All the threads that talked about installing LEDs in the C3s were somewhat old so I'm starting a new one.

I just got my package of LEDs in the mail today from superbrightleds.com. For about $75 I got enough LEDs to replace just about every bulb in the car inside and out, although I think I did miss/forget a few.

Haven't installed all of them yet because I still need an electric flasher before I can install the front signals, and also it started getting dark. I'm impressed so far though. The rear lights are not QUITE as bright but definitely enough to be seen well and they are a bit more saturated red than before. I'm also very impressed with the rear backup lights. They are very bright so everyone will know when I'm backing up and they are a much whiter, crisper color as apposed to the dull yellowish tone of the old filament bulbs. I replaced the courtesy lamps as well with cool color temp white LEDs. They are not quite as bright as well but again are a crisper white instead of yellowish. The last bulbs I had time to replace where the center gauge cluster in which I bought blue LEDs. I cannot tell much different in the brightness between the center gauge cluster and the speed/tach gauges although the center gauge cluster seems to be slightly blurry compared to the regular bulbs which could be due to the color and design of the gauges as I have heard. Also It seems that I no longer have dimmed lighting. If I twist the dimmer from one end to the other they lights simply flicker on and off every so often as I am moving it but no change in brightness(both center gauges and speedo/tach), but I have always had them full blast anyways so not a major downfall although it would be nice.

As a side note, it seems the the changes in voltage has cause one of my headlights to go out while I was driving it.... Probably about time for replacement anyway, and luckily I rarely drive it at night anyway.

i will include a couple pics but they did not turn out too well because I do not have much experience with my fiancées camera. I will try again tomorrow and post them.

 

I replaced all of my bulbs with LEDs too, and I have a few tips. First, don't replace the GEN light bulb with an LED. That bulb is there for resistance and the alternator won't charge if you put an LED in the path. Sure, you can install a resistor after the LED if you want to go that rout but it's not as simple as just changing a bulb.

Next, also a problem with resistance, the green arrow bulbs inside act as the ground for the side markers. By making them LEDs you'll have problem getting the front signals to work.

LEDs are not as bright as incandescents unless you have the high watt LEDs with high bulb counts. I'm tempted to pull my gauge cluster and speedo and tach, and add a few more LED socket holes for more LEDs. I changed all mine and they are just not bright enough when driving at night.

You won't be able to find a spotlight LED to replace the HVAC control spotlight if you have one.

 

Being an old ET, I thought of taking my console display with the sequenced flashing light display and extending a cable to the rear, and flash the rear lights in a sequence of 8 LED's on each side, just to be neat/different....then I was informed by various cops that it's not legal and I could get stopped.....oh well, another good idea shot in the ***.....

but as far as buying LEDs to replace all the bulbs with, I dont see the point as the 4-5 amps at MOST is not anything to be concerned about.....cute idea if you building a car from scratch, but I can't see it as cost effective, and worth the time/money/bother.....I"m lazy....

 

After pulling the dash apart a few times to replace burned out bulbs, the longer lasting LED's started to make sense.

 

^agree. I should never have to replace them so in the long run it could save money and time. Also It looks cool and gives a little personal touch to it.

Durango, have you attempted modifying the gauges or tail lights by adding a silver backing for more light? I have not tried it yet but I wonder if it would help. Also, can you dim your gauges with the LEDs?

 

also, if I did my calculations right, each LED in the gauge cluster is 216mW. 12V x 18mA

 

All of us seem to have dim lights in the gauge clusters...could it be the phosphorescent coating on the gauges dials is shot?

 

Yes my dimmer function works...I suspect your problem is your switch.

I have not, but I also haven't taken anything out since installing them all last year. I have to do a few things to the gauge cluster, so I will focus on them. If I get good results, I'll consider pulling the dash to see how many of the speedo and tach bulbs I can change without having to remove those gauges.

 

I have done this to a set of '65 mustang tail lights and it made a BIG difference. The shiny silver paint reflects much more light out the lens.

 

I put on four of the 80-82 diurect fit 25 LED brake/turn lights - and made my own led bar for license plate light and reverse lights. Not sure of legal reverse light requirements, but this only took a short time and I have something for now (aluminum channel, several leds, and wire it up).

Pics
light bar installed


night reverse and parking lights


night reverse and brake - wanted to ensure can still see the led reverse lights