converting idiot lights to LED

[Mr.Wilde]

i would like to start upgrading all my lights to LED and thought i should start with the small stuff first. from my understanding, i need to have an inline resistor infront of the LED so it doesn't burn out, due to the lower voltage rating. now is that all i need for the idiot and gauge lights? and what should i look for and/or what info should i have when purchasing the electronics?

 

[Sonreir]

Go to http://www.superbrightleds.com/ and just buy replacement bulbs. Some minor rewiring may be necessary in order to ensure the polarity matches up properly, but that's still easier than worrying about resistors and component LEDs and such.

 

[Mr.Wilde]

thanks for the website. i'll have to get my turn signals and brake light from there. but what if i want to make a small custom light box or have them poking out the top of my headlight bucket?

 

[Sonreir]

Do a Google search for "headlight warning light" (or similar) and you can find these things:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/new-authentic-hex-JEWEL-TYPE-AMBER-HEADLIGHT-WARNING-LIGHT-BSA-TRIUMPH-AJS-ARIEL-/130718105135?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1e6f67fe2f

They're used on the old Lucas style headlight buckets and they're not always cheap, but they'll probably fit your needs and still come in cheaper and more effective when you consider the time necessary to build your own.

If you don't mind waiting, I can get them for trade price and cost to you would be about $8 each. I have to time my order to match my mom's husband's business though. Here's the a pic of the unit they sell:

These units accept a standard BA7s bulb, which do come in LED.

 

[SONICJK]

I've never had a problem running RadioShack led's I believe they have an inline resistor already and are rated for 12v.

 

[Flugtechnik]

Here:

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-lighting-parts-amber-led-with-built-in-resistor-2062570.html

They come in different colors.

 

[SONICJK]

Those are the exact same ones from radio shack, but they seem to have a little more wire.
About the same price too.

 

[Dodge2000]

you might also need to consider diodes for the indicators, if you are intending on sharing an LED for both left and right flasher.