Interior lamp light, rear cabin, boring... NOT!

[mararmeisto]

Okay, so this is another of my tinkering projects that I've wanted to do for a while. Partly because I like to use LEDs, and partly because the original lamp light was so boring and useless (didn't really put out much usable light, despite being an 8 Watt bulb). So, this is what I done...

First remove the lamp/switch and louvre section from the rear of the main fluorescent lamp assembly.

Reading lamp bulb assembly.

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#194 'reverse' LED bulb with wire soldered on.

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Blue LED in housing.

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Remove the crappy incandescent bulb and replace with a #194 LED (these are the same ones that go into the dashboard and are a 'reverse' LED - the light isn't focused out the end, it is refracted out the sides of the bulb). I choose blue, cause I like it. You can see here that the bulb holder is completely removed and I've used a model paint jar lid to hold the LED (glued into place). Screw it back into place, and voila! The focus lens on the lamp assembly helps, but not much.

Run the wires out the back, drill holes for the other LEDs (being in the Navy, I've become partial to red-lighting), wire them all together, and then goop with liquid electrical tape. I thought this last step was important considering all the metal bits for the blind assemblies are right above where this panel goes.

All assembled, ready for re-install.

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Liquid electrical tape - good stuff. And much better to get blasted on than felt marker pens!

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Close-up of liquid electrical taping. Yes, it is kinda messy stuff. One has to use it sparingly, work quickly, and wait between layers.

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And in these final shots, you can see where it goes and the result. I put in five red LEDs, just to get the luminosity up, but I think this is more mood lighting than actually something one could read by. Still, it's the middle of the day, so I can't judge just yet.

Where it all goes.

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View of overhead ventilation tubing (this is only cool air, direct from outside).

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In place, and looking so much better! Great for those late-night-parking-at-the-beach sessions with the wife.

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[Chewy]

Nice work. It'd be cool to see some night shots when you get em. I'll have to take a closer look on friday.

[patty]

This liquid electrical tape is interesting, where did you get it?

[mararmeisto]

This liquid electrical tape is interesting, where did you get it?

Sometimes at Canadian Tire, but I think I saw it at Lordco too. I'm not sure, but I seem to remember getting this can at an electrical/electronic shop here in Victoria.

[delica 304]

Verra niiice!

For myself, I prefer using heat shrink tubing. Everytime I've bought liquid electrical tape, it's been mostly dried out and barely servicable.

[Golf Cart]

J Paul,

Where did you get the light kit from. Ive been wanting to change over my interior lights , especially the rear one at the hatch. My forehead is developing a callous from my miners lamp.

[mararmeisto]

J Paul,

Where did you get the light kit from. Ive been wanting to change over my interior lights , especially the rear one at the hatch. My forehead is developing a callous from my miners lamp.

Those are just a set of #194 replacement bulbs. I drilled holes in the plastic, pushed the LEDs through from the back side, and then glued them into place.

[madmazda]

what store did you purchase the lights at????

[mararmeisto]

I know Lordco has these bulbs, but I got mine at a truck shop here in Victoria. I you ask for #194 replacement bulbs (or a T10 base, I think they're also called), they should be available. A quick look at SuperBright LED's website shows them called 'instrument bulbs'.

What do you have in mind?