Instrument Panel LED Changeout

[KKrzy]

Hey all

Doing some major lighting rework on my 2005 Trailblazer, and not finally moved to the interrior of the vehicle.

I plan to get ride of that bland green, and mix it up with some light blue LED?

Started to peel apart the panel, but saw that the LEDs are soldered in... Yeah what??

Unlike my last two trucks that where PnP, these are hardwired in...

So basically, I will post pics of my interior after it is completed if someone please can exchange information on what LEDs I have to buy, and possibly where I can get them? I have had no luck sadly...

[JorDaneeKey]

This may be a good place to start for info and how-to. http://gmtnation.com/f33/led-mod-thread-944/

[Conner299]

The blue will good. Mine do. Looks like a Jetta, though, unless you change up the needles, too. Still have to do my front HVAC unit, and not looking forward to the door switches.

[KKrzy]

Thanks for the info; every bit helps!

As for the clusters, I am excited to start on it and glad it looks good!

Though I plan to do the HVAC and Door panels all in one go! I just fear the price since I am finding some of these led's for about 3 bucks a pop! (All together will probably cost as much as my HID!)

[NC_IslandRunner]

Not sure of the benefit of this mod but radioshack sells loose leds. Different sizes and colors. If it's for show and shine there is a site for that.

[KKrzy]

Not sure of the benefit of this mod but radioshack sells loose leds. Different sizes and colors. If it's for show and shine there is a site for that.

I plan to go there this weekend after reading that whole thread link posted above, and will let you know how it goes!

As for show and shine, I just want to get rid of the green and place some cool white led (stock basically, 6000k color similarity) since that is what my interior lights are. I guess I will just have to see what Radio shack has in stock and work my magic!

Any other info please share, and hopefully, have my images up soon!

[Conner299]

Yeah... you're gonna get raped at radio shack. I've done all my switches so far with 5mm flat top 13000 MCD LEDs. 50 for about $4.50 on eBay. You'll need resistors too. I used 470 ohm 1/4 watt resistors. You can pick up the same quantity for about the same price. If you go eBay, make sure your seller is stateside. shipping time difference is approx one week compared to 3-4.

Edit: There are pics in the led thread that was linked earlier, here. I'll try to get some of mine put up here.

[KKrzy]

So basically, get a bag full of LEDs cheap on ebay (if available) and resistors there too? If I get a pack of 50 I am sure I will be fine since I counted so far 8 for HVAC, 8 for Door, 9 for Cluster, 20 some for rest of dash/console. I will take a look on ebay now that I know my measurements/variables...

Okay found some, a nice packet of 50 for 15 dollars with 100 resistors at 2.50 all free shipping. Much better than Radioshack's 2 dollars a bulb steal 0.o

Would 5mm still fit in the cluster gauge though?

Also, 13,000mcd feels like overkill no? Then again we have that neat-o light intensity switch so why the hell not I guess!

[NC_IslandRunner]

RadioShack LEDs are like $0.50-$2.50 not all that bad so you don't have to wait, and returns are easier to do than ebay. if someone will give you 50 for the price of 4 there is reason for it.

And you may need to buy 5 bulk bags just to get the sizes you need.

[Conner299]

Haven't had a single problem with my LEDs from eBay. Just make sure you pay attention to the polarities. The most popular size seems to be the 5mm LEDs. Just make sure the viewing angle is at least 140°. I also suggest reading every post in the LED mod thread on GMTNation, before jumping into it buying anything.

[Conner299]

http://gmtnation.com/f39/post-pic-your- ... dex36.html

See post #1073. That is my dash at 5pm on an overcast day. Used 12 or 13(can't remember exactly) 5mm 13k MCD 140° viewing and resistors.

[djthumper]

This may be a good place to start for info and how-to. http://gmtnation.com/f33/led-mod-thread-944/

This is definitely the thread that you want to reference. Blckshdw and mrphoenix80 can probably answer most of your questions on the interior.

[JorDaneeKey]

This may be a good place to start for info and how-to. http://gmtnation.com/f33/led-mod-thread-944/

This is definitely the thread that you want to reference. Blckshdw and mrphoenix80 can probably answer most of your questions on the interior.

And definitely post your work/results on the GMT site. Lots of people will continue to benefit from your and others experience on that site, myself included.

Good luck!

[navigator]

.... if someone will give you 50 for the price of 4 there is reason for it.....

you can get a low quality stuff on ebay but another reason for the low price on ebay and other online retailers is not having to deal with brick and mortar retail locations. Radio Shack has to sell a lot of LEDS to pay rent in the mall.

[Conner299]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260980776367?ss ... 1497.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180937565645?ss ... 1497.l2649

Have yet to figure out how to embed eBay posts where the picture and info show up. I usually get my LED's from the top seller, and get my resistors from the second seller. Everything usually comes pretty quick. Just an example... Ordered a set of LEd's last Friday, had them in the mailbox on Monday. The price you found for LED's and resistors is a little rich for my blood...

[KKrzy]

Now, will the intensity switch for the lights still work once I install the LEDs?

[Conner299]

It still works on mine, but the LED's work a little differently than the filaments. From full intensity, and then dialing down, I only have about half a knob, compared to the filaments, until the lights shut off. At full intensity, though, they are as bright as the stockers were. I should also note that the LED's I ordrered said 6K mcd, but the package I received said they were 13K, as all the others I've ordered since have been.

[KKrzy]

Placed the order! 50 LEDs and 50 resistors - cant wait to get some photos up ASAP

[Conner299]

Make sure you read the LED Mod Thread on GMTNation. Included is the polarity maps for mostly all the switches. If your polarities aren't oriented correctly, they won't light up.

[KKrzy]

Make sure you read the LED Mod Thread on GMTNation. Included is the polarity maps for mostly all the switches. If your polarities aren't oriented correctly, they won't light up.

That would save me quite a bit of time recording each one when I am redoing the car.

I have a question to pick your mind at too - where could I find some monitor tint for the gear/trip counter? (Good stuff, not something that will peel in the humid heat)