leds in dash cluster? need opinions

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=65776
Printed Date: May 22, 2024 at 12:02 AM

Topic: leds in dash cluster? need opinions

Posted By: bassrider20hz
Subject: leds in dash cluster? need opinions
Date Posted: November 07, 2005 at 2:06 PM

ok wuts up everyone i need your advice on this project.

i want to replace the bulbs in the guage cluster for my 1985 pontiac trans am the bulbs it has are the cheap little ones with the color film what i was going to do is just replace them with red leds. is this good would it be too bright (annoying) can i just swap them out like that is there anything special i need to do besides adding the resistor.

do you think it will look right?? thanks in advance for your help.

Replies:

Posted By: bosdmeg
Date Posted: November 08, 2005 at 4:45 PM

When you say color film is the film on the lamp or in the housing unit?

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Learn to go down at WeBeDivin.com

Posted By: bassrider20hz
Date Posted: November 08, 2005 at 4:49 PM

the film is on the bulb itself

is there a better way to make my guage cluster brigter besides adding leds or is this the best way?

Posted By: Nebey
Date Posted: November 13, 2005 at 9:58 PM

I did this in my car, with UV or purple leds. It looks cool, I liked it, I am changing it back. Reasons, at night, can't see the unlit needle, its hard too look at being uv light and all, purple lights are not very bright. If I was you, make sure that the leds are no taller than your stock lights, meaning that they don't get too close to the front of your guage cluster. If you don't have iluminated needles, be careful.

I myself are going to a new guage cluster.

Mike

Posted By: bosdmeg
Date Posted: November 15, 2005 at 8:59 AM

If you just want a brighter cluster just get the same lamps with a higher wattage or a low voltage rating. Just don't melt any thing. As for the LEDs, try it. If they are too bright just use the stock dimmer. I would use a tricolor LED. Then you can have any color (for the most part) with a touch of a button.

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Learn to go down at WeBeDivin.com

Posted By: total_overkill
Date Posted: November 25, 2005 at 1:23 AM

you might be able to find a racing gage set also. They are really nice.

this guy might be able to help you or find ya one

https://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZd1zone

Posted By: total_overkill
Date Posted: November 25, 2005 at 5:06 AM

wish I could edit my post =[

Anyway alot of these racig gauges also can be dimmed or brightened, even switch colors.

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40 grit has saved my life sometimes =[

Posted By: kreativesailor
Date Posted: November 25, 2005 at 9:43 PM

If you still plan to put the leds dont forget them resistors... Good Luck!

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You can try and fail but dont fail to try...