Instrument Lamps

[jkeery]

The instrument lighting on my 74 OTS E-type is really not bright at all and when dimmed with the switch virtually impossible to read at night. Does anyone know if newer type bulbs can be fitted (LED's perhaps) and if so, their source. Many thanx

[stuarthardy]

Hi

I had similar problems with my 420 and found that the bulbs were blackening. I just replaced them with new ones of the same type. It might be worth pulling a couple out to see if you have the same problem.

I also found that, on the main beam indicator lamp, the blue gel type lens had discoloured and turned the lens opaque making it look like the bulb wasn't working when it was actually fine. Again, might be worth checking.

Good Look
Stuart

[jkeery]

Thanks Stuart. Just finished checking a couple of the bulbs and they are clear. It could be just MY age that makes them dimmer, so I'm hoping that someone has experience with either higher wattage or newer type bulbs. Is a stronger bulb an answer or a bigger problem?

[stuarthardy]

Please be careful if you fit higher rated lamps as these may run hotter than the standard ones and cause overheating in the instruments or overload the wiring (which I presume is nearly 40 years old). I have seen the gels charred and melted by the heat of panel bulbs.

LED's might be the answer as they give out a lot more light for a given power but I don't know whether they are available for this application.

Why not try replacing a few bulbs with standard ones anyway? You might be surprised.

I bought a large number of bulbs some time ago for my 3.8 Coupe. I think I got them from autobulbsdirect.co.uk, or somewhere similar, at a fraction of the price you would pay in Halfords or any of the Jaguar specialists.

Regards
Stuart

[jkeery]

Thanks again, Stuart. I was thinking of fitting 3W bulbs instead of 2W and I found a size/base match that is apparently used in Triumph motorcycles, so I'll give that a try and hopefully avoid any massive increase in heat. My instrument display uses two different bulb types and unfortunately I've only located the larger one. Thanks also for the vendor recommendation. Those hints are always appreciated and of course if I ever find an LED substitute, I'll let you know. Cheers, Jack

[6368D]

I see this is now an old thread but for info I have just spoken with Gill of Bettercarlighting, he has a great knowledge of classic cars, especially ETypes and is supplying me with period colour LED bulbs and also bulbs for my Bonnie - so recommend speaking to him.

[CMNaughton]

Even further on from the original post! I started looking into LEDs for my S2 2+2 over a year ago having already used some in my old motorhome. Having read the JEC article which referred to Bettercarlighting my research increased but the price to replace all interior and external lights (not headlamps) including indicators and the relays was rather high. I searched on Ebay and among all the dubious items and suppliers I found what appeared to be reasonably priced products from a UK supplier trading as Classiccarleds based in Bristol. After going to their website I was impressed with the range offered and the information supplied so I put together an initial order (not including indicators & relays) and sent it off. I was surprised to receive a reply the same day which queried the tail/stop lights ordered. Realising my mistake in ordering the wrong pin orientation I replied (now late in the day) to confirm the correction and Rickard who heads up the operation still managed to have my order packed and posted that day. All items were superbly packaged, looked well made and all worked on test. Rickard freely gives good advice based on practical experience and I had no hesitation in purchasing the kit for the indicators after a test period with the initial order. The difference is remarkable and if you use the warm white for side and interior lights you avoid the unnatural LED brilliant white light but gain much more brightness. The main point of this rambling is that the cost is around half that quoted in the JEC article and if you just want the odd bulb or two you will not be ripped off for postage. Downsides? The green Lilliput replacements could use more light emitted to the sides and the tick or two of the electronic indicator relay after switch off is a bit odd at first but a minor issue considering the increased visibility and safety.