How hard is it to change the bulbs in the dash gauges? Do the gauges have to come out? I want to have a brighter/deeper green look. Maybe an LED? Thanks
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I've been considering these -
https://www.superbrightleds.co...20base%20led%20bulb/
Not sure the spade connector is same as whats on wiring now - mine currently have the old 1/8" wide male spades.
Marty:
If you're using the typical VDO reproduction gauges, then all of the dash lamp (bulbs) are held to the gauge can with a holder which pulls right out of the back. That is for background (ambient) lighting as well as annunciator (idiot) lights.
Once the holder is removed (just grasp it by the wire terminator and pull the whole assembly right out) then the lamp is removed from the holder by pushing gently on the bulb, rotating about 90 degrees (either direction) and the bulb should pop right out.
gn
So this what you'll most likely pull out with a bullet looking bulb at one end and wire at the other. To use LEDs like I linked to you need a short 2-3" adapter to adjust size of spade connector and another to ground the bulb.
I found some that are direct replacements. I can't remember where I got them.
I think a search on thesamba would turn up the seller.
I replaced everything but the alternator and turn signal indicators. I bought LEDs for the turn signals but they didn't seem to want to work.
Wolfie, you are falling into the same trap I did, spending time considering upgrades instead of spending the time finishing the car and doing the upgrades after you can drive it.
Thanks guys. Has anyone done this with the LED's and can show some results with a picture? I just want to replace the Ambient backlights.
Yep, that's it.
So mine look like this:
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Marty.
If I recall correctly you have the newer gauges that Beck and IM collaborated on and if that's the case, yours might be very different. Judging from your picture they are different.
FYI. That link for the bulbs on Samba looks way more expensive for the BA7 bulbs than the site originally posted by Wolfgang. Here they are on Wolfgang's site. https://www.superbrightleds.co...s/ba7s%20led%20bulb/
Originally Posted by Troy Sloan:
Marty.
If I recall correctly you have the newer gauges that Beck and IM collaborated on and if that's the case, yours might be very different. Judging from your picture they are different.
FYI. That link for the bulbs on Samba looks way more expensive for the BA7 bulbs than the site originally posted by Wolfgang. Here they are on Wolfgang's site. https://www.superbrightleds.co...s/ba7s%20led%20bulb/
That IS a lot cheaper, Troy. It's worth noting, however, that the angle of the light pattern is 100* on the superbrightleds.co link. 100* is not a very wide pattern.
I'm not sure what the throw angle on the other link is, but he makes a big deal about being much wider. I'm not sure how wide an angle is really needed in the gauges, but seeing a picture of the less expensive bulbs in the gauges we've got would go a long way towards helping me make a decision.
I had North Hollywood put in LED lighting while they were adjusting my gauges. I wonder what type of bulbs they use.