Solved the darkness in my car @ night problem!

Mar 19, 2004 | 08:17 PM

JeupRX-8

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Solved the darkness in my car @ night problem!

Well, I have temporarily solved my lighting issue in my car. I just couldn't stand how dark it was, SO I decided to lighten it up a bit; while at the same time keeping the red theme. I decided to go to my local autozone, and I bought red 194 bulbs. I put them in my overhead reading lights, and vuala! I keep the lights on while driving, not to bright, can barely see it from outside of car, but it is good enough to be able to have "night lighting" until I get the neons for under the seats, dash, etc. Cost me $2.99 for the lights, and 5 minutes of my time; I am spending $ on performance now, then I will do the interior lighting with the neons.

Troy J.

Mar 19, 2004 | 08:21 PM

D MENAC 7

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From: Springfield, IL

Have you thought about trying stealth lamps in the map lights? They are quite dim and work great as cruising lights when going down the highway in the dark of night.

Mar 19, 2004 | 08:40 PM

Omicron

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From: Boulder County, Colorado

You could also do this. I'm really happy with these.

Mar 19, 2004 | 10:10 PM

JeupRX-8

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Those are the "map" lights. I am going to do the led DUI, but I have no time right now. great idea though, reminds me of our BMW's.

TRoy J.

Mar 20, 2004 | 01:39 AM

Omicron

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Quote:

Originally posted by JeupRX-8
Those are the "map" lights. I am going to do the led DUI, but I have no time right now. great idea though, reminds me of our BMW's.

TRoy J.

Thanks Troy. And FYI, these put out a lot of light, more than you'd expect. But they're not at all distracting when you're driving at night either.

Oh, and you might want to stay away from doing "DUI" mods to your car, and stick to DIY mods... :D

Mar 20, 2004 | 05:19 PM

JeupRX-8

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LoL... I meant DIY, I suppose it would be pretty hard installing LEDs when I am drunk.

Troy J.

Mar 20, 2004 | 06:31 PM

D MENAC 7

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From: Springfield, IL

Hey Omicron, that was a great thread with the LEDs. I'm going to do that. I'm going to look around for some type of switch that depresses rather than toggle. Also, I'm going to use white LEDs, color ones distract me a bit, and I have a few sitting around from attempts with the stealth front license plate that didn't work out. (Note. Look for this tonight on the forum for what it looks like on the rear that I finally got a chance to do today.) I'll also be taking out the chromed lamps and putting in a couple of hyper white lamps I recently got. That way I can have the LED running lamps and retain the map lights. Thanks!

Mar 21, 2004 | 07:09 AM

flatso

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From: New Jersey

not trying to be smart here but why do you need extra lighting when driving? Do you do alot of map reading while driving or something? I would think it has to decrease your outward vision at night however small when you have lights on in the cabin.

Mar 21, 2004 | 11:24 AM

Omicron

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Quote:

Originally posted by D MENAC 7
Hey Omicron, that was a great thread with the LEDs. I'm going to do that. I'm going to look around for some type of switch that depresses rather than toggle. Also, I'm going to use white LEDs, color ones distract me a bit, and I have a few sitting around from attempts with the stealth front license plate that didn't work out. (Note. Look for this tonight on the forum for what it looks like on the rear that I finally got a chance to do today.) I'll also be taking out the chromed lamps and putting in a couple of hyper white lamps I recently got. That way I can have the LED running lamps and retain the map lights. Thanks!

You're welcome, glad you like.

Mar 21, 2004 | 11:26 AM

#10

Omicron

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From: Boulder County, Colorado

Quote:

Originally posted by flatso
not trying to be smart here but why do you need extra lighting when driving? Do you do alot of map reading while driving or something? I would think it has to decrease your outward vision at night however small when you have lights on in the cabin.

So I can see the cup holder. And the red LEDs, when I do have them on, are not at all distracting nor do the impede my night vision.

Mar 21, 2004 | 01:48 PM

#11

jniamehr

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From: Roslyn, NY

Can you give us a part number Jeup? or a name so we can search for our own colors?

Mar 23, 2004 | 08:00 PM

#12

God of Thunder

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Thanks for the heads up on the bulbs. I hit the local NAPA today and picked up a pair of Icy Hot red 194's. The NAPA part number is 735-4758 and the manufacturers part number is 504095B. I would think you could go to any parts store and ask for colored 194 bulbs. The install was pretty much a snap. The only hitch is having the confidence to pull down the sunglass storage unit. The manual says to use a flat head to pry it down, what it doesn't say is that there are metal clips holding it in place so you have to put a fair amount of force on it.

I wound up prying down the front lip so I could get my fingers on top of it and yanking.

Easy and cheap mod with immediate results.

I wish I had the cajones to do Omicron's mod. I just have an aversion to taking a drill to my baby.

I wish somebody like him lived close by.