Started working on the 69 today. Most of the connections are still in place but only the oil pressure guage works.

The lights in the dash do come on but man are they dim!!! What LED's do I need and where to buy? I want non polarized right?

the plan is to get all the electrical and vacuum working so I can button up the dash.

 

I suggest some study before you convert to LEDs. Be aware that it takes rather extreme measures to get a usable dimming range even if you buy "dimmable" LEDs. Also the appearance of the dash and gauges radically changes depending upon the color temperature and output of the LEDs you choose. "Warm" white LEDs come the closest to the green glow of the original but I've yet to see any LEDs that produce the original SOFT green glow that only comes from dimmed down incandescent lamps reflecting off the powder blue used inside the fixtures. Also pay attention to those who have changed the color inside the fixtures when adding LEDs. I suggest you try a new incandescent to replace one of those old dim lamps. If not significantly brighter you need to do some investigation as voltage is probably too low due to dirty connections, corroded dimmer rheostat coil, etc. Like other things in our cars incandescent lamps wear (loose brightness) due not only to use but simple age.

The "GEN" warning lamp CANNOT be replaced with an LED! LEDs are though ideal replacements for other warning lamps--just be sure to get a LED whose color matches the lens.

Many report problems when replacing the turn signal indicators with LEDs so I suggest you install new incandescent lamps unless you are rewiring the park, stop and turn lamp circuit for compatibility with LEDs. The factory park/stop/turn circuit is incompatible with LEDs. The factory park/stop/turn circuit is an extremely slick design that does a lot (to include turn signal lamp proving) with minimal wiring and simply reliable switches.

 

Here's the ticket for replacing the bulb/holder. I'm a LED guy- but some aren't.

With this upgrade- you'll bypass the lackluster ground the original bulb holders have-can use either type of bulb.

Thanks fellow forum member "Greg"

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-upgrade.html



The other thing- is making a simple disconnect for the gauges-

Albeit my gauges are custom - you get the idea- the Deutsch connectors are under $20- and can really clean up the mess - definitely
make it easy the next time you have to go there.

I have bought from these guys a bunch
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deutsch-12-...cAAOSwO7dfPGiJ

I also replaced the idiot lights with some LED units- I added one to indicated when the electric fans were running- I didn't need to be reminded of the seat belt!!!

LED's will work as a charge indicator ( no issue on your car) it just requires a resistor











OH- found it- here's a pic of a cleaned up harness I made for my 73- which is almost stock.

 

incandescent bulbs do go dim with age. just put in new stock replacements. you will be surprised how bright they will be. fraction of the cost of LED's. and everything works as designed. Cost for all new original style bulbs is so low. what do you have to lose?

 

Nice!

Did you ever get a chance to take a pic of the speedo and tach lit up in the dark?



I quoted your pic from the thread mentioned above. Hope you don't mind.

 

Here you go- I don't have the internals back in the gauges- as I'm now converting the speedo to electric. Got a gauge that the odometer-miles closely matched the opening in the original face. Then will fit it behind.

The pic is of the gauges running on a 9V battery- not a darkroom. I'll try it tonight.

For the turns /brights/brake I am using some small COB LEDs that are 4mm thick- and will mount right behind the gauge- as I need the space for the electric speedo-

For the gauge covers- It's actually mantle clock glass faces with stainless steel surrounds- worked out great!!

 

That's pretty cool. Great job!