On my 54 I needed to add some indicators for turn sigs, high beam and brake pressure since these features are not supported by the Dolphin quad gauge set I am using. A visit to Radio Shack netted me two green, one red and one orange 12V LEDs that require a 9/32 mounting hole. The LEDs are secured using a provided lockwasher and nut on the back side but have nothing on the front to "frame" the light and no LED holders were found that fit this size LED.

I stubbled upon a solution though while picking out hardware at the local Ace Hardware. "Finishing Washers" These are cup like washers that come in alum, brass or nickel plated. The 7/16" size is a tight fit but the LED threads right into the finishing washer and stands it out off the dash. The result is a indicator that looks well finished instead of being "just there".

Once I finish the dash wiring I will toss some pics out but thought someone else could use this tip in the mean time.

Looking forward to seeing the pics when you get them. Sounds like a nice solution.

Sounds like a good lookin' plan.

You might be able to resize some of those decorative interior screw cups with a Dremel tool - there must be hundreds of shapes and sizes available to look at - and if you have an auto upholsterer close by, maybe he would help with only a few for a buck or two.

A note about 12V LEDs from Radio Shack - they might not survive long as your alternator/battery will put out somewhere in the range of 13.4 - 14 volts

Dave W

Another option that I've found as well is sometimes I'll run across some indicator lights that have a nice chrome bezel on 'em. I've seen 'em at Carlisle, but max diameter of the bezel is almost 1/2", stand ~1/4" tall, and have two white wires with small brass ring terminals coming out the back.

These indicator lights are just a small white bulb with a colored insert in the bezel (I've seen 'em in red, green, blue, yellow, and purple). What's great about these lights is you can open 'em up, remove the bulb and wiring, and there is enough room in the housing itself for a standard sized LED and a 1/4-watt resistor to drop the voltage. pop in the led/resistor combo and it's good to go. This improves the brightness as well as color (same color LED to same color insert). Of course, I've only seen these indicator lights at car shows - haven't seen these exact ones on-line yet.

yet another option,
- Mike

The LEDs I am using are rated for a max voltage of 16V and have an internal resistor. I am running some tests now to determine if I need to place another resistor in series with the supply voltage to reduce the brightness. To facilitate replacement of the LEDs in the future I am planning to use plug connectors on the feeds instead of soldering them.

Sounds good - I just wanted to know that you are aware that there are LEDs and then there are - LEDs - and that Radio Shack pieces don't always make a good transition to automobiles

We still need to see how you make out - i.e. photos

Dave W

Here are a couple of pics of the LEDs. The mounting plate color is going to change to a charcoal to better contrast with the dash color.

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I like it - and you could do polished stainless as well

I like it! They should work good if your using the correct resistor. Has anyone seen the fiber optic turn signal indicators? Are they bright enough to be seen? They sell for $43 on Watson's site. http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/..._equipment.html

Dave

Since you mount the fiber optic cable where you want, then you will see it. I think the object is to hide the indicator lights. Any way $43 seems a bit pricey for three leds and a length of fiber optic line. Look on ebay and you can buy in bulk quanitys. there's a auction now for over 1000ft of stuff setting at about $30.00. TF

I did come across some other LEDs in my search that have a nice chrome/stainless housing. They were marine LED indicators but the mounting hole needed as significantly larger and the lights a bit bulky for me. I believe there were from West Marine if anyone is interested.

I tested the orange LED for the high beam indicator last night in a dark garage and think I will toss a 100 ohm resistor in line with the feed to see if that reduces the brightness a bit. The other LEDs will be fine as they are.

that's excactly what I need to do in my '48 ! How about some part numbers, so 'we' can go to a radio shack and 'sound ' like we know what we're talking about ?

The part numbers are 276-270 (red), 276-271 (grn), 276-272 (org).

At my local store these are located in a drawer unit in one of the aisles. If you ask one of the clerks for help you run the risk of frying their harddrive.

I hope to perform a 24 hour test on the four LEDs I bought this weekend to see how well they hold up under a constant 12-14V load.