I soldered my own LEDs - with cut to size boards to fit in the socket.
used UV in shift-indicator and painted the letters underneath

 

I like that at type of paint did you use?

 

Hey man, those LEDs came out really good. Which ones specifically did you use?

I wish anyone showing off their LEDs here would post EXACTLY what LEDs they got, from where, etc. It would really help out. I'm still convinced that it's a crapshoot if I order some random 74's because nobody posts which ones they ordered when showing a picture. They could turn out crappy or great. I guess I'll have to try and see...

 

Testors (Neon or Fluorescent?)
Model paint

 

Today - finish up the switch indicators

 

Hey guys, I was thinking about doing the led dash swap myself, is it just a matter of swapping the bulbs or is it more of an electrical thing? Thanks

 

All you gotta do is swap the bulbs

 

Awesome! Ty

 

First Question: Has anyone taked apart the switch modules in the doors to see about replacing the lights in them? I know it would be a solder job, but has anyone attempted it? I took apart the passenger side in a 2000 XJ several years ago and broke one of the switches trying to remove the switch cover. They are not intended to be removed. Anyone attempted this with success? If I do replace bulbs, I want to match these with the rest of the color scheme.

Second: Has anyone had success modifying the dimmer module to work with LEDs? I understand that a dimmer for incandescent bulbs works by varying voltage, which won't affect LEDs because the bulbs likely run off of 5v. As long as the modulating circuits receive more than that, the output won't vary much. For LEDs, dimming is achieved by rapidly pulsing power. The LED puts out less light (because it's not on constantly) but the transitions occur so frequently that the eye simply perceives less light. Ideally, I would use the variable resistance output from the stock dimmer to electronically adjust a pulse width modulation circuit controlling the XJs interior LEDs. This would retain the stock apperance and function. The pull out switch portion would still turn the lights on, but rotation would would indirectly adjust the LED circuit. Alternatively, one could retain the stock wiring and just add a second dimmer in the form of a pulse width modulator. It wouldn't be as intuitive, but is easier to conceive.

Third: LEDs are known to have extremely long lifespans. What are some experiences with the plug and play bulbs people are using? Any indications if they are overheating or if the circuitry that is used to convert the 12v input into whatever the bulbs use is that problem? Have people had better experience with some brands that others? Are there premium LED brands?

Best and thanks for any insight.

 

A lot of times it depends on where you get them. Sometimes, you never know what exactly you're getting when you order LEDs from eBay. Personally, I have never had an issue withe SuperBrightLEDs. They have all been dimmable for me without extra tricks.

LEDs run much cooler than stock bulbs. By a lot! No heat issues whatsoever. As far as premium brands go, I likely wouldn't buy from anywhere else but SuperBrightLEDs.

 

You need to also replace the old hazard thermal relay with an electronic one.

 

Thanks. I didn't figure heat would be as much of an issue as cheap caps on the circuits. I may give this a go even without messing with the window switch lamps. Superbright seems like a good source for the lights themselves.

As for the dimmer, I'd almost like to try adding a dimmer just to see if I could do it and get the results I'm looking for. There are cheaper examples, but this should work. If I knew that the resistance values for the stock dimmer **** matched the **** on this thing, it would be simple. The chances of that are slim though. Should be no issue with the amp limit on this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PWM-dimmer-switch-for-12v-DC-LED-and-panel-lights-6-amp-72-watts-capacity-/131022580284?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e818dea3c&vxp=mtr

 

I don't doubt that an aftermarket dimmer switch would probably play more nice with the LEDs than the stock one.

 

I just want to clarify a few things before I order. I have a 99 sport btw

Which one of these should I get? I heard some look purple after install so I wanna make sure I get the correct ones(I want blue)

Gauge Cluster:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pcs-New-C...-/150830720371

OR

http://www.vleds.com/bulb/74-led/blue-led.html

And this is for Tranny/tcase: http://www.vleds.com/6-blue.html

Thank you!

 

I've ordered a lot of parts while I've been deployed, but there are simply too many pieces and parts to this. I'll check out my bulbs when I take apart the interior... I expect the Jeep will be apart in some fashion for at least one week (if none of the floor pans need replaced), so I'll have time.

Does anyone know if the odometer is green due to a film/cover or because the lcd panel actually puts out green light? My guess is that there is film, but that it's more or less integral to the lcd panel. Thanks if anyone knows.