Gratuitous Photos of LED Dash Light Conversion

[ktm]

During my build, I swapped in a set of 280z gauges (I like the font face) and converted the lighting to LEDs. I am using 5000 mcd 40-50 degree blue LEDs. I used 6 for the tach and speedo, and 4 each for the other 3 gauges. If interested, I will prepare a short write up about the conversion.

 

 

[naviathan]

Nice, kinda looks like the LEDs I used in my dash. I never got around to doing the gauge pod though so I never felt it was complete enough for pics. I just soldered the resistor to one leg and bent them into position, then slipped them under the contacts in the sockets.

[ktm]

I did not need to use resistors for the gauge pod lights as the voltage drop with the four lights in series was sufficient to power the LEDs without the resistor. I grouped the tach and speedo lights in 2 groups of 3 lights each and used a resistor on each positive leg of the lead LED in each group.

[proxlamus©]

if your willing to do a write up im sure many of us and future searchers would enjoy the read!

[BRAAP]

if your willing to do a write up im sure many of us and future searchers would enjoy the read!

 

Yeah, what he said.. ..

[datsun40146]

agreed...I'll go ahead and replace the bulbs while I still have my dash out.

[S30TRBO]

Looks nice very bright. I went to superbrightleds.com and converted every light over to LED on my 240Z. I went with the Blue LEDS on the dash as well to match the Alpine and my BLM Blitz gauges.

[hughdogz]

Man that looks great!! You can really see those numbers now.

 

Okay, I have a valid question about blue lighting in gages.

 

As we know, blue lighting isn't good for night vision from the numerous HID lighting posts. I have a Autometer Cobalt EGT gage mounted in a gage pod that has a blue LED. The light is bright as hell at night and right in my face. I'm thinking of trying to convert to a red LED.

 

KTM, have you witnessed any decreased night vision when staring down at the gages for a brief second, then looking up again to the road at night?

 

I sure don't want to change from blue the LED if I don't have to.

 

Thanks (in advance), -Hugh

[ktm]

Hugh, I only ran with the gauges at night twice so far. I am still shaking down my car and try not to run at night. It's harder to spot the police.

 

Still, I did not notice any reduction in night vision. The reason I opted for blue as opposed to red or amber is that our gauges are lit by indirect lighting. The faces are black and the numbers and needle are painted white. Unless it was a bright red light, I was afraid that the gauges would be too 'dim' to see clearly.