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LED bulb conversion?

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Old Mar 2, 2019 | 04:46 PM
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Default LED bulb conversion?

Since the dash is out, I'm considering switching the bulbs to LED. Could someone provide me some details on what is needed to do this? I searched the forum but had trouble finding anyone detailing their approach.

Thanks!

Steve
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Old Mar 2, 2019 | 05:31 PM
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I would try BA9S Led in cool white 120 degree. I got them from superbrightleds.com. They were about $1 each. Some of the C-2 guys are using them. I have enough for my 66 and 68 but have not had the stamina to put them in yet. Jerry
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Old Mar 2, 2019 | 05:34 PM
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Silver72- I switched all of the dash bulbs on my 68 convert to LED when I had the dash out to replace all of the gauges. There was nothing really special to do. I got LED bulbs that fit and plugged them in. I believe there was a complete set listed as a part number on Eckler's and that is what I ordered so I would never have to spend time behind the dash again. They work fine, they respond to the dimmer to get bright or dim, just like the stock bulbs.
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Old Mar 3, 2019 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by ronarndt
Silver72- I switched all of the dash bulbs on my 68 convert to LED when I had the dash out to replace all of the gauges. There was nothing really special to do. I got LED bulbs that fit and plugged them in. I believe there was a complete set listed as a part number on Eckler's and that is what I ordered so I would never have to spend time behind the dash again. They work fine, they respond to the dimmer to get bright or dim, just like the stock bulbs.
Thanks...I was reading some posts saying you had to swap out other electrical components (like the flasher), so I was a little confused.
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Old Mar 3, 2019 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver72
Thanks...I was reading some posts saying you had to swap out other electrical components (like the flasher), so I was a little confused.
.........only if you swap out the outside turn signal bulbs. Indash bulbs are plug and play.
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Old Mar 3, 2019 | 02:13 PM
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I kept the incandescent TURN SIGNAL, BRAKE, and HIGH BEAM lamps when I swapped over to LED strip lighting.
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Old Mar 3, 2019 | 02:28 PM
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Certainly makes it a lot easier to see the gauges. Don’t know if the lights have dimmed over time or if it’s my eyesight
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Old Mar 3, 2019 | 03:41 PM
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"Don’t know if the lights have dimmed over time or if it’s my eyesight " I notice the same thing. I always blame the lights. Note sure why the print in books has also gotten dimmer..........................
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Old Mar 3, 2019 | 03:47 PM
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Silver72- I switched the tail light/stop light bulbs to halogen (not LED) and found they would not blink properly with the stock flasher. I just put the stock bulbs back in. I believe there is a heavy duty flasher unit that compensates for the difference in resistance needed to make the flashers work. For LED turn signal bulbs I think there is a way to use them also. This was way down on my list of things to do on the car, so I still have the halogen bulbs sitting on my work bench.
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 01:34 PM
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They make LED bulbs with the standard auto size sockets. Check amazon or download the WISH app. and you will find all kinds of LED lights etc. Be sure to get ones that are US auto std. numbers for tail, inst. etc.
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 01:39 PM
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Changing the tail light/turn signal lamps to LED was a piece of cake. You just need to get the electronic flasher unit and replace the unit that uses resistance to make the turn signals flash. It is under the dash on the passenger side on my 77. No tools required and I think the unit cost all of $12.
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 06:17 PM
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I used blue LEDs in a '72. A little too much bling for some but I like it. The stock dimmer would not give "fine" adjustment so I added a PWM and can get a better range of control.
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 07:47 PM
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With mine I did a white face overlay and white LED bulb replacement.




Dave
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Old Mar 5, 2019 | 08:20 PM
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Ok I’ll bite. What is PWM?
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Old Mar 5, 2019 | 09:05 PM
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PWM pulse width modulated, it's basically a control that can dim the led's by pulsing the power to them, slow pulse = dimmer lights.
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Old Mar 7, 2019 | 12:52 PM
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Another vote for superbrightleds.com, just check the stock bulb number and match it to their conversion chart.
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Old Mar 7, 2019 | 01:11 PM
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Well, I really recommend LED Strip Lighting .... since you're asking. And just keep the incandescent lamps for turn signals, brake light, and high beams. Too easy.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-tach.html

Last edited by carriljc; Mar 7, 2019 at 01:13 PM.
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