I had to take my insturment cluster out and I figured while I had it out I could upgrade the dash light as they are a bit dim, how does l.e.d lights work? Do I simply buy green l.e.d Bulbs and insert them or is there more too it?, also can I remove the blue plastic inserts that make the lights originally green?

 

LED stands for light-emitting diode. A diode is a type of semiconductor in which two specially-doped materials are joined to form what is called a PN junction. When current passes through the junction, the voltage across the junction remains fairly constant, and typically quite low. For a 12-volt automotive application, a current-limiting resistor is placed in series with the LED to drop the remaining voltage. In the case of a light-emitting diode, the junction emits light as current passes through the series network. In this case, light output (typically measured in mcd) is a function of the series resistance.

That's all there is to it. The only time additional work may be required is if you're replacing the turn signal bulbs with LEDs. In this case, you must install a shunt or upgrade to an electronic flasher (better). If you're only replacing the turn signal indicator bulbs with LEDs and you're keeping incandescents out at the four corners of the truck, then you don't need to do anything.

If you're using colored bulbs, then you might try removing the inserts. Note, however, that these also act as diffusers to help spread the light around, in addition to coloring the light. You might find the light less spread out without the inserts.

 

1. Use the search option on here to get all the info for it.
2. Here is a great place to shop, I see this place mentioned on FTE all the time.

Instrument Cluster and Gauge | LED Car Bulbs | Super Bright LEDs

 

hipoparts.com makes a complete conversion kit specifically for the 61-79 Ford Trucks. With (i believe) 3 different color LED lights and different levels of upgrades. The most expensive kit (50 bucks or so) allows you to keep the use of the factory dimmer.

 

i did this with the hipo parts its nice and bright and i took them right back out.

 

Inquiring minds want to know.... Why did you take them back out?

 

way to bright for me i guess. i like to keep my dash lights as dim as possible. it seemed even with the lights turned all the way down it was still to bright.

 

Did mine, used blue 194 single LED bulbs off ebay(can't remember how many exactly, but a 10 pack left me spares) for the cluster and signal indicators and one 1445 LED for the light switch light. It looks super bright here, but it's not blinding at night, I'd actually like them brighter. They're about half as bright as the cluster in my 2001 is stock. Simple mod though, took under 30 min, I did it with the cluster in because I didn't want it to come apart on me. I did have to shave the holder for the light switch light however, but it was no big deal. Also did my temp gauge too. I think total it cost me like $10-15

 

Put HIPO kit in mine. It's hard to capture the level of brightness in a picture. It's not really this bright in real life (signals do not look lit when not on).

 

Those look amazing thanks for the pics

 

Very nice! I may have to look into that!!

 

March, did you put clear lights in there or a blue? They look great!

 

I bought the blue light kit from HIPO. Blue lights for general illumination (you remove the blue filters). Green for signals, and I think just clear for the highbeam.

 

I didn't even know they had a kit for them lol luckily they had the blue filter, with a blue bulb, so they turned out nice.

 

I remembered today that I also bought a small vile of red flourescent paint from HIPO at the same time. It's more work because you have to pull the cluster, but it really brings the old gage needles back to life.