Thimble lights to LED daytime running lights

PostPost by: tedtaylor » Sat Jul 15, 2017 8:27 pm

I love my thimble lights, but the incandescent bulb is not bright enough for me. I wanted a bright LED daytime running light, but wanted to keep the original look without ruining the original fixture. I did not try replacement LED bulbs as they are expensive and i wasn't sure how well it would work. My modification is reverseable. I bought "eagle eye" LED lights from a source in China for...... get this..... $0.99 cents!!!! and that was for a pair and included shipping. How could you go wrong?

HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-X-LED-Eagle-E ... 2749.l2649

BEFORE:
install-002.jpg and

AFTER:
install-007.jpg and

I removed the incandesent bulb and hot lead wire/spring/contact, then inserted LED wire through the hole. I had to grind down the sides just a bit to fit nicely.
install-004.jpg and

bottom one ground down, top one as new
install-005.jpg and

ready for assembly and wiring
install-006.jpg and

here's the sizing in inches
install-003.jpg and

can you tell which one is which??
install-009.jpg and

finished job - and i LOVE IT !!!! here's how it looks nearing dusk:
dusk-003.jpg and
Last edited by tedtaylor on Tue Jul 18, 2017 12:35 am, edited 4 times in total.
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PostPost by: Briggs1 » Sat Jul 15, 2017 10:21 pm

but Ted, now the bulb won't burn out. What's the fun in that?

Great idea, I may borrow :-)

Now just need to find that extra $1.98 in the couch cushions
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PostPost by: ericbushby » Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:27 am

Looks good Ted.
I have looked for them on ebay but cannot identify them. There are several choices with different power ratings. some plastic, some could be metal.
Which one did you choose
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PostPost by: UAB807F » Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:54 am

What a really neat conversion, well done that man !

Another plea for ebay links from me as well.

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PostPost by: vstibbard » Sun Jul 16, 2017 12:09 pm

Great result, where did you buy from?
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PostPost by: tedtaylor » Sun Jul 16, 2017 12:17 pm

Sorry, just updated the original post with the link to the lights. :lol:
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PostPost by: miked » Sun Jul 16, 2017 3:01 pm

Nice one Ted. I like the idea. Got to be done. Also gets rid of possible poor bulb connection problems after sitting for a while. Mike :D
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PostPost by: UAB807F » Sun Jul 16, 2017 4:10 pm

Thanks for the link & description Ted, I've just ordered a set. A great idea and for any other UK buyers there's loads on Ebay.uk ranging from 99p upwards.

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PostPost by: Chancer » Sun Jul 16, 2017 6:57 pm

Just bought 10 to put in stock, they will come in usefull one day probably in completely different applications.
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PostPost by: Davidb » Mon Jul 17, 2017 12:03 am

That listing has expired-here is a current one:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/232306761722

However, you can buy anything from one to fifty from various listings!
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PostPost by: holywood3645 » Mon Jul 17, 2017 12:12 am

Looks like something I need to do in my S4.
Great Mod... and my 1000th post
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PostPost by: Davidb » Mon Jul 17, 2017 2:31 am

Congratulations!
Time well wasted! :)
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PostPost by: cbguerrajr » Mon Jul 17, 2017 3:08 am

very nice, will do same.
and along the same lines, to improve detectability under low light conditions, i recently added this LED rear license light that lights up the plate like a neon sign. also from eBay ($10).
attaches to the license plate, the original wimpy lotus light remains in place. you can't miss this little car in the dark now
Carlos G
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PostPost by: holywood3645 » Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:04 am

Also a good idea!
LMK what you used. Anything that helps these little cars been seen is a good thing!
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PostPost by: Stevie-Heathie » Mon Jul 17, 2017 12:06 pm

As per previous posts on upgrading to LED lights, don't forget to tell your insurer you have made this mod . . .

I have simply switched out my my running lights to "warm light" LED bulbs. Perhaps they are not quite as bright as these but they are more yellowish and less blue, which I prefer.

Even when people do see me coming they mostly assume I'm a normal sized car a long way away! :-)

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