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Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:03 pm
by MorrisJohn
Does anyone know of anywhere that does the push in type bulbs for 52mm Smiths gauges, but in LED? Or if you can even get them?
Internet/eBay searches don’t seem to be throwing up anything that looks correct.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:20 pm
by geoberni
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/collec ... ge-bulbs-1
You'll probably find the type you want here.
The problem with LED instrument lamps is that LEDs are very directional, whereas the original lamps shine in all directions. Consequently LEDs often don't work out as direct replacements for filament lamps.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:36 pm
by MorrisJohn
Mmm. Thanks for pointing that out Berni, and for the link. Maybe I’ll stick with traditional bulbs in that case.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 7:52 pm
by Bowie69
There are frosted versions and lensed versions which help distribute the light far better these days.
Also, if they have a coloured 'condom' on them (e.g. green), this helps to diffuse the light as well.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 6:49 pm
by Chipper
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:12 am
by MorrisJohn
Thanks for the replies and suggestions, most helpful.
The reason I thought about LED for the extra instruments is I converted my tail lamps to LED last year and it worked very well. Each one has multiple red LEDs for a spread of light and are housed within the original standard housing. It gives a lovely deep red colour without taking anything away from the original appearance of the car.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:35 am
by geoberni
MorrisJohn wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:12 am
Thanks for the replies and suggestions, most helpful.
The reason I thought about LED for the extra instruments is I converted my tail lamps to LED last year and it worked very well. Each one has multiple red LEDs for a spread of light and are housed within the original standard housing. It gives a lovely deep red colour without taking anything away from the original appearance of the car.
As a tangent to your original question, what style of rear LEDs did you get?
I tried a couple of types, hence how I know about the issue of beam direction with LEDs, we had quite a topic about it back in 2017....
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=70954&hilit=rear+l ... 40#p647080
if you haven't seen it it might be worth a look.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 11:47 am
by MorrisJohn
Thanks Berni. I’ll have a read. These are the ones I fitted, they’ve been great
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-MORRIS-M ... 635-2958-0
See photos below.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 11:56 am
by geoberni
So actually look slightly cheaper via their ebay page than going via their website, once vat & shipping is added.
Does the side light aspect just use the LEDs on the end, or does the whole thing light dimly?
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 12:30 pm
by MorrisJohn
geoberni wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 11:56 am
So actually look slightly cheaper via their ebay page than going via their website, once vat & shipping is added.
Does the side light aspect just use the LEDs on the end, or does the whole thing light dimly?
Good question, once the car engine is back together I’ll photograph with sidelights and let you see. I think the second picture with the wind turbines in the background were taken with sidelights on. I think being the rears they all light up on both sides and dipped.
Re: Smiths 52mm Gauges - LED bulbs?
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 7:54 pm
by neilmorey
I fitted these a few months ago. Not driven at night but look bright enough in a dark garage.
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/collec ... ge-bulbs-1