Gauges

The_Vermonster

The_Vermonster

Well-known member
I picked up a Raptor Engineering cowl and binnacle to replace the destroyed stock parts. When I pulled the gauges out of the old binnacle I noticed that every single light bulb holder has been broken off and is floating inside the gauge. Probably the first reason that I have no dash lights.


If I get the green lenses out by breaking them, what should I do for new lights. I don't care if I have to rewire some new connectors. I might do that anyway so I don't have 50 wires coming off the gauges. Has anyone switched to LEDs?

I know I could just toss them and get new VDO gauges, but I like the idea of keeping the original Smiths. Ideally I'd like to get these refurbished as they are quite faded, but I don't have the money right now to afford that luxury.
 
The_Vermonster

The_Vermonster

Well-known member
javelinadave said:
I swapped them out on my old truck with wedge type LED bulbs. You may need to get a bit creative with the mounts since yours are busted but these should work. I'm sure there are plenty of people in your shoes so please report back with whatever you do.
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Wedge...1484160052&sr=1-2&keywords=wedge+bulb+sockets
Click to expand...

Those look perfect. One question though. They say max diameter is 20mm is that the size of the hole they go into or the max size of the rubber. My gauges have a 15mm hole and I don't want to enlarge it.
 
The_Vermonster

The_Vermonster

Well-known member
For some reason I read that you had ordered them yourself. I just wasn't paying attention. So, I went ahead and ordered them after seeing a comment about success with drilling a 9/16 hole. That should be more than close enough for me. If nothing else a little hot glue will help.

I also ordered some LED bulbs. I hope they aren't too bright, but the price was nice. Seems like every LED bulb is "super-white," "50,000 lumen," "better than HID." terrible for instrument panels and a good way to destroy your night vision. I'll wire them up inside and play with it before mounting the whole binnacle.

If it works out, I'll have an extra set of 5 holders and bulbs that I'd be happy to pass along.
 
NPT90

NPT90

Well-known member
I bought at autozone, just grab an old bulb and walk in. I am not 100% sure they fit exactly but where they install I cannot see them vibrating out
 
RDavisinVA

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
I have painted LED bulbs yellow to change the shade and intensity and held the bulb in place with clear silicone.
 
rover4x4

rover4x4

Well-known member
Dont waste your time on those facotry gauges, VDO vision gauges are easily one of the best things Ive done to my 90
 
The_Vermonster

The_Vermonster

Well-known member
rover4x4 said:
Dont waste your time on those facotry gauges, VDO vision gauges are easily one of the best things Ive done to my 90
Click to expand...

I know I'll probably end up there, especially with the bouncing speedo. But I'm about to swap to a galvanized chassis and repair the bulkhead so the $300 for new gauges can be better spent elsewhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top