LED replacement of lights

[wimgohres]

Is there anybody with experience with replacing lights with LED lights especially in a MK2 1963. I am contemplating to do so with my rear/brake lights for faster and more light, the revers light (more powerful) and for the instrument lights and map light (very weak( and may be the indicators. The dilemma is of course that the weak lights were part of the original set up and replacement may come out as too strong. Looking forward to hear from you.

[Tintin]

Speak to Gil Keane at Better Car Lighting - see my recent post under XJ Series Saloons - General.

Robbie

[Martec]

Can I also suggest you 'Google' this subject as there are many responses on line and not all favourable.

Brian

[oldtimer]

It seems everybody wants to rush off buying new LED bulbs but not once has any body commented what voltage is available at the bulb holder.

Just a quickie before I rush off to bed

Oldtimer

[richardhinds]

On my 1965 3.8 S type, I've replaced the instrument panel lights (including 2 that were missing!), and the ignition/high beam lights etc, all from Gil Keane. The best transformation was the illumination of the "legend strip". I've also replaced the number plate lights and front sidelights.
Apart from a bit more light output, LEDs consume less energy, and mean I'm unlikely to replace the original dynamo with an alternator.
I'm looking to replace the original sealed beam headlights with something a bit more modern, and brighter!

[Tintin]

I'm a fan of LEDs but Martec sounds a wise cautionary note. There are issues of insurance and legality ICW HID headlights. I will be doing a lot more research before I go the HID headlight route - as tempting as that may be!

Robbie

[J44EAG]

An HID conversion will also require mandatory headlight water wash nozzles to be fitted. Not so easy on a MK2, I would surmise.

Mike K

[oldtimer]

Not until recently did I realise how poor my S type headlights were when compared to my 2014 little red racing car. Perhaps now is the time to review the situation. Having said that I do get annoyed with bright lights coming towards me or up me back bumper !

[piman]

Hello Wim,

apart from the very valid point about available voltage due to poor fuse/switch/connector contacts there is also the factor of dirty lenses and reflectors. The lights are not weak when in good state.
As fo headlights, use a relay and feed it with substantial cables and use a normal halogen headlight conversion.

Alec

[wimgohres]

Dear all,

Actually I had an email conversation with Gil Keane of Better Car Lighting. He is very helpful. However, I wanted to hear the views from MK2 users. My MK2 electricity has been completely redone. Headlights and all are fine, so the question is primarily focussed at the instrument lights, map light and legend, and the reverse light and braking lights for extra security.

Best regards,


Wim

[Ronniebiggs]

Lots of good advice re LEDs, I replaced the instrument lamps on my Mk2 and they were much improved. As for the legend strip, illumination on mine was woeful so I dismantled it and needed to clean off large amounts of dirt/corrosion! It was a miracle any light managed to struggle through the gunge. Once sorted the normal 2.2w MES lamps were fine.

As to headlights, mine now has H4 units and they're much better than sealed beam. Whiter light and better pattern. When I bought mine it had halogen lights fitted, but they were RHD - careful, headlights are marked with DIP direction! You need LHD (i.e. Left Hand Dip) lamps. I've kept mine for continental sojourns.

Also remember - indicators need to be filament lamps unless you have a modified flasher unit; the original relies on the current to operate at the correct rate.

Jay