I've been working on this idea for a few months and I finished tonight. All interior lights were converted to LEDs. The current draw before was somewhere around 4A, now its a meager 100mA. Due to the smaller current draw, I bought a 3300uF cap, put it in parallel with the dome light, and now the maplights/floor lights fade out immediately while the dome stays lit for about 30 seconds. The light is also white rather than yellow like before, so it looks much better. No more scorching hot bulbs to worry about either.

I'll get pics when I have a chance (need to finish mounting the last LED), but I learned alot in the process. I find three 5mm LEDs work great for the maplights/floor lights, the trunk area and dome light should be one of those new 10mm 180 degree LEDs. They are about $3 each but are absolutely amazing. They put light off in all directions rather than just in a spotlight like normal LEDs do. Just some advice I think some people may want to invest in. Really makes the interior look modern (at night).

 

sounds like a great idea, i'm planing on doing the same when i get my interior back in. can't wait to see the pics

 

Pics pics pics!!! Please!! :-)

 

I snapped a few daytime ones and they came out awful, but I'll take a nightshot when the sun goes down. Its amazing how little power these draw compared to a bulb. I could leave my door open for a week and not have the battery drain!

 

Maplight looks especially cool.

 

Details needed!!!

I'd love to do this conversion - what did you use, where did you get them, prices, etc. please (when you have a chance). Can either post them here or PM me if you prefer....

Map light on top console, overhead console dome light, rear hatch light, etc....

Purty Please!?!?!?!

 

I'll take a rear hatch light picture tonight.

Here's a brief rundown, feel free to post questions, I'm more than happy to answer. PMs are fine too but sometimes I don't notice I have them.

Anyway, I got all of my LEDs on ebay. I used three 11000 mcd 5mm white LEDs for the floor lights and the maplights. I used 4 of the same LEDs for the trunk light. Then I used a single 10mm 180 degree 18000 mcd white LED for my dome light. Normally LEDs shine about a 20 degree beam which is not good for interior lighting. The dome light NEEDS to be that special 180 degree LED otherwise you'll end up with just a spot of light instead of lighting the whole interior. For the maplight they work great. For the floor lamps and the trunk I'd use the 10mm if I were to redo it. I'd also try to find a slightly brighter dome light if possible, although it really is plenty.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...864327513&rd=1

Thats probably the best deal you'll find even with the $10 shipping.

 

Anyone in driving distance of Amherst, MA I'd be more than happy to help you out. Also, some of those LEDs say 150mA but I ran 50mA and popped them immediately, stick to 20mA and you'll be fine.

 

Nice work with the maplights...I'd like to see pics of the rest.

I'd stay away from the LEDs in that eBay ad. They only have a 7.5* viewing angle which means terrible light distribution.

I've gotten a LOT of LEDs from eLED.com and been very happy with their service. You need to know what you're looking for when you go there...the online catalog is very extensive.

eLED is where I got my parts for these:

 

Wow, I didn't even take my own advice about being 180 degrees. Anyway, here is a better link:

http://search.ebay.com/10mm-white-18...ectZ1QQfromZR8

I didn't see any of those LEDs on eLED.com but I didn't check too well. Those taillights are very impressive, did you do that whole fabrication yourself?

 

Did you ever get those night time pics?

 

I am interested as well, please post the nighttime pics if you have em.

 

also intrested. and very intrested in the tale lights. anyone wanna make any of em and sell me to me let me know

 

hey bud did you get those led tail lights form that site eLED.com? if not where did you get them from?

 

Check this thread out, lots of similar info and pics!

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...hting-etc.html