S_Johnson

So, I swapped in LED bulbs into my dash, and HVAC controls. I've found a lot on this topic on here, but not a lot of good pictures. Especially of Trans Ams.


I ordered these for the dash (it takes 9 of them): http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...edge-base/206/

And these for the HVAC (It takes 3 on mine): http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...edge-base/228/

The dash turned out PERFECT, and the HVAC is good, but there are definitely "bright spots" where the actual bulbs are, because of the way the panel works. I don't mine, but some people might.

The pictures make them look slightly "pink" but they are a deeper red in person.

68Strat

iTrader: (3)

Those look great... Really freshens up the dash while remaining recognizable I've always loved the dash setup in the T/As.

Retrostylz

So is all you had to do replace the bulbs? Any specific wiring that needed to be done, or was it pretty easy?

Looks beautiful!

S_Johnson

Yes, just replace the bulbs, they are direct replacements for the normal bulbs, and fit in the same little plastic socket. It's super easy.

The only advice I have, is:

A: Get the ones I got, they are a bit more, but they have a nice even glow, you don't have bright spots on the gauges.

B: Don't screw the instrument panal back in until you make sure all the bulbs are on. I had to take a couple of them out, rotate them in the plastic socket, and put them back in, because of the contacts being bad/corroded in the old sockets.


Thanks!

Ruckusz28

iTrader: (3)

big improvement!

Retrostylz

Sweet. I have to replace the bulbs in my cluster anyway. This looks like a cool alternative.

S_Johnson

Yeah, It's WAY better than regular bulbs. It's a lot more expensive, but I think it was worth it for sure. It looks even better in person.

I just wish I could color the needles separately...

Honiry

Looking good.
Led bulbs are one of the great decorate element to these kind of work. After seeing this i also decide to decorate my dash board , give some idea how i can do this m within my pocket range.

lonestar7

iTrader: (1)

Nice job! Those are really bright! Does the panel dimming **** still work with the LED bulbs?

S_Johnson

The dimming **** works... sortof.

Technically they dim, but they don't seem to like it (they flicker a bit, don't look quite right).

I don't think it's good for them. I don't know why you would want to dim them though, they are in no way to bright. Just about perfect I'd say.

S_Johnson

Well, the bulbs aren't cheap, but one thing I've done, is to paint parts of the dash trim the accent color of my car (blue, in my case). It's cheap, and if you do it carefully, it looks really good.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Looks good! I did the same with my dash, but used white LED's and got rid of the orange sleeve. Now my dash and Autometer Gauges all match. It only cost me $16 for all 20 LED's.

I'll post a pic this weekend......

The Project

iTrader: (6)

Any more pics?

S_Johnson

Of the interior trim in general? Or specifically the led bulbs?

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Here's a picture of the white LED's....I used higher powered LED's in the Autometer gauges. Total price was $24 for everything.

S_Johnson

I don't particularly care for the white, but it's really cool how the different colors still show with yours. (for instance, the yellow on the tach)

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

I hear ya.......I have always hated the orange. LOL

S_Johnson

So did I, that's why I got red