Insturment Lighting Upgrades? (1 Viewer)

[LAMBCRUSHER]

I have not been able to find anything on getting more light out of the gauges. What have some of you done? Is it possible to just get a brighter bulb that screws right into the back of the gauge? Or is it like a 40, where one can just remove a shield from the bulb to get more lumes? Thank you.

 

[LC_Hamma]

SOR has some PIAA Superwhite dash bulbs listed for $19 bux a pair:
Specter Off-Road Land Cruiser Parts - Page 176 Dash Switches 40, 45 & 55 Series

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Thanks for the link. Does anyone know if they're actually brighter, or are they just replacements?

 

[PabloCruise]

There is a guy making 40 gauge cluster mods that is putting EL wire in the clusters for better light - check here:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...ven-mechanical-gauges-into-stock-cluster.html

 

[cruiser_guy]

You have checked the instrument dimmer right? I don't know if all '55's have this but mine dims the dash lights by rotating the light switch.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Yeah, the dimmer works-although I have not measured to see if I am getting full pot to those lights!(eel'lectricians wiring and the cobblers kids shoes!) Thanx, will check that out this a/n. I am just tired of seeing dark hemispheres in the dials!
So nobody has dropped twenty bux to see if those specter lights are worth it?

 

[cruiser_guy]

So nobody has dropped twenty bux to see if those specter lights are worth it?

I have no problem with my dash lighting. Maybe you have some burned out bulbs?

 

[PabloCruise]

I have no problem with my dash lighting. Maybe you have some burned out bulbs?

Great thought!

My 55 lighting is adequate - much better than the 40 lighting

 

[OregonCruzer]

I've thought about doing up some LED style leads for lighting, but as my dash lighting works ok, have'nt put much thought beyond just that-a thought.

 

[flaa1a]

I bought those lights from SOR. I was a little dissappointed. i thought they would make a huge difference. They were only a little brighter.....
Randy

 

[nuclearlemon]

i bought cheap little led lightbulbs from superbrightleds.com huge difference.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Thank you all. I still have to check the dimmer out put- just got the harness re-taped, and test fired the new mill . Ran it long enough to find all the leaks and things like exhaust donut leak . Got it up to temp and shut it down for the rest of this rainy week . Flaa, thanx for that tid bit on those SUPERBRITE bulbs- I don't need to waste any more $$$. Lemon, do you have any more 411 on those light emitting diodes? I am curious....

 

[nuclearlemon]

they make it stupid easy...just get the original bulb number and look it up on their sight.
SUPER BRIGHT LEDS - LED Lights & Accessories action=DispPage&Page2Disp=/1157.htm

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

So it bolts right up? Seweet! And you like them, too. I'll have to look into that, Thank You!

 

[nuclearlemon]

So it bolts right up? Seweet! And you like them, too. I'll have to look into that, Thank You!

Yes, the bases are the same as a regular incandescent bulb, so they plug right in.

 

[abruzzi]

The main thing you have to worry about with LED replacements is sometimes the base will match but the bulb will be longer or shaped differently. In tight spaces like the instrument cluster there might not be space for the LED bulb. (That was the case on using LED in the dash of my datsun 280z.) But is nuclearlemon has already figured that out, I'm sure you are good to go.

(The other things with LED is if you change out the turn signal bulbs, it screws with the speed of flashing since older flashers used the current draw of the circuit, and the LEDs draw very little current.)

Geof

 

[73fj55]

I hope this is not considered a hijack, but the PO put in an internal rollbar system and part of the rollbar goes across the top of the dash...drivers side to pass side. I have been toying with the idea of putting in a UV LED, on the front/bottom of the bar, so it will 'reflect' the white lettering on the instrument panel/switches. It is a pain in the ass trying to search for things like that in the dark, especially when driving. Thoughts? has anyone used a UV LED before? Does it show everything in purple vs what I am hoping for.

thanks

 

[cruiserbrett]

There are 5w bulbs with the same push in base as the stock 3.4w ones. A bmw guy turned me on to them a few years ago. dont think its a standard US bulb, so may have to look a bit harder.

 

[elroberds]

Has anyone tried these LED lights from SOR. I have not pulled my instrument cluster to see if they are the same as the 40 bulbs. I just purchased the replacement instrument panel and was going to clean everything up and see if I could get a bit more light since it is my daily driver.

 

[ToyotaMatt]

Has anyone tried these LED lights from SOR. I have not pulled my instrument cluster to see if they are the same as the 40 bulbs. I just purchased the replacement instrument panel and was going to clean everything up and see if I could get a bit more light since it is my daily driver.

what modle year is your 55 ?

i see you have 3 in your signature line


are u sure there the BAYONET style twist LOCk or and NOT a T-10 wedge style peanut bulb ?


i have updated several FJ55 Cluster meters over the last 2 years or so ,

in addition to simply adding / updating to LED bulbs , you absolutely want to consider a LIGHTS Shades Modification , this will change your nightime driving experience for the rest of your life for the better !




here are a few examples of my past 55 work and include ALL the lightshades Modifications too