Blue dash lights like current VW

Hi,

Has anybody ever done this? put LEDs into the dash to make it like the current V dubs?

I want it to work witht the dimmer switch. Can i just colour the two bulbs in the instrument panel. I have tried to change the green filter for a blue one but now i have a weak purple… not cool.

Cheers

Paul.

I've not done it, but logicaly it could be done if you can get hold of the correct LEDs. You would have to put a resister in the circuit, and LEDs don't always dim very well (depending on the LED) but they are about the right size to sit where the existing bulbs do.  

Colouring the existing bulb probably won't work very well, as you already discovered you ended up with a washed out purple. Blue is a weak colour so you need a more powerful bulb to make it bright, the highest wattage of the small bulbs you can buy is 2.4w, which is probably not good enough to make the blue bright enough. Best off swapping them for LEDs if you want to do that.

I tried but it looked rubbish. Since then I've replaced the LEDS with standard VAG bulbs and they are much brighter so I'm happy. Thing is I ordered my LEDs from a useless supplier, my fault. I've used ultraleds before and they are mucher better quality, have a wider range and quicker service. I suggest you try them for some bulbs and see how you go. I also ordered some numberplate LEDs and fetoon jobbies for the interior. The bright white light looks so cool on a white Cabby.

Good luck.

Tian 8)

Thanks for the advise. Is the voltage 12v at these bulbs? then drops with a resistor for dimming?

I will need to know for the leds. I may be able to daisy chain more than two to eliminate the need for a resistor.

i'll ask the experts i think.

Paul.

what about…

http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=1084&osCsid=b9e974600085101743187ddd018f3192

pbwoy said

what about…

http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=1084&osCsid=b9e974600085101743187ddd018f3192

Trouble is that there isn't much space in the clocks and they look too deep to me, can you aford to take out the existing lamps and compare? If you can't you could get a set from VAG, only a few quid, measure them and ask ultraleds to help you out in choosing the right LEDs.

Oh while I remember, I had to modify the twisk lock to get them to fit well. I think they're more suited to modern cars than our old tin can on wheels.

Tian :roll:

oh well i ordered them anyhow. i will fit one on and remove the bulbs. if they don't fit then they where ?3

i will let all know im sure people want to do this type of mod.

Paul.

pbwoy said

oh well i ordered them anyhow. i will fit one on and remove the bulbs. if they don't fit then they where ?3

i will let all know im sure people want to do this type of mod.

Paul.

No worries, you know I'm sure someone's done this already. I think I've seen some images knocking about. Do a search!

Tian :?

i got some of ebay looked good at night

joelgti said

i got some of ebay looked good at night

We need pictures dude! It's dark now……

Tian :mrgreen:

Doesnt anyone do EL sheeting as a replacement for the bulbs on Vws yet?
Its  both dimmable and very versatile with different colours for different parts of the dials available, just not sure if anyone makes em for the Mk1 yet….

I have done this… I used these bulbs, the have the resistor built in so nice and easy, they just need a little trimming which is obvious when you see them  

Didnt realise you had done it andy…they look sweet!  So much brighter than standard pap!

oh yeah, how did you do the LCD?

Overboost said

Doesnt anyone do EL sheeting as a replacement for the bulbs on Vws yet?
Its  both dimmable and very versatile with different colours for different parts of the dials available, just not sure if anyone makes em for the Mk1 yet….

I'd love some proper back lit EL dials but havent found them anywhere for a mk1  .

Only prob would be the needles of course!  wonder if its poss to convert them to back lit?

Nice one Andy - looks good! Did you do the other dash lights too like heater panel or is that just not possible?

Cheers guys  

Dave, a quick run down of how to do it (off top my head):

+Remove clock binacle
+unscrew to remove backing, you can see where the bulbs screw in (90degree twist fit)
+You need to dismantle the clocks until you can remove the green plastic filter
+Continue stripping until you get access to the clock/MFA
+prise green filter from behind LCD
+reattach all together
+twist in new LEDs in place of old bulbs (I obviously used red for the clock and blue for the dials)
+plug in and check you have screwed in the LEDs the correct way round (obviously diodes only work one way)
+enjoy  8)

There is 3 bulbs in total, 1clock and 2 for the dials - you might want to rough the LED up with light sandpaper, it makes the light scatter better  

I am in the process of doing the heater control, you need to remove it, cut/prise off the backing, the green filter cannot be removed so I used wirewool and scrubed it off, refitted everything and then need to get a 12v LED to light it up … the problem I am having is it isnt bright enough, very very dull  

Nice job,

I have ordered the leds, i might try the tubes i bought for the heater control though, the longer tube may help get some light through. either your clock is like mine and will not set time correctly or your out taking snaps at midnight to get the result.

either way cheers.

I've seen some proper back lit el dials, but they were on german ebay so were in kmh, I'd be tempted anyway but my diesel clocks don't have a rev counter so it doesn't really seem worth it….

I'd love a full on kit to change them to mk4 syle with red needles and everything 8)

AndyCEB said

I have done this… I used these bulbs, the have the resistor built in so nice and easy, they just need a little trimming which is obvious when you see them  

I knew I'd seen it somewhere, well done you!

Are they actually a higher wattage than the standard? I changed mine for standard and it makes a world of difference, at least twice as bright as the sixteen year old bulbs that were in there before!

Tian :wink: