why would this happen?? Weird.

apstguy · 10-19-2003, 04:14 AM

If you want the site for the LED bulbs, PM me. It is a tad bit confusing as they don't have the bulbs under the names you think they would. I have catolog #s that make it 200% easier.

Chevy67Tk · 10-19-2003, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by apstguy

Problems:

I cracked almost all the mounting tabs off the cluster. I knew it was going to happen....

My temp. gauge has stopped working. Probably just a loose connector???

My voltmeter now reads slightly more that it used to (1-1.5 volts). Why would this happen?? Weird.

#1. You have to brake a few eggs to make a cake.
Corny but what im trying to sat is some times you have to mess something up to end up with something better

#2. You’re probably right

#3. The close proximity of the old incandescent bulbs my have had an Electro magnetic effect on the gauge that L.E.D. don’t have. I know this ones a stretch but hey it’s possible.

Any ways it sounds like you’re on the right track and when you get a chance send me a PM on were to find the bulbs.

Thanks
Dan

bigd65 · 10-19-2003, 04:52 PM

so if they are slightly dimmer, why would you keep them on there. i used blue covered bulbs once. they were dimmer. after about a month, i pulled them and put all new white bulbs

Russell · 10-19-2003, 04:54 PM

I would guess that not having inefficient filimant bulbs probally saves some energy... I know that on ever bass hit my electrical guage falls :P

crackajacka · 10-19-2003, 07:13 PM

i had to goto a 100 amp alternator to fix that problem and i have a optima yellow top battery also the whole stupid voltage gauge needle bouncing only happens when ive got the turn signals on lol

apstguy · 10-20-2003, 12:48 PM

Jeff - I'm going to put the white face overlays on then it won't matter. I don't drive much at night anyways.

Today the temp gauge started to work, then next time I looked it was dead again. Loose wire! I'll need to look into that.

The voltmeter thing still eludes me, but if the power is routed through the circuuit board and a light before it gets to it, it could cause the sudden increase in volts to the gauge.

Slonaker · 10-20-2003, 06:20 PM

Can you use LEDs on a rheostat? What happens if you dim the dash lights with LEDs in there?

Slonaker

Blue Beard · 10-20-2003, 08:50 PM

Pm'd you on the lights........Thanks,

apstguy · 10-21-2003, 01:10 AM

I'm going to try the LEDs with a pot. The LEDs don't change much when you turn the dimmer in the truck.

I got them from www.digikey.com you can also get them from mouser Electronics at www.mouser.com

These part numbers refer to digikey. These are listed under "based LEDs" - "LED miniature wedge base"
There are two types. "Milky" or "water clear" - you will want the milky. The water clear are -brighter- but focas it in one direction. The milky ones look much more like bulbs in light dispersion. All part numbers refer to milky diffused.

White: milky diffused - 441-1008-ND - $1.60
Blue: 441-1006-ND - $1.50
Green: 441-1000-ND - $1.60
Yellow (orangish amber): 441-1002-ND - $.99
Red: 441-1004-ND - $.99

Use the red and yellow for the warning & indicator lights. Use the green for the turn signals. Use a blue for the brights indicator and possible the Heater/AC controls. Use white for the gauge lighting and possibly Heater/AC controls. If you live in CA, don't forget the extra check engine light when you order. It looks orange (like the 4X4, glow plugs,& choke), but the yellow LED matches exactly.

Blue Beard · 10-21-2003, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the links......

87Silvy · 10-21-2003, 12:18 PM

I had some superwhite bulbs behind the four smaller gauges on the left side, looked pretty good, gave them a nice tint. Don't feel like spending $4.00 for 2 bulbs.

apstguy · 10-22-2003, 11:31 PM

ttt - kicking this up for anyone else interested...

