Topic

I managed to source a carbon fibre centre console

I haven't fitted it yet because I have some questions regarding illumination:

Does replacing bulbs in console switches with LEDs make them brighter?

I saw a thread that mentioned needing resistors but said Maplins have ones that don't need them - what ones do I need?

Is it a big job to 'LED' the oil temp gauge, clock and heater dials and how do I do this?

Thanks

Laz1957 wrote: wrote:

I managed to source a carbon fibre centre console

I haven't fitted it yet because I have some questions regarding illumination:

Does replacing bulbs in console switches with LEDs make them brighter?

I saw a thread that mentioned needing resistors but said Maplins have ones that don't need them - what ones do I need?

Is it a big job to 'LED' the oil temp gauge, clock and heater dials and how do I do this?

Thanks

Generally, leds tend to be brighter than the little switch/dial bulbs but if you look through Maplins catalogue or online you'll see leds with different light outputs so you can have them as bright as you want.
You can now get 12volt leds. Basically, to make them 12 v the resistor is incorporated into one of the 'legs' of the led. if you have the earlier clock/ oil temp gauges the bulbs just plug in the back.]
On the Tf it's harder to do as the bulbs are hidden inside.

I find their site a bit confusing - does anyone know what bulbs I need to order?

Laz1957 wrote: wrote:

I find their site a bit confusing - does anyone know what bulbs I need to order?

David is our expert on LEDs, he will be able to advise which ones to get

I am hoping to fit the LEDs this week, if I can get the right ones, but I really don't know what I'm doing here

Am I right that I need 3mm 12v LEDS? - Maplins only seem to have coloured versions and I just want to make the console illumination brighter, not change the colour

Is there a 'how to' anywhere, with pics, showing how to fit the LEDs into the switches, clock and oil temp guage?

Laz1957 wrote: wrote:

I am hoping to fit the LEDs this week, if I can get the right ones, but I really don't know what I'm doing here

Am I right that I need 3mm 12v LEDS? - Maplins only seem to have coloured versions and I just want to make the console illumination brighter, not change the colour

Is there a 'how to' anywhere, with pics, showing how to fit the LEDs into the switches, clock and oil temp guage?

You can easily check the bulbs for the oil and clock by removing the centre vents.
HOW TO for switches



From memory the heater dials are illuminated by two T5 bulbs.

TYVM David - you are a star

Laz1957 wrote: wrote:

TYVM David - you are a star

Just added that the heater dials are lit by two T5 bulbs.

Just had a quick look at the PDF and the switches look different

I have a Mk 1 and the switches have little, removable bulbs, is there a straight replacement for those?

Laz1957 wrote: wrote:

Just had a quick look at the PDF and the switches look different

I have a Mk 1 and the switches have little, removable bulbs, is there a straight replacement for those?

Do they fit in the side in a little plastic bayonet? Like this.

If so it's just a case of carefully unwinding the wire legs from the bayonet, taking out the bulb and replacing with led of your choice (12v). I WOULD JUST DOUBLE CHECK YOU ARE GETTING 12 VOLTS AT THE CONTACTS IN THE SWITCH HOUSING..

That's exactly what they looke like

Off to Maplins tomorrow then

Laz1957 wrote: wrote:

That's exactly what they looke like

Off to Maplins tomorrow then

Don't forget that leds only work one way.

And Photos are expected!