im currently restoring a low top center console for a runner and I tore the switches down for cleaning and such. I wanted to attempt and put LEDs in the switches. I SWEAR I saw a thread on here where someone did this already but I looked and couldn't find it. its obviously not as easy as plug and play. I attempted today and actually got an LED in the wiper switch but I guess the ones I had weren't rated to 12v so I blew it. more on order. if you have read my build thread you know these are not for me lol im putting together a center console for sale, I believe two of the three switches will take an LED. the window lock switch has a bulb built into the little circuit board under the button, and would require more patience that I have to change it to an LED. anyone done this? tips and tricks appreciated.

 

nothing to do with LEDs, but your sig states you have a warn 8273 on your '80 rig. is it really an 8274? or some oddball?

 

fat fingered it, its an 8274. actually I have 3 of them lol I picked up 2 on the facebook marketplace for 400 bucks last week. Im turning into a hoarder.

 

$400 is a great price. wish i could find one around here for that price.

 

Yeah, that box of LEDs isn't going to do you much good. LEDs are constant current devices with a forward voltage drop of about 3-3.5 volts; put 12v on them and the magic smoke escapes.

So all you need is a 2k ohm resistor in series, but that's another component where you have little room. But someone has already thought of this; you can buy LEDs with an integral resistor so you can just hook them up to 12v as though they were old-school incandescents. https://lighthouseleds.com/12v-3mm-l...round-top.html

I've never worked on the switches you're describing, but I know that some switches (e.g., Air Conditioning) have a twist-lock holder for the bulb. You can get part-for-part replacements for those. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...panel-led/221/

 

one of the switches has a twist lock hvac style bulb and I have ordered some for that. One switch doesn’t seem to be able to replace the bulb at all, and the last switch has a 3mm long legged bulb. Your 100% on those things blowing out. Found that out quick ha. I found some 3mm 12v rated ones with a resistor last night, so I’m glad your verifying that’s what I needed.

 

Don't forget that LEDs are polarized; unlike incandescents, it's possible to put them in backwards.

 

Success! Not for my truck because I’m content with the oem bulbs but I’m restoring a center console for selling and I’m doing LEDs in the switches. I found some internal resistor long legged LEDs and threaded them into the OEM little rubber boots. Once you figure out the correct orientation with a little battery your good to go.

 

Great find on the LED, Those LED are CHEAP ! not worth the trouble to even try and solder in a resistor - I'm going to blame you for making me go LED conversion crazy now !