Interior LED Upgrade - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

apstguy · 02-17-2003, 10:28 PM

My next project is to upgrade my interior lights with LEDs. I will be adding LEDs to the foot wells, dome light, a/c vents, door handles, switches, under the arm rests (puddle lights) , and the heater vent. They will be hooked up into seperate circuits according to function. I hope to accomplish this project under $50. Maybe a tall order, but I'll have fun! I will keep everyone posted as I complete it. I picked up some parts today and am almost ready to start on one circuit. If it goes smoothly enough, I may think about putting together package deals for Board members who would also like some custom interior lighting. I will be using mostly blue LEDs, but the puddle lights will be white. Here are some prototype pics:

apstguy · 02-17-2003, 10:30 PM

Also see my website: http://www.angelfire.com/trek/agenta...eriorleds.html

navybear70 · 02-18-2003, 02:42 AM

I'm all about interior lights too. Show some photos when you're done, and let me know where you get everything and how much please. One question though, don't LEDs hurt the eyes?

Prerunner1982 · 02-18-2003, 03:00 AM

i would like to see pics to....... might be interesting

Big Paul · 02-18-2003, 04:45 AM

Hey Tyler, thats gonna be cool. Where did you get the lights? Did you get em from Freitas?

Tell us what you did, i'd like to do this too! I like that idea, especially in the vents, thats real trick.

Prerunner1982 · 02-18-2003, 04:50 AM

i had an idea to put strobes in the vents.. but i need to work on other things at the moment

Slonaker · 02-18-2003, 10:54 AM

Makes sure you don't turn those strobes on at night while you are driving, Prerunner1982!

Slonaker

Low87 · 02-18-2003, 10:59 AM

The LED upgrade sounds cool. Let us know how it goes and give us some pictures!

PHOENIX · 02-18-2003, 03:03 PM

I would like to replace the gauge lights with some bright LED's. Does anyone sell an LED that I could use with my AutoMeter gauges? The regular light bulbs just arent bright enough sometimes.

Im just curious about why you are putting lights under the power windows and locks? Just so you can see them at night? You should get lighted switches. I have seen them around. I think they came in Caddy's of a similar year, not sure though.

And just an idea. For the puddle light, why dont you attach it to the bottom of the mirror. That way you see the puddle before you get to the door and step in the water already. Kinda like the new cars do (Explorer is one). Anyway you would have to hook it to an alarm or something to accomplish that. Just an idea. Sounds like a cool project. Be sure to post many pictures when completed!

**swervin ervin** · 02-18-2003, 04:13 PM

I was getting ready to ask what the hell a puddle light was. But I figured it out after Eddie's post. It's hard for us members of the OFC to understand these things sometimes.

Low87 · 02-18-2003, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
It's hard for us members of the OFC to understand these things sometimes.

OFC = Old Fart's Club?

PHOENIX · 02-18-2003, 06:06 PM

That was my guess, but I didnt want to say anything

Low87 · 02-18-2003, 06:10 PM

I've got a few other ideas but I'll keep them to myself in order to avoid suspension.

apstguy · 02-18-2003, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by navybear70
I'm all about interior lights too. Show some photos when you're done, and let me know where you get everything and how much please. One question though, don't LEDs hurt the eyes?

If you look directly at them. I won't be putting them where you can actually se the bulb.

I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to do the switches - I'm thinking a ring of plexiglass around and under the switches, which would be tricky. I could even etch in Lock & Windows below it... hmmm that sounds good!

As for the puddle light, the mirror mount would be really cool, but I would have to drill into the door and the mirrors. I would have to take off the glass to do it too. I'm not up to that. That would require an entire day just to do that! Knowing me, I would break my new mirror too.... I'll try it some day!

If you have any more suggestions, I'm open to them. So far, it looks like this project will be more than I expected. Blue and white LEDs are the most expensive type, around $2.50 a piece as the cheapest. I need 16-17. 16 LEDs X $2.50 = $40 just for LEDs not including shipping. Metal switches are about $4 each & I need around 4. Wire was $2, in line fuse holder was $3, heat shrink tubing is more... etc. I will start this week though.

Jam Strait makes LED bulbs that may fit autometer gauges. They fit the 192/168 base. They are white & are big $$$.

I'm going to get my LEDs from All Electronics: http://www.allelectronics.com

**swervin ervin** · 02-19-2003, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Low87

OFC = Old Fart's Club?

That's it.

