Hi Guys I haven't heard this ever come up from a Restoration standpoint but how do you all feel about changing out the old filiment bulbs like 90 or 1444 or 179 etc etc with LED's to improve interior lighting - just want Ur opinions in any Antique Classic or Muscle Car (maybe we can get a rousing discussion going pros & cons + why)

 

Technically, there's nothing to lose. In fact, they'll draw less power. Being that the light's different, I'd start with one LED and then compare the aesthetics of the LED with the original incandescent type

 

LEDs get criticized for being too bright, wrong color temp, getting hot in weird areas (like the circuitry) and not having the same light envelope as originals incandescents.

Newer designs fix almost all of that.

However, before you go LED, check your socket contacts, bulbs, and lenses to get the factory system to where it should be so you can make an informed choice.

 

While I have no issues with LED's, its just not a project I feel worth the time of expense for my car.

 

Well, it seems, someone else has plenty of expendable time and money, then

 

And they can have at it...

 

As far as "not looking original" color temp is most likely the biggest difference you will notice. Every "bulb" in my vista is LED inside and out. They are nice and bright and give a modern look. If you are looking for a more original appearance, you probably want to go incandescent. Your choices for LED interior lighting are pretty much limited to white or yellow. The incandescent bulbs give a warmer light than the white LED but not yellow. I am not saying one is better than the other, just a matter of preference. My vista cruiser is a pro-touring build with a ton of modern equipment and electronics so the LED lighting fits the car perfect. My Toro is original so it has all incandescent. The LED lights are most certainly brighter.

 

Ya 71 convertible rear quarter window interior lights get a little hot for me. Tried leds from campers, all are to tall for lenses. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I converted to LED lamps when I replaced all the factory dome lamp lenses. I didn’t want the new ones to get the dark crispy circles that you always see in the old lenses.

Yes, the light looks different. It’s not that big a deal in my opinion

 

Did this a few months back, and if I remember correctly after much trial and error these LEDs did the trick for the rear interiors on my 71 vert.

 

This has been extensively examined like 5 pages across the hall. Do you want me to link you to it? There are numbers, pics, results, right down to the mirror map light!

 

I changed just my center courtesy/map light bulb on my '68 442 to LED just to save the housing. I finally found a nice lamp on ebay a couple of years ago that didn't have the ugly brown burn mark in it, like most '68s & '69s have from using the wrong bulb or leaving the interior lights on too long over the years. The LED is a more "white" light than the regular bulb but I don't care it wont burn ever the white plastic.

 

Order 6 warm white from amazon, almost forgot the console Thanks

 

Superbrightleds.com
offer different brightness bulbs, for many types.

 

True,
I will be doing mine, while I have the dash gauges out, as the speedo cable needs grease, and the radio swap.
Already in there. the 10-20 bucks now is worth it. Oh, and a few of mine are out anyways and need new bulbs.

 

Keep in mind you can’t dim LED with the factory dimmer switch. To dim LED bulbs you need to wire in a PWM (pulse width modulated) driver.

 

Buy LEDs with color temperature 3000 K or lower and you will get the incandescent look.

Colored LEDs (such as yellow, amber, and red) give off a single wavelength of light; they are rated by wavelength and don't show a color temperature.

Warm white LEDs, recommended by Jim, are probably in that 3000 K and lower color temperature range. Check the actual color temperature to be sure.