Thimble lights to LED daytime running lights

[tedtaylor]

I love my thimble lights, but the incandescent bulb is not bright enough for me. I wanted a bright LED daytime running light, but wanted to keep the original look without ruining the original fixture. I did not try replacement LED bulbs as they are expensive and i wasn't sure how well it would work. My modification is reverseable. I bought "eagle eye" LED lights from a source in China for...... get this..... $0.99 cents!!!! and that was for a pair and included shipping. How could you go wrong?

HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-X-LED-Eagle-E ... 2749.l2649

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I removed the incandesent bulb and hot lead wire/spring/contact, then inserted LED wire through the hole. I had to grind down the sides just a bit to fit nicely.

bottom one ground down, top one as new

ready for assembly and wiring

here's the sizing in inches

can you tell which one is which??

finished job - and i LOVE IT !!!! here's how it looks nearing dusk:

[Briggs1]

but Ted, now the bulb won't burn out. What's the fun in that?

Great idea, I may borrow

Now just need to find that extra $1.98 in the couch cushions

[ericbushby]

Looks good Ted.
I have looked for them on ebay but cannot identify them. There are several choices with different power ratings. some plastic, some could be metal.
Which one did you choose
Eric in Burnley

[UAB807F]

What a really neat conversion, well done that man !

Another plea for ebay links from me as well.

Brian

[vstibbard]

Great result, where did you buy from?

[tedtaylor]

Sorry, just updated the original post with the link to the lights.

[miked]

Nice one Ted. I like the idea. Got to be done. Also gets rid of possible poor bulb connection problems after sitting for a while. Mike

[UAB807F]

Thanks for the link & description Ted, I've just ordered a set. A great idea and for any other UK buyers there's loads on Ebay.uk ranging from 99p upwards.

Brian

[Chancer]

Just bought 10 to put in stock, they will come in usefull one day probably in completely different applications.

[Davidb]

That listing has expired-here is a current one:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/232306761722

However, you can buy anything from one to fifty from various listings!

[holywood3645]

Looks like something I need to do in my S4.
Great Mod... and my 1000th post
James

[Davidb]

Congratulations!
Time well wasted!

[cbguerrajr]

very nice, will do same.
and along the same lines, to improve detectability under low light conditions, i recently added this LED rear license light that lights up the plate like a neon sign. also from eBay ($10).
attaches to the license plate, the original wimpy lotus light remains in place. you can't miss this little car in the dark now
Carlos G

[holywood3645]

Also a good idea!
LMK what you used. Anything that helps these little cars been seen is a good thing!
James

[Stevie-Heathie]

As per previous posts on upgrading to LED lights, don't forget to tell your insurer you have made this mod . . .

I have simply switched out my my running lights to "warm light" LED bulbs. Perhaps they are not quite as bright as these but they are more yellowish and less blue, which I prefer.

Even when people do see me coming they mostly assume I'm a normal sized car a long way away!

Steve