Greg keep the other ideas to your self. No one needs to hear them.

Hey, being a member of the OFC has some great benefits. Don't worry, you all will be a member someday, even if you don't want to join.

bill_ont_canada · 02-19-2003, 01:57 AM

Sounds like a very interesting project to me Tyler.

Please keep us updated with lots of pics.

ironwood · 02-19-2003, 04:34 AM

Those plexiglass rings you were talking about could be accomplished with a laser cutter. I toured a sheet metal shop that had a laser cutter, it could cut plexiglass better than a saw and it could etch it too. So if you have a few extra bucks to spend call around to some sheet metal shops to find out if they have a laser cutter and to see how much they would charge for some plexiglass rings.

I think a water-jet could also do it too.

Dave

Low87 · 02-19-2003, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
Don't worry, you all will be a member someday, even if you don't want to join.

Hopefully, it beats the alternative.

PHOENIX · 02-19-2003, 12:34 PM

Tyler:
Can you post a link directly to the LED's I asked about, the Jam Strait ones. How much is big $$$? LED use less power to light and are birghter right?

cherry delight · 02-19-2003, 08:47 PM

i thought that blue lights of any sort were illegal on passenger vehicles only emergency vehicles were allowed to have blue lights.

LOHRTBT · 02-19-2003, 08:57 PM

It will be nice to see your interior when complete.

Mike..I wonder what age you become a member...??? Or is it in your mind...if that is the case I am safe for a long time!! hahaha

LOHRTBT · 02-19-2003, 09:00 PM

cherry delight...as long as the lights arent bright and visible from the outside by other cars ..its allowed.

apstguy · 02-19-2003, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ironwood
Those plexiglass rings you were talking about could be accomplished with a laser cutter.

The junior high has an computer controlled router - I know the shop teaher so I'll get that done for free!

Quote:

Originally posted by PHOENIX
Tyler:
Can you post a link directly to the LED's I asked about, the Jam Strait ones. How much is big $$$? LED use less power to light and are birghter right?

The red LED lights are around $20 a pair. Green, blue, or white are like $20 a bulb! (for taillights mind you) The smaller ones cost less. Go to www.autoi.com they have the lights - it is a very confusing website to browse!

They do use less power, are cooler running, and are brighter (but more focased). I have the amber and red ones for my marker lamps - never have to replace them again!!!!!

You'll want the "194" bulb - on the site it is $6 for a red LED bulb. It is $18 for a white one! Ouch!

Quote:

Originally posted by cherry delight
i thought that blue lights of any sort were illegal on passenger vehicles only emergency vehicles were allowed to have blue lights.

Uhhh... yeah they are. Especially in CA. Some states DO allow them, but very few. Hey, you don't have a nice truck until something is illegal on it!

The rule is, as long as you can't see it from behind, or in front you are good. Beileve me, I know ALL about this law - I have had a fix it ticket because of it!

Big Paul · 02-19-2003, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by apstguy

The junior high has an computer controlled router - I know the shop teaher so I'll get that done for free!

Mr. Feight!!!

We used to call him Doogie Houser. Forgot he had that plexi-glass thing.

The CAD class has a CNC machine. Talk to Mr. Young see if it will do plastic. When I was there we made billet name signs. Pretty cool.

PHOENIX · 02-20-2003, 01:15 PM

Yeah those lights are a little more then I think they are worth. Plus you say they are more focused, thats not good for gauges. Ill pass on them till they get cheaper, if ever

02-17-2003, 10:28 PM	#1
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,088	Interior LED Upgrade My next project is to upgrade my interior lights with LEDs. I will be adding LEDs to the foot wells, dome light, a/c vents, door handles, switches, under the arm rests (puddle lights) , and the heater vent. They will be hooked up into seperate circuits according to function. I hope to accomplish this project under $50. Maybe a tall order, but I'll have fun! I will keep everyone posted as I complete it. I picked up some parts today and am almost ready to start on one circuit. If it goes smoothly enough, I may think about putting together package deals for Board members who would also like some custom interior lighting. I will be using mostly blue LEDs, but the puddle lights will be white. Here are some prototype pics: __________________ 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

02-17-2003, 10:30 PM	#2
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,088	Also see my website: http://www.angelfire.com/trek/agenta...eriorleds.html __________________ 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 Last edited by apstguy; 02-17-2003 at 10:32 PM.

