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  •  » While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

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    6/11/2024 9:48 AM  #1

    Greg B
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    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,675

    While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    Has anyone found an actual led bulb that fits and works?  They do not want to stay in the housing.  I've tried two so far.







    One bulb is actually bigger than stock.  I was thinking of trying maybe some solder, or softer spring.  Anyone?

    Edit:  what I see as the problem is the spring in the light housing is so strong it's literally crushing in the hold points then the bulb won't stay in the socket.  If you look at bulb three you can see how its indenting.   Other than sticking a glob of solder on it there, not sure what else to try other than cutting the tension spring.  I tried squeezing the housing with pliers ( its an extra) but it just caused the bulb points to crush more leading to the same problem.   Funny thing is, didn't experience this with the Galaxie harness sockets.

    Last edited by Greg B (6/11/2024 1:01 PM)

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     

    6/11/2024 10:14 AM  #2

    Cab4word67
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    From: Portland, Ore
    Registered: 4/06/2019
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    i just drove 7500 miles and while I have blue lights and added the full tape rope inside the housing I have decided to switch over to a LED display. I couldnt see my numbers in the daytime while wearing my sun glasses. But My installed blue LED volt gauge stood out perfecily at just a glance. Now to decide if I want the Intellitronixs $400 made in USA or go Dakota Dig $1500

    Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     

    6/13/2024 9:27 AM  #3

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    I had issues with the 65 dash light sockets (1895 bulbs) and replacement LED bulbs.  The LED bulbs were slightly smaller and sometimes would not stay in the sockets.  I used pliers to crush these metal sockets with some success.  I had some later version plastic sockets (for1895 bulbs) that the LEDs fit w/o issues, so I replaced the original metal sockets with the plastic one.  I've seen these plastic sockets for sale from a few different venders.
    I have replaced all the OEM bulbs (except headlights) for LEDs from SuperBrightLEDs, and they were able to help me with an LED bulb to fit my early 70's Sun Tach.  Suggest giving them a call, they may have a different LED that fits better. 

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    6/13/2024 3:21 PM  #4

    Don
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    From: Coppell, Texas
    Registered: 4/02/2013
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    I mess with bulbs for a number of years,, and ended up going this route with crusie control   noted when I did it they were 50% less ???

    Dakota Digital  

     

     

    6/26/2024 11:46 AM  #5

    Greg B
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.


    upload image share

    I took these bulbs that won't stay in the metal socket and cut a piece of masking tape about 1/4" wide and put on the bulbs.  It resulted in making the bulb much more centered and stable in the metal socket.  I tried to manipulate it and I could not get it to come out.

    Not suggesting masking tape is the solution, maybe some electrical tape.  I'm going to search around and see if anyone makes a tiny rubber band that might work. 

    This is not necessary on the plastic sockets.  But these bulbs just don't want to stay in the metal-type sockets found on our Mustangs.

    Simple solution!

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
       •Thread Starter
     

    6/26/2024 12:28 PM  #6

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,156

    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    Tried heat shrink tubing?

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    6/26/2024 1:11 PM  #7

    Greg B
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    MS wrote:

    Tried heat shrink tubing?

    No, but that is darn good idea and easy enough to have a go.
     

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
       •Thread Starter
     

    6/26/2024 3:06 PM  #8

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    Rolled  shim stock and cyanoacrylate might work as it is conductive for a better ground.
    We all know how important grounds are.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    6/27/2024 6:55 AM  #9

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
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    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    Greg B - good idea, thanks for sharing. 

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    6/27/2024 9:20 AM  #10

    Quicksilver
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    From: California Central Coast
    Registered: 9/22/2013
    Posts: 259

    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    My new led's were loose also so I just soldiered a little drop nub on each terminal and it seemed to work pretty well.

    Money can't buy happiness. Butt it can buy Car Parts... and that is pretty much the same thing.67 FastBack
     

    6/27/2024 10:54 AM  #11

    Cab4word67
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    From: Portland, Ore
    Registered: 4/06/2019
    Posts: 1,152

    Re: While messing with dashes.. led bulbs.

    I tried them and was finding the pegs/pins were just not grabing in the sockets. When I converted over to the new GT dash I replaced my sockets with black ruber ones I found on Amazon and the bulbs fit nicely. now if I could just get them all to be brighter.

    Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     

     

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