Instrument lights changed to LED's

[LIRS6]

Forgive me if this simple task has been posted before, but I did a lot of thread searching and didn't find one covering changing instrument lights, so here we go;

First - disconnect negative battery terminal!



I wanted to install an inline fuse for the instrument lights, which necessitated dropping the headlight switch, so to do so I first removed the knob by pulling it out all the way - there is a hole in the shaft that you can put a small phillips through, or paper clip or such, to hold the shaft while unscrewing the knob off.



Next I needed to unscrew the ring that held the switch in place - i used needle nose pliers to do so.



After dropping the switch, I removed the instrument wire from the switch at terminal 58A



I then installed the inline fuse



Next I put the light switch back in it's place.

I removed the steering wheel to ensure that I had plenty of room to pull out the gauges.

Now you will need to remove the gauges from their ports.

WAIT!! Do not just start prying the gauges out - first check to see if any one of them is loose enough to pull out without needing to use a small screwdriver or such. AHIK. If you find one that easily pulls out, then you can access all of the others and push them out from behind.

If not, then use a small flat screwdriver or other instrument to CAREFULLY work under the rubber gasket and work the gauge off of the panel. I started with the fuel/oil gauge, and then pushed the others out.




I then pried up each bulb holder, replacing each conventional bulb with an LED light (from Carmagic).




Then it was just a matter of replacing the gauges, and the steering wheel, and reconnecting the negative terminal.

And voila!



BTW - these are the "bright" LED's

Jason

[Ctopher]

Can you dim them with the light switch dimmer? Unless you live in the city I can see that killing your night vision driving back roads.

[LIRS6]

Originally Posted by Ctopher

Can you dim them with the light switch dimmer? Unless you live in the city I can see that killing your night vision driving back roads.

The light switch dimmer has minimal effect. I haven't driven the car at night yet to determine if uncomfortable.

Jason

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by LIRS6

The light switch dimmer has minimal effect. I haven't driven the car at night yet to determine if uncomfortable.

Jason

You should be fine,the range of your dimmer is minimal in this case.

[boyt911sc]

Jason,

Great post. I have purchased a set of LED dash light bulbs from a PP member and been sitting for more than 5 years now unused. You have given me some motivation to get this project done. Nice write up and pictorial. Thanks.

Tony

[OldSpool87]

Great write up. Keep in mind that LEDs are sensitive to polarity so if one doesn’t work immediately, it likelike needs to be flipped.

Tony- it’s a gear mod. It’s like getting your first pair of glasses. Never knew how better I could see.

[kavadarci]

Where did you buy the led lights from?

[OldSpool87]

OP got them from Carmagic. Mine are from there as well. Many threads on their LEDs.

[Mike Andrew]

A worthwhile project that does not take much time at all and is not particularly costly. It is nice to be able to read my gages when I occasionally drive at night.
Maybe old eyes was part of the problem as well.

[famoroso]

Originally Posted by Ctopher

Can you dim them with the light switch dimmer? Unless you live in the city I can see that killing your night vision driving back roads.

Not so much, if at all, with the original dimmer. Carmagic sells an optional dimmer that gets wired inline should you so choose.

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

Great write up. Keep in mind that LEDs are sensitive to polarity so if one doesn’t work immediately, it likelike needs to be flipped.

True for many LED bulbs like the festoon units in the dome lights. These, however, only go in one way. There's nothing to "flip."

Enjoy.

[jwill911]

I did the same thing got the LEDs from Carmagic too. I like the illumination much better. BTW I'm a cyclist and a plastic tire lever works very well for removing the gauges without any damage.

jw

[famoroso]

Originally Posted by jwill911

I did the same thing got the LEDs from Carmagic too. I like the illumination much better. BTW I'm a cyclist and a plastic tire lever works very well for removing the gauges without any damage.

jw

True that. Also, plastic trim removal tools work well too. Although, I like the push from behind with wooden broom handle, or the like, method too. Hang a towel over the steering column in case the gauge pops out abruptly.

[AHudson]

I did the LED gauge light conversion about a year and a half ago, and I must say it is one of the most instantly appreciated upgrades I made.

Got the LEDs from a Pelican Member, ETarga, and they were fantastically organized, neatly bagged, great directions. I chose the bright white and love it. If there were a light green tinted option, my nostalgic side might choose that. Best wishes.

[69porsche]

I as well did the conversion for all of my Porsches......it's worth it, not expensive and can easily be done by any one and it pays off in being able to see the gauges at night !

[goat]

Question?
Is the in-line Fuse a recommend from the LED maker or a safety issue you wanted?
Thanks Tim

[Lyle O]

IP lights is one of several circuits that Porsche did not fuse from the factory, but should have. It's an easy fix and can help avoid unpleasant issues as these cars age. You should do it whether you put in LEDs or not (but you really SHOULD switch to LEDs).

[LIRS6]

Originally Posted by goat

Question?
Is the in-line Fuse a recommend from the LED maker or a safety issue you wanted?
Thanks Tim

I did it for the reason expressed by Lyle

Jason

[goat]

Originally Posted by LIRS6

I did it for the reason expressed by Lyle

Good to know. This is on my project list, so I will do the same.
Thanks, very helpful.

[93nav]

LISR6,

Nice write up and pics. Now maybe I can get off my butt and do mine.

Also, why did you not use a blade type fuse, and what fuse size? Or did I miss that detail.

[LIRS6]

Originally Posted by 93nav

LISR6,

Nice write up and pics. Now maybe I can get off my butt and do mine.

Also, why did you not use a blade type fuse, and what fuse size? Or did I miss that detail.

3 reasons; it seemed to me to be more "period correct" than a blade type, it's less bulky than a blade type, and it was $2 cheaper than a blade type.

2 A

Jason