1954-195X LED conversion for dash/instrument panel and brake/turn signal lights

[J. Gomez]

I know these particular topics have been previously discussed on several threads here, although a few of them may have been left as an open/ended conclusion.   

I took both of these topics separately to do an analysis if either one can be feasible adapted to our cars with a minimum modification as possible. The two files attach will show what I have done on my testing and implementation.

The first one "Turn signal conversion to LED" this one I have done on my 1956 after setting and testing different configurations. Unfortunately, the way Cadillac/GM had the front turn signal with the dash indicator wired, the front and dash indicator lights had to remain with the old filament bulbs.

Additional detail as to "why" can be found on the attach document. This one took me a while to complete (as you can see on the draft/updates dates) as I had to do all the testing/validation physically on the car.    

The second one "Dash LEDs lights analysis test" this was done on my work bench so all the layouts were a bit simpler. Since this one was just finished recently I'm still considering doing the modifications it all depends if my lower back is capable to handle the twisting/bending.   

Again my testing/analysis was done to minimize the existing settings without doing major modifications to the OEM layout.

Hope you enjoy these, and good luck if you take the challenge on your side.

[dn010]

All good helpful info, thanks for posting those.

For what it's worth, I changed all bulbs on my 57 to LED. It's hard for me to see at night with incandescent lights and the LEDs are a big difference. The only bulb I could not change was the generator bulb because my alternator needs the incandescent bulb in order to excite and start charging, not enough resistance from the LED bulb. I'm not sure if it would work with the original generator or not. For the dash lights, you can buy dimmable LED bulbs which seem to work fine, my only issue was in a pack of 20, several of them did not work so I had to get more. All bulbs to LED included the flasher/signal/fog light bulbs which took some time because I needed to unsolder the ring that the original bulb uses to connect the bulb to the housing, and solder them carefully on the LED bulb. It also took a while to source a proper LED flasher for the application. I would do it all over again if I had to.

[J. Gomez]

All good helpful info, thanks for posting those.

For what it's worth, I changed all bulbs on my 57 to LED. It's hard for me to see at night with incandescent lights and the LEDs are a big difference. The only bulb I could not change was the generator bulb because my alternator needs the incandescent bulb in order to excite and start charging, not enough resistance from the LED bulb. I'm not sure if it would work with the original generator or not. For the dash lights, you can buy dimmable LED bulbs which seem to work fine, my only issue was in a pack of 20, several of them did not work so I had to get more. All bulbs to LED included the flasher/signal/fog light bulbs which took some time because I needed to unsolder the ring that the original bulb uses to connect the bulb to the housing, and solder them carefully on the LED bulb. It also took a while to source a proper LED flasher for the application. I would do it all over again if I had to.

Dan,

Sure no problem, thanks.

I'm on the same boat as you like the old say "let it be light" I've also like to get these brighter for my own comfort.   

I did replace must of all the bulbs with LEDs interior and exterior except for those which have to remain with the old filament style, like in my case the fog/turn signal bulbs 1044 and the two turn signal indicators. There are a few which must also remain with the old filament type such as the glove compartment and the "GEN" one these have reversed wires so the + side is on the bulb metal case.

I replace few ones on the instrument cluster high beam, oil and Ebrake while I added a circuit board I build for the fuel gauge (similar to the slosh modules used on newer cars). The dash lights will be my last effort to move to all LEDs but those will be done in a future venture.

[chelonian]

All good helpful info, thanks for posting those.

For what it's worth, I changed all bulbs on my 57 to LED. It's hard for me to see at night with incandescent lights and the LEDs are a big difference. The only bulb I could not change was the generator bulb because my alternator needs the incandescent bulb in order to excite and start charging, not enough resistance from the LED bulb. I'm not sure if it would work with the original generator or not. For the dash lights, you can buy dimmable LED bulbs which seem to work fine, my only issue was in a pack of 20, several of them did not work so I had to get more. All bulbs to LED included the flasher/signal/fog light bulbs which took some time because I needed to unsolder the ring that the original bulb uses to connect the bulb to the housing, and solder them carefully on the LED bulb. It also took a while to source a proper LED flasher for the application. I would do it all over again if I had to.

Dan, you probably know this but many LED lights are unidirectional. So, if they dont work, turn them around in the socket.