308 Handbrake Lever Bulb LED solution

Why the pessimism?

 

So I got my car back today and could finally take the holder out. When I did, I found a 2cm piece of ground wire (green/yellow) attached to the non-open end. It has exposed strands that don't look very oxidised but I can't see where this connects.

Unzipping the gaiter, I see the handbrake light switch but little else. Before I take apart the centre console hunting for any exposed wiring, can anyone tell me where the 12V should pick up?

 

Thanks Martin. I swear I saw 12V when I checked before dismounting the holder but now I'm not so sure! It looks like I'll have to open up the console but at least it's a simple task.

 

When I mounted my light there was a white, plastic mounting ring with a collar that went through the metal holder. The 12V wire was attached to a terminal that went through the collar and terminated at the base of the mounting ring. Obviously the plastic collar acts as an insulator from the metal holder which is the ground. I also noticed the plastic was brittle and some pieces of the collar fell out. Be gentle with this end of the holder.

Martin-nice work on this bulb, it looks great.

 

Thanks Joe, yes I have the collar and wire but the wire terminates after a couple of centimetres. I've lost the rest of the wire, it seems.

Thanks for the wiring diagram, Martin. I have that and I can see it is marked up as yellow, whilst mine is green & yellow. I'll open up the tunnel console and see whether I can pick the rest of it up. There's no other 12V on the lighting circuit I can think of around there except for my rear fog lamp.

 

I finally found time to install my green "Martin" LED bulb this evening. The light is fantastic compared to my factory green bulb; greener and at a brightness more in balance with all the other bulbs.

The thing I find startling about your LED invention is the precision of the construction. There is a lot of circuit components on a TINY little piece of circuit board. Absolutely amazing construction.

Thank you again for doing this project for the 308 community.

 

Yep. 3 cheers for Martin and guys like him who help us so much with our cars.

 

Hey, Martin, can you invent a way to get the lights on my Alfa Romeo Spider's instruments to be as bright as a Honda's?

 

My car had a rheostat dimmer on the left side of the steering column. I say "had" because the knob was gone when I bought the car almost 20 years ago. It is cranked up on max now.

Do you have a link you can post that would supply the correct socket led bulb that would fit my 82?

I think there is a green tint to mine but it is hard to tell now, 34 years later

 

Many thanks!

 

Which bulb did you use for that?

 

I would be interested in lights for the doors, etc. as well. Also do these look any different to the originals when they are switched on?

Couple of things (OK, three):

1. It is highly desirable that the current drawn be minimized wherever possible iff (meaning 'if and only if') the original illumination can be duplicated, I.e., color, intensity, and overall 'look' are precisely the same as the original.

2. That being said, the original level of brightness definitely leaves a lot to be desired. Having the illumination sufficient so that you can actually read the gauges would be nice. Not sure the degree of difficulty in having a practicable dimming capability on an LED approach (if the exercise is done properly, do we really need it?).

3. My understanding is that the dimmer is an accident just waiting to happen (due to current draw, heat dissipation, etc.). Comments?

Thought to include the link to this thread...

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/246471-how-dash-lights-finally.html

There are several files in this thread detailing various upgrades, how to, and what is needed. Personally, I would like to pull the trigger and completely re-do all of the interior and door lights. Additionally, I hate the fact that quite a bit of current cycles through the switch on the steering column (meaning that I believe using relays to power the main/high beams would be a better way to go).

All input and thoughts on the above greatly appreciated.

Best,

John.

 

Don't know and my Alfa is currently in Atlanta. There is a 77 Spider at a shop I use that is a donor car for a front clip. I am going to go over there this Fri and pull the dash apart and see what is back there.

 

I replaced all my external globes with LEDs. It's very important to use a colour the same as the lens. Amber for indicators and red for tail/brake. They look great. I'll take a photo and post later.

 

I tried this. Works great.
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And this for the indicators on the front fenders
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Aircon,

LEDS?

If so, what are the part numbers?

 

Yes LEDs..... And damn it I knew someone would ask! I'll look it up.