LED Door Lights

[Jimmycxc]

I tried a search, but couldn't find anything. I purchased a set of LED lights for the 3 door lights, but not sure how to take off the housing of the existing lights to swap out the bulbs. I didn't want to break anything.

[lazabby]

Just take the lens out and then you can access the bulbs. With a small screwdriver, bend back the rubber that holds the kens in and gently pry the lens out. Seems I remember it works better from the corner of the lens. Replace the blulbs then replace the lens.

[BTTF-1]

I just pealed the rubber gasket back slightly with a flat head screw driver. Then the lens just falls out. Popped out the old bulb and put in the new.

Ed:wiggle:

[Cory W]

All you need is a flathead screwdriver. Simply slide in behind the lens near a corner pointing inwards, and slowly work around the lens. It'll come off in short order. To replace it, position the lens in on one side, and work the screwdriver around the lens, this time the screwdriver end pointing into the black assembly, pushing the lens back in place.

The coloured lenses are only held in place by the black assembly that surrounds it. It's a rubbery piece, and has the give needed to get them off and on.

EDIT: Great place for a quick response, eh? Remember with LEDs they only work one way. If it doesn't light up, rotate the bulb :)

[Ozzie]

Yup, pretty much as described above, but with pictures, here 'ya go:
Blogpost: "Let LEDs Light Your Wings" (http://delorean2109.blogspot.com/2010/04/let-leds-light-your-wings.html)

[Bitsyncmaster]

Before you put the lens back in, try this:

Just set the lens over the lit LED an note how it looks at all angles.

Now try it with the lens flipped (diamond patter facing out).

Let us know which looks better. If you decide on flipping them you may need to sand the sharp edges a little off the lens where it inserts into the rubber.

[BigBenb84]

and what bulb are we using? I have the original DMCH kit from years ago in there. They are like 4 leds very tightly concentrated in the center of the lens, looks stupid.

[Farrar]

and what bulb are we using? I have the original DMCH kit from years ago in there. They are like 4 leds very tightly concentrated in the center of the lens, looks stupid.

I used single-element high-output LEDs from autolumination.com. They cost about $7 each plus shipping. This is what they look like.

6467

Here are two pictures to compare: the autolumination.com LED bulbs have been installed in the driver door; Houston's units are in the passenger door.

6469

6468

Farrar

[SIMid]

Here are some of my pics of my door lights on FB.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.263018057060558.76261.243107615718269&type=1

But I used these ones on the left, SMDs. The right ones were LEDs.
http://i44.tinypic.com/30aqrua.jpg

They have some real power with the multiple SMDs!! :lol:

[deloreanz]

Here are some of my pics of my door lights on FB.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.263018057060558.76261.243107615718269&type=1

But I used these ones on the left, SMDs. The right ones were LEDs.
http://i44.tinypic.com/30aqrua.jpg

They have some real power with the multiple SMDs!! :lol:

Does the light disperse much better when using the SMD version of the bulb, to the point where the whole square is lit up evenly? It seems so from the pictures and is what I expected from a shorter bulb that isn't butted right up to the outer lens.

I made a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-uDyfAHMZA) about my LED bulb install for anyone interested. I used the 9 LED version of the bulb on the right in your picture.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Surface mount devices (SMD) usally are available in wide angle light. But the best way to get less concentration in the center is to get the LEDs as far back from the lens as possible. The door LEDs were my first project when I got my car 6 years ago. I removed the bulb sockets and installed custom LED boards. But if doing it over today, I would use SMDs to get more of them and get them a little further back.

[SIMid]

Does the light disperse much better when using the SMD version of the bulb, to the point where the whole square is lit up evenly? It seems so from the pictures and is what I expected from a shorter bulb that isn't butted right up to the outer lens.


The SMDs I used have a shorter bulb holder, so they sit right into the holder itself. Very fiddly to get them out once they are in. I was hoping the square lenses light up solidly, but they don't. Much better than LEDs, stronger and wider light. Looks great at night. 6 of these SMDs didn't cost much to buy, $4 for 2.

Bitsyn has the right idea to manufacture your own board to get the right effect. My electronics skills is below par so this was the next best alternative.

[Jimmycxc]

Does the light disperse much better when using the SMD version of the bulb, to the point where the whole square is lit up evenly? It seems so from the pictures and is what I expected from a shorter bulb that isn't butted right up to the outer lens.

I made a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-uDyfAHMZA) about my LED bulb install for anyone interested. I used the 9 LED version of the bulb on the right in your picture.

Those are the ones that I have...on the right. I'd like to take a look at the video if you want to post the link.

Thanks....I figured they just popped off with a little effort, just didn't want to break something by being hasty.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Good video. Here is another little trick I came up with. Paint the inside of the rubber with white or silver paint. Then any light reflected off the lens get reflected back. I used aluminum rust oleum paint applied with a paint brush.

[Elvis]

I suggest these ones, they look like original bulbs and no painting required:

http://www.highlight-led.de/Kfz-Lampen_12V/Stecksockellampen_12V/Fassung_T10/Gelb/1_Paar_LED_Standlichtbirne_GELB_T10_1xSF__4x3mm_i3 71_754.htm


Check it out installed:
http://www.deloreans.de/download/file.php?id=208

and with the cover:
http://www.deloreans.de/download/file.php?id=207

and here some more details and pics:
http://www.deloreans.de/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=670&p=14824&hilit=leds#p14824

I also had an early DMCH kit and never liked that "dot", I always wanted the nice star back. It wasn't cheap, but I love it :-)

[Bitsyncmaster]

Here are my custom LEDs on the right. Stock bulb on the left.