Under the dash!
Discussion
Finally got around to replacing the steering bulkhead bearing today. Had a few other jobs to do while there so apologies for several questions.
The dreaded yellow connector had been removed by a previous owner but they'd just soldered the wires with no connectors. Wanted to get the column out so I've bought and fitted an Anderson connector based on some posts I'd seen on here. Hadn't realised that these don't have a positive clipping action. Solved with a cable tie (where would we without them) but is there a better connector that does clip for this job?
The reason I wanted the column out is that the instrument lights are useless, only seem to (almost) light one side of the speedo and rev counter. Once I got under the dash I could see why the rev counter was only half lit, one of the lamps was dangling behind the dash. Speedo was more interesting as it doesn't seem to have a lamp for the left side. Do I need to rummage more or just assume it was built on a Friday with a lamp shortage in Blackpool?
In a fit of enthusiasm I've ordered some green LED 501 5w bulbs off the bay. Anyone tried these? Weren't expensive so no loss if they don't work but they were cheaper than normal green bulbs.
Ta,
Gary
The dreaded yellow connector had been removed by a previous owner but they'd just soldered the wires with no connectors. Wanted to get the column out so I've bought and fitted an Anderson connector based on some posts I'd seen on here. Hadn't realised that these don't have a positive clipping action. Solved with a cable tie (where would we without them) but is there a better connector that does clip for this job?
The reason I wanted the column out is that the instrument lights are useless, only seem to (almost) light one side of the speedo and rev counter. Once I got under the dash I could see why the rev counter was only half lit, one of the lamps was dangling behind the dash. Speedo was more interesting as it doesn't seem to have a lamp for the left side. Do I need to rummage more or just assume it was built on a Friday with a lamp shortage in Blackpool?
In a fit of enthusiasm I've ordered some green LED 501 5w bulbs off the bay. Anyone tried these? Weren't expensive so no loss if they don't work but they were cheaper than normal green bulbs.
Ta,
Gary
I tried LED's to illuminate the swiths on my centre console. They were brighter but I found them a fiddle to wire up and the wires from the back of the LED's are brittle and snap easily. I replaced the bulbs in the instruments with green 5W ones - much better. If you can't find green ones, paint the clear ones with green ink.
I've ordered the plug in replacements - pretty cheap from here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Main concern was whether they'd fit in the holders or whether the collar on them might get in the way. I'll let you know.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Main concern was whether they'd fit in the holders or whether the collar on them might get in the way. I'll let you know.
Thought some may be interested in a comparison of instrument bulbs. Well if you are as sad as I am.
Here's TVR's finest 3W with green sleeve, an LED and a green 5W. The pictures a bit misleading as some of the sleeve is missing from the 3W.
Speedo with 2 LEDs, rev counter with 2 green 5Ws. The rev counter actually looks much more evenly lit that the speedo.
Same but with the dimmer switch on dimmer setting (above full brightness)
The LEDs look to have a bit of a sweet spot down the axis of the bulb. I might try painting the end over and see if it gives a more even spread.
The pictures are actually a little dimmer than what the eye sees.
Do I get sad git of the day award?
Gary
Here's TVR's finest 3W with green sleeve, an LED and a green 5W. The pictures a bit misleading as some of the sleeve is missing from the 3W.
Speedo with 2 LEDs, rev counter with 2 green 5Ws. The rev counter actually looks much more evenly lit that the speedo.
Same but with the dimmer switch on dimmer setting (above full brightness)
The LEDs look to have a bit of a sweet spot down the axis of the bulb. I might try painting the end over and see if it gives a more even spread.
The pictures are actually a little dimmer than what the eye sees.
Do I get sad git of the day award?
Gary
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