Dash Lighting [cost and access of incandescent Bulbs]

[Duane_Rhynard]

Everyone who is considering LEDS should be aware that all LEDS are not created equal. I purchased some for my instruments on eBay, they were very bright but also ran very very hot, over 564 degrees Fahrenheit! Way too hot to be inside any of my instruments or behind my dash!

I then ordered the two Moss Motors has for sale, they measured 240 Fahrenheit for the multi-element LED and 171 Fahrenheit for the flat LED. As a reference, the stock incandescent measures 423 Fahrenheit. (See infrared images below)

I also have LEDS for all of my brake, turn signal, and running lights, utilizing the flasher unit from https://www.superbrightleds.com/ (See image below) which does not require any resistors or any other additional equipment or modifications.

Thanks,
Duane


Top Image: Stock incandescent
Bottom Left Moss Flat
Bottom Right: eBay LED

 

[AUSMHLY]

Who's Paul?
Ray, if you're going to use the superbright LED in the directionals, consider using them in the high beam and ignition too. (Moss does not recommend using them for directional nor ignition. I've not had any problems in over 8 yrs. I found using them in the directionals made such an improvement that I can see it during the day)
Make sure you get the ones like I used, as I tested a lot of led and the one below was the best.
https://autolumination.com/otherleds.htm
E10 superstar led Bulb, 1449 E10 Screw Base Bulb

 

[RAC68]

Sorry Roger,

Old age is moving fast. A friend, Paul, phoned as I was typing my comment and that was what happened.

Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[steveg]

Who's Paul?
Ray, if you're going to use the superbright LED in the directionals, consider using them in the high beam and ignition too. (Moss does not recommend using them for directional nor ignition. I've not had any problems in over 8 yrs. I found using them in the directionals made such an improvement that I can see it during the day)
Make sure you get the ones like I used, as I tested a lot of led and the one below was the best.
https://autolumination.com/otherleds.htm
E10 superstar led Bulb, 1449 E10 Screw Base Bulb
View attachment 42154

Can you provide a better link? I was unable, using the link above, to find the exact bulb you're advocating.

 

[Keoke]

Can you provide a better link? I was unable, using the link above, to find the exact bulb you're advocating.????

IT is there Steve.
Copy the link and paste it in may work.
I just clicked on his link it it was OK

 

[RAC68]

Hi All,

Does anyone know where I can get 2 snap-in light sockets for original-type screw-based bulbs that I can add for the additional incandescent bulbs to be installed in my Speedometer and Tachometer? So far, my web search has yielded no results.

Thanks,
Ray(

 

[steveg]

I believe British Wiring has the plastic sockets as used in MGs.

 

[steveg]

When I click or copy/paste the link, I get this, not the desired bulb itself:

 

[Keoke]

OH! Isn't the 1449 E10 the one you want Steve ???

1449 E10 Screw Base Bulb Replaces: 52, 258, 428, 432, 1446, 1447

 

[AUSMHLY]

When I click or copy/paste the link, I get this, not the desired bulb itself:
View attachment 42171

Steve, scroll down on that page and you'll find the section. The area is below that 5th blue line that runs across the page.
https://autolumination.com/otherleds.htm
E10 superstar led Bulb, 1449 E10 Screw Base Bulb

 

[AUSMHLY]

Hi All,

Does anyone know where I can get 2 snap-in light sockets for original-type screw-based bulbs that I can add for the additional incandescent bulbs to be installed in my Speedometer and Tachometer? So far, my web search has yielded no results.

Thanks,
Ray(

Hello Ray,
Moss Motors, part 161-915, $6.79 each
https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=28931&SortOrder=250

 

[RAC68]

Thanks Roger,

Orders will be placed and, hopefully, on their way soon.

All the best,
Ray(64BJ8P1)

 

[steveg]

Steve, scroll down on that page and you'll find the section. The area is below that 5th blue line that runs across the page.
https://autolumination.com/otherleds.htm
E10 superstar led Bulb, 1449 E10 Screw Base Bulb

Found it, thank you.

 

[EV2239]

Never forget the company that may have made the looms when the cars were new.

https://www.autosparks.co.uk

theyre an amazing resource and lovely to deal with.

 

[RAC68]

Hi All,

Although I intend to take the 2 incandescent approach presented by Roger because of the brighter and more period-consistent color, here is the approach using the Electroluminescent Tape (https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/content.php?153-Lighting-gauges-with-Electroluminescent-Tape). The cost seems much less then that of LEDs and the brightness and longevity seems about equal.

Ray(64BJ8P1)

 

[AUSMHLY]

Hi All,

Although I intend to take the 2 incandescent approach presented by Roger because of the brighter and more period-consistent color, here is the approach using the Electroluminescent Tape (https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/content.php?153-Lighting-gauges-with-Electroluminescent-Tape). The cost seems much less then that of LEDs and the brightness and longevity seems about equal.

Ray(64BJ8P1)

Thanks Ray for sharing.

As much as I like the idea of using Electroluminescent tape, I see 2 issues.
1. It's a blue light. One may not want that color.
2. How it's attached. Glued or taped. Over time in the changeing conditions inside the car, winter cold, summer hot, humidity, the adhesive may give way.

Problems down the road?
Tape will be an issue if it stops working or glue releases or dries out. Then you're back to gauge removal, open up, fix, close and replace.
Bulbs, unscrew, replace.

As far as cost, Electroluminescent tape $8. LED bulbs $8. Incadescent bulbs $4. Bulb sockets $4. Price is not an issue. Most likely one of the cheapest improvements one can make on the car.

 

[bdcvg]

How many beers did it take to find the courage to drill holes in the gauge cases?

 

[AUSMHLY]

How many beers did it take to find the courage to buy a Healey... you'll be working on a Healey after you buy it.