10-19-2003, 04:52 PM	#4
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	so if they are slightly dimmer, why would you keep them on there. i used blue covered bulbs once. they were dimmer. after about a month, i pulled them and put all new white bulbs __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

10-19-2003, 04:54 PM	#5
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I would guess that not having inefficient filimant bulbs probally saves some energy... I know that on ever bass hit my electrical guage falls :P __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

10-19-2003, 07:13 PM	#6
crackajacka Stylin Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tuttle, OK Posts: 620	i had to goto a 100 amp alternator to fix that problem and i have a optima yellow top battery also the whole stupid voltage gauge needle bouncing only happens when ive got the turn signals on lol __________________ Ive been traveling for some time, with my fishin pole and my bottle of shyne. Most Girls like finished products and just dont understand what a good addiction does for you http://www.paulwall.us/

10-20-2003, 12:48 PM	#7
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	Jeff - I'm going to put the white face overlays on then it won't matter. I don't drive much at night anyways. Today the temp gauge started to work, then next time I looked it was dead again. Loose wire! I'll need to look into that. The voltmeter thing still eludes me, but if the power is routed through the circuuit board and a light before it gets to it, it could cause the sudden increase in volts to the gauge. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

10-20-2003, 06:20 PM	#8
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Can you use LEDs on a rheostat? What happens if you dim the dash lights with LEDs in there? Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

10-19-2003, 04:13 AM	#1
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	LED bulbs for dash Call me the LED king. I just installed LED bulbs in my dash including all the "warning" lights (Check engine, brake,choke,highbeams) I found a place that sells them for cheap. I like it so far. It is a little dimmer than before, but I am installing white face overlays only. I installed a blue one in my Heater/AC controls. It looks cool! I need to do some juggling around and order other ones since I ordered 2 of every type of bulb, leaving my with odd buls in odd places. Like a green one in my tach. I put green LEDs in place of my turn signal indicators and like it much better. Problems: I cracked almost all the mounting tabs off the cluster. I knew it was going to happen.... My temp. gauge has stopped working. Probably just a loose connector??? My voltmeter now reads slightly more that it used to (1-1.5 volts). Why would this happen?? Weird. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

10-19-2003, 04:14 AM	#2
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	If you want the site for the LED bulbs, PM me. It is a tad bit confusing as they don't have the bulbs under the names you think they would. I have catolog #s that make it 200% easier. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

10-20-2003, 08:50 PM	#9
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Pm'd you on the lights........Thanks, __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

10-21-2003, 01:10 AM	#10
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	I'm going to try the LEDs with a pot. The LEDs don't change much when you turn the dimmer in the truck. I got them from www.digikey.com you can also get them from mouser Electronics at www.mouser.com These part numbers refer to digikey. These are listed under "based LEDs" - "LED miniature wedge base" There are two types. "Milky" or "water clear" - you will want the milky. The water clear are -brighter- but focas it in one direction. The milky ones look much more like bulbs in light dispersion. All part numbers refer to milky diffused. White: milky diffused - 441-1008-ND - $1.60 Blue: 441-1006-ND - $1.50 Green: 441-1000-ND - $1.60 Yellow (orangish amber): 441-1002-ND - $.99 Red: 441-1004-ND - $.99 Use the red and yellow for the warning & indicator lights. Use the green for the turn signals. Use a blue for the brights indicator and possible the Heater/AC controls. Use white for the gauge lighting and possibly Heater/AC controls. If you live in CA, don't forget the extra check engine light when you order. It looks orange (like the 4X4, glow plugs,& choke), but the yellow LED matches exactly. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

10-21-2003, 08:50 AM	#11
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Thanks for the links...... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

10-21-2003, 12:18 PM	#12
87Silvy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Texas Posts: 326	I had some superwhite bulbs behind the four smaller gauges on the left side, looked pretty good, gave them a nice tint. Don't feel like spending $4.00 for 2 bulbs. __________________ 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 2005 Chevrolet Silverado

10-22-2003, 11:31 PM	#13
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	ttt - kicking this up for anyone else interested... __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

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