interior lights

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by BIG FRANK JOHNSON, Nov 9, 2022.

  1. BIG FRANK JOHNSON

    BIG FRANK JOHNSON Well-Known Member

    Has anyone put interior leds in to replace their interior bulbs? Can an led strip just be wired to the interior light wires? or any comments accepted... Thanks Frank
     
  2. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    Sure I have used led bulbs, work fine. Several threads on this. I bought on Amazon. I prefer the leds with lower temp, say 2700 or 3000k vs say 6000k. They are less blue, a little more tradition color vs super white.
     
  3. BIG FRANK JOHNSON

    BIG FRANK JOHNSON Well-Known Member

    Did you use them in your dash cluster? Frank
     
  4. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

  5. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I converted my entire interior to LED's. The difference is amazing.

    LEDInterior1.jpg LEDInterior2.jpg LEDInterior3.jpg LEDInterior7.jpg LEDInterior8.jpg
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  7. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    The only thing I don't like about the LED interior loght conversion is that it isn't a "soft" light. It's kinda harsh.
     
  8. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I like the whiteness of the light. It enhances the colors on the dash, especially the Tachometer. There are softer LED lights for those that find it objectionable.
     
    FLGS400 likes this.
  9. inverse121

    inverse121 Well-Known Member

    Depending on what/where you read green instrument lights cause the least amount of night blindness outside the car while driving. Some will say red is best, but I don't like red dash lights.
    I went with green in my el camino and I had some left over, so I tossed them in the Electra, not completely done (lower left dash), but here are a couple of photos. They look really bright but they are easy on the eyes driving at night in the country. I used LED replacements for the courtesy lights in both cars from Amazon.
    Amazon links. The 194 bulbs are polarity dependent, so you will need to flip them over if they don't work the first time you plug them in the socket.
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087BX3KT6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NXHVB6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091SWD3L9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RDGHNL8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

    electra green dash lights.jpg elco green dash lights.jpg
     
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  10. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I wonder which bulb(s) would work for the rear view mirror map light and ash tray light?
     
  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  12. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    Jason, I totally agree with you... that's a function of the temperature of the bulb. Lumens equal brightness but temp equals the "whiteness". Traditional incandescent bulbs are actually amber -- about 2700K. Most LEDs are 3000K and up, as high as 6000K. As you go up the light gets bluer and "harsher". So when you crank the lumens and the temp, it will seem SUPER white. Lately, I'm seeing more options for bright LEDs that are lower temp. Chris' choice of green might be a nice alternative. I like how bright my LEDs are in the dash but they are a little harsh for my taste. I do still love how the LEDs brighten the rest of the interior. Most of those other lights are behind a white cover, so they are not as harsh.
    One tip if you buy 194 type LED bulbs on Amazon, etc., be sure they are NOT polarity sensitive (many cheapies are...). Nothing worse than contorting your body to get the bulbs in and then realizing some don't light because they need to be swapped in the holder... That just sucks...
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2022
  13. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes, the ones I used are non polarity specific. I have used them in both my cars. Plug and play.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186P1MU...wVehicle=1&vehicleId=2&vehicleType=automotive
     
    bostoncat68 likes this.
  14. charlierogers

    charlierogers GSX stage 1 4 speed #149

    i like the green
     
  15. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    I csn see maybe doing the cluster in LEDs. But the incandescent bulbs give the interior a nice ambiance. Looks more inviting. Do you really need it looking like Giants stadium when you open the door?
     
  16. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

  17. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    :D:D:D
     
  18. FLGS400

    FLGS400 Gold Level Contributor

    I was going for the Raymond James (Bucs) stadium look, myself :D
     
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  19. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Ahh, yeah, I like that look. Just a matter of personal preference.:)

    I even converted the inside of my Riv,

    RivieraLED.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2022
  20. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    I like the led interior lights so when it’s dark out and we’re at the track and the wife has the pass. door open and on her phone I don’t have to worry bout the battery:D
     
    FLGS400 and 12lives like this.

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