Panel Light bulbs.

[littlebelter]

I am changing the 33 Van over to 12 volts.

The panel bulbs in the speedo cluster are all 6volt 2watts.

Can't seem to find any 12 volt 2 watt bulbs but plenty of 12 volt 4 watt or 5 watt are available.

Does anyone know whether doubling the wattage is likely to have any adverse effects such as:

Too bright.

Too much heat.

In the case of the dynamo charging warning light, would it upset the point at which the light comes on or goes off?

I would like to get it right first time in view of the labour involved in getting to the back of the speedo!

Thanks,

Pete.

[daf44]

hi pete.

my biggest worry would be too much heat.
i am sure joe will correct me if i am wrong but i thing twice the voltage and twice the wattage could give about 4 times the heat. dont know what this would do.
For the clock lights, i may be tempted to use LEDs instead of bulbs if you cannot get the right ones. this would cure the heat problem but i don't know if it would work on the alternator as LEDs may not let enough power through to energise the alternator coils. ADVICE please JOE.

A bulb for the charging light should be ok as it is not normally on for that long so should not cause any real problem.

Anything to add JOE.

happy motoring.

paul44

[Bob Scrivens]

Hi Pete
Have a look at Farnell.com they have some 12v 2.2w part number 1139397 and until stocks are exshauted 12v 2w part number 3159190
You maybe also able to get some off Ebay.

Regards Bob.

[spunkymonkey]

Oops, was busy coding and missed this one

The heat from the bulbs will depend just on the wattage (ie: the power they take), even with the doubling in voltage as well. But that still means they'll be producing around 2 1/2 times what the originals did. That's unlikely to cause any serious risks but it might cause problems for the coloured lenses they sit behind. Old plastic and extra heat is probably not a great mix!

The other possible problem is, as you suggested, the brightness. Bear in mind that normal side-lights are only 5 watt so, in effect, you'd be putting 4 or 5 sidelight bulbs behind your dash. That's likely to look very festive with Christmas approaching, but might be a little distracting

In terms of the charging light, it shouldn't make any difference - especially if you're changing to an alternator as part of the conversion. Solid state regulators really couldn't care less about that sort of extra load. If you're going for a 12v dynamo then the more likely problem from that point of view is simply the extra amp or two of electrical loading when everything's lit up, and even that isn't likely to make much difference.

While 12v 2.2 watt should be fine and, if they become available, then LEDs are probably the way to go. Nice, clean, light and should outlast the car. Most of them need a dropper resistor to work off 12 volts though.....

[daf44]

hi.

12v LEDs available in maplin.
buy in store, or mail order over net or phone.
just connect and go.

paul44

[littlebelter]

L.O. all.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

I've now managed to get the correct bulbs from www.consumabulbs.com

£8.95 inc vat and postage for 10 bulbs. (288 Bulb 12v/2w)

Ordered yesterday afternoon, arrived this morning. Excellent service.

Only problem now is the "12 volt" dynamo I got is in fact 6 volts.

I think I might take up Spunkymonkey's idea and put on an Alternator instead.

See new thread . . . . .

Regards,

Pete.