Dash warning lights???

[bug-er]

Hey just got an autometer 5 inch speedo, problems now what lights to use for my dash warning lights and where to get them from. Have looked in my local electrical shop and they all look nasty, after something modern that isnt going to look out of place. as far as i know i need the indicator warning light - green, the high beam warning - blue, the alternator idiont light - red and the oil pressure idiot light also red
Also any suggestions as to where to put them in the dash? really dont want to cut any more holes in the dash. Was thinking g using another autometer dash pod and mounting it in there???
Adam

[Bill K.]

Do you mean underdash pod? That would work, but the speaker panel may be a better place in terms of visiability.

I agree that all the standard incandescent panel mount bulbs I've seen are too bulky. You could use panel mount LED's, but watch out for the generator light. If you have an internally regulated alternator like I do, make sure the LED can pass enough current to initiate the field or the alterantor won't turn on when the engine is running (idiot light stays on). I'm not sure if a little LED would work with a generator, but probably not since they all use a regulator to kick them on. I worked around my problem with the LED by using a relay to turn on the LED. Wiring the LED in parrallel to the regulator wire may also work (tried it, but had it wired wrong. have'nt tried it the right way yet).

[justdubbin]

Hey just got an autometer 5 inch speedo, problems now what lights to use for my dash warning lights and where to get them from. Have looked in my local electrical shop and they all look nasty, after something modern that isnt going to look out of place. as far as i know i need the indicator warning light - green, the high beam warning - blue, the alternator idiont light - red and the oil pressure idiot light also red
Also any suggestions as to where to put them in the dash? really dont want to cut any more holes in the dash. Was thinking g using another autometer dash pod and mounting it in there???
Adam

Adam you might have to ask someone about this as your just a pup according to your profile ;)

Can you remember the Triumph Dolomite or the 2500 ? on the dash there was a seperate display for all of the warning lights, you could maybe use that or to make it a little more modern use some coloured gel (similar to what Vauxhall used on the MkII Astra GTE dash) over the top of the dolly styled dial.

I hope this helps you find a solution.


Rob.

[rustbucket]

Another idea

You could cut out a small portion of the side guage panel, cut a small piece of plexiglass/lexan or similar material to fit the hole, mount the cheesy lights behind that, and then paint the plexiglass in all but a small area where the light would shine through. Maybe even use that smoked tailight paint.

[bug-er]

right good ideas guys
BUT the dash in my bug is smoothed, so no speaker vents unfortunatly.
Would LEDS need resistors?
i was thinking of dismatling the autometer speedo and drilling some holes for the LEDS what you think? I reckon it could go either way, look good or really bad!!
Adam

[Steve C]

Hi

Hella make some nice warning lights, I had them in my old 1302.

Steve

[beetle1303]

thats what im going to use on my 1303
dont know what to do with the brake light though

http://www.demon-tweeks.com/catalogue/product_detail.asp?PCODE=L/LBRIGHT6&GRP=MP056&PGRP=M004&CLS=MSPORT&from=search
demon tweeks are located in the uk

Chris

[justdubbin]

Chris thats a great idea, do you know the actual size of it?

http://www.demon-tweeks.com/resources/images/zoom/L_LBRIGHT6.jpg


Rob.

[samcat]

What about one of these:

https://secure.visav.co.uk/avshop/images/products/2050a.jpg

from:
https://secure.visav.co.uk/avshop/products.asp

:D

CYa,
Sam C

[samcat]

LOL, wow!
Didnt look at your link, just posted one I had seen before and liked!

Great minds think alike :D

Cya,
Sam C

:cool:

[bug-er]

hey guys cheers for the ideas
decided to go for the LED idea due to a distinct lack or room, gonna mount them in the front of the ashtray and no longer use the ashtray, i dont smoke so it makes no odds to me.
does anyone know if they have to be marked?
ran a custom speedo face, before and never had problems with the MOT
Adam

[Supa Ninja]

My vote is for 3mm LED's if you don't need them labeled.

[beetle1303]

I ll agree about the minds samcat...
I cant give any suggestion on what kind of leds to use since i got no experience at all (yet)

What do you mean with "marked"?

Chris

[bug-er]

"marked" as in do they need a symbol by them to explain what they are?
no one drives my car apart from me, so i guess anyone who does shouldnt so its tough s**t!
got some 5mm ones today and some little mounting cup things, just gotta decide how to finish the ashtray, as i dont wanna cut up the original, and i dont really wanna set up all the spraying equipment for an ashtray!
was thinking satin black OR some sticky carbon film stuff, not the same as the real stuff but oh well!
will post some pics when i am done
Adam

[NO_H2O]

I used small 12v LED's from Radio shack. I put one above each guage that that would need attention for that warning (ie. and amber light above the oil temp guage that will get a ground from the Gene Burg dipstick switch get a ground at 225 deg). You can put a red one above the oil press guage that get a ground from the oil press switch, Blue Gen. light above the volt guage, etc. So the warning light corresponds to its guage.