02-18-2003, 02:42 AM	#3
navybear70 hometown heroes! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ewa Beach, HI Posts: 487	I'm all about interior lights too. Show some photos when you're done, and let me know where you get everything and how much please. One question though, don't LEDs hurt the eyes? __________________ 2009 Silverado 2wd, 121k as of 04APR13. I love my truck 29 days out of the month. The payment is due on the 30th... Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less. -Robert E. Lee "Never give up ground you've already taken." -Unknown

02-18-2003, 03:00 AM	#4
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	i would like to see pics to....... might be interesting __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

02-18-2003, 04:45 AM	#5
Big Paul Iamnotanofficerofthelaw Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Turlock, California Posts: 352	Hey Tyler, thats gonna be cool. Where did you get the lights? Did you get em from Freitas? Tell us what you did, i'd like to do this too! I like that idea, especially in the vents, thats real trick. __________________ ~Paul~ '96 C1500 Silverado- Vortec 5.0L/Exhaust/Stock '87 S-10 Ext Cab- 2.8L/700r4 KIA Caught fire 12/7/03

02-18-2003, 04:50 AM	#6
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	i had an idea to put strobes in the vents.. but i need to work on other things at the moment __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

02-18-2003, 10:54 AM	#7
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Makes sure you don't turn those strobes on at night while you are driving, Prerunner1982! Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

02-18-2003, 10:59 AM	#8
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	The LED upgrade sounds cool. Let us know how it goes and give us some pictures! __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-18-2003, 03:03 PM	#9
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	I would like to replace the gauge lights with some bright LED's. Does anyone sell an LED that I could use with my AutoMeter gauges? The regular light bulbs just arent bright enough sometimes. Im just curious about why you are putting lights under the power windows and locks? Just so you can see them at night? You should get lighted switches. I have seen them around. I think they came in Caddy's of a similar year, not sure though. And just an idea. For the puddle light, why dont you attach it to the bottom of the mirror. That way you see the puddle before you get to the door and step in the water already. Kinda like the new cars do (Explorer is one). Anyway you would have to hook it to an alarm or something to accomplish that. Just an idea. Sounds like a cool project. Be sure to post many pictures when completed! __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

02-18-2003, 04:13 PM	#10
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I was getting ready to ask what the hell a puddle light was. But I figured it out after Eddie's post. It's hard for us members of the OFC to understand these things sometimes. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

02-18-2003, 06:06 PM	#12
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	That was my guess, but I didnt want to say anything __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

02-18-2003, 06:10 PM	#13
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I've got a few other ideas but I'll keep them to myself in order to avoid suspension. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-19-2003, 01:57 AM	#16
bill_ont_canada Nobody is perfect... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London,Ont,Canada Posts: 200	Sounds like a very interesting project to me Tyler. Please keep us updated with lots of pics. __________________ Have a fabulous day. Bill... (ö¿ö) " Loud Pipes Save Lives "

02-19-2003, 04:34 AM	#17
ironwood $640 truck// doesn't run Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Buckley,Wa Posts: 122	plexiglass rings Those plexiglass rings you were talking about could be accomplished with a laser cutter. I toured a sheet metal shop that had a laser cutter, it could cut plexiglass better than a saw and it could etch it too. So if you have a few extra bucks to spend call around to some sheet metal shops to find out if they have a laser cutter and to see how much they would charge for some plexiglass rings. I think a water-jet could also do it too. Dave __________________ 74 C-20 LWB camper special stock350/350 53 Chevy 1/2 ton- in California, where the rust is not. Ready for some LOVE!!!

02-19-2003, 12:34 PM	#19
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Tyler: Can you post a link directly to the LED's I asked about, the Jam Strait ones. How much is big $$$? LED use less power to light and are birghter right? __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

02-19-2003, 08:47 PM	#20
cherry delight Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: montana Posts: 28	i thought that blue lights of any sort were illegal on passenger vehicles only emergency vehicles were allowed to have blue lights.

02-19-2003, 08:57 PM	#21
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	It will be nice to see your interior when complete. Mike..I wonder what age you become a member...??? Or is it in your mind...if that is the case I am safe for a long time!! hahaha __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

02-19-2003, 09:00 PM	#22
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	cherry delight...as long as the lights arent bright and visible from the outside by other cars ..its allowed. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

02-20-2003, 01:15 PM	#25
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Yeah those lights are a little more then I think they are worth. Plus you say they are more focused, thats not good for gauges. Ill pass on them till they get cheaper, if ever __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.