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LED overhead instrument lights

721lp
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721lp Collaborator

721lp

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Does anyone remember who the guy was that had a conversion kit for the overhead "bullet" instrument panel lights? I would like to replace them since they run so hot. You could almost cook a small breakfast on them if they've been on a while.

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DanM20C
DanM20C

I went the www.superbrightleds.com route.  I liked the look of the torpedo fixtures and wanted to reuse them.  The red lens cover comes off easily by removing the retaining clip.  To remove the lens,

Hector
Hector

Did the conversion today per Dan's instructions. I'm pretty happy with the results!

JaredDavis
JaredDavis

Can you alter the pivot ring location to avoid the interference?  I'll take a picture next time I'm at the hangar.

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N5MD Explorer

N5MD

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Posted

I'm interested in getting the LED replacements for my Mooney. But a previous owner removed the sockets from my plane. Do you a source for the sockets?

mjc Community Regular

mjc

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Posted

The instructions mention turning the sockets around. On my 69C, that isn't possible due to the way the plastic headliner is shaped. I'd still like to use the LED lights, so I'm thinking about trying to line the inside of the torpedo-shaped fixtures with reflective material to try to direct the LED light toward the panel. Will this work? Will the new LED lights even fit in the torpedo-shaped fixtures?

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  • 1 month later...
mjc Community Regular

mjc

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A response from the fellow marketing the LED overhead bulbs...


Hello Michael,

I developed these lights primarily for the Short Wing Pipers ( Tri-Pacers
etc.) and I am not all that familiar with the Mooneys.  A number of M20
drivers have purchased them and I have not heard of any problems with them
using them.  If you have the same type of socket and swivel that I show in
my flyer, which I have attached, you may likely have more room once you turn
the socket in the proper direction.  With your current bezel, the light
socket is held perpendicular to the mounting flange to get light out
parallel to the flange as is shown in step 1 of the installation
instructions.  With the LED bulb, the socket is held parallel to the mount,
as is shown in step 3, so it is actually farther away from the mount and has
more space in which it can be adjusted.

The old Grimes bezel and lens will not fit over the LED bulb when its
installed in the socket.  The bulb is to long.  That is one of the reasons I
made a new shroud.

If you would like to try a set, I'll refund the cost except for the shipping
(first class mail is $1.39) if you  wish to return them.

Take care,

Tom Anderson



721lp Collaborator

721lp

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I put them in my '67 C model. Had to trim a small amount of plastic trim. Works nicely. Also ordered the Fenix diffusers ($2 each). Makes a nice even panel coverage. AND no heat......

  • 4 years later...
MB65E Grand Master

MB65E

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I bought them about 3 years ago from the owner directly! Wanted them in blue, but settled for red. I did a little digging and the Short Wing Piper guys have these available. I think they are te same as what the guy was selling a few years ago.

http://www.shortwingpiperclub.org/shop/aircraft-maintenance-parts/cabin-mounted-shoulder-lights/

I really like mine!!

-Matt

MB65E Grand Master

MB65E

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They just click in place of the old 90° units. And the lightbulb is like any other. With The nice satin black paint the housings come in, you will find your self touching up other things in that area too.

- Matt

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aviatoreb Grand Master

aviatoreb

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I recently got two of these - (but from ebay for $5 each) - they are LED lights inside a dog collar.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-NND-03-10L-Collar-Webbing/dp/B001TJGCS0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1418744802&sr=8-6&keywords=led+dog+lights

 

Cut away the dog collar and you have a wire with several led tiny red lights encased in a rubber clear tube, with a simple push button switch powered by a pair of button batteries.  I expect it has a life of on the order of 20-50hrs.  But I am just guessing. Then you tape it (somehow - maybe double sided sticky, or even regular strong tape) to the underside of your glare shield.  I can't tell you how well it works - and such a stupid-simple solution for $10.

 

Yes, I still have my oem lights as well and they work fine - I consider them the backup.

bonal Grand Master

bonal

Posted
Posted

Has anyone used those LED strips that go under the panel pad along to top of the panel as seen at Aircraft Spruce. Plugs into lighter power source.

Hector Veteran

Hector

Posted
Posted

This is the place! Did this last summer (2013).

Easy easy install, just remove the older bulbs and remove the 90° / perpendicular plastic pieces. Insert the new LEDs and attach the new black shrouds ... Point them where you need them.

A nice improvement! Looks better. Works better. There's nothing bad here!

Five minutes tops ... You're done!

Ok. Just bought them! Typically don't fly at night much but it seems over the last month I've done more than I planned. The original bulbs are just not very good. Hot as hell and not much light or too tightly focused. I was just thinking last week that I needed to do something to improve lighting at night and then I see this post. Love this place!

ryoder Veteran

ryoder

Posted
Posted

This is the place! Did this last summer (2013).

Easy easy install, just remove the older bulbs and remove the 90° / perpendicular plastic pieces. Insert the new LEDs and attach the new black shrouds ... Point them where you need them.

A nice improvement! Looks better. Works better. There's nothing bad here!

Five minutes tops ... You're done!

How many knots did you get from this? :)

Seriously I want this. Is this something I can install in my 65 C easily? Are there other led lights we can install?

Ned Gravel Grand Master

Ned Gravel

Posted
Posted

This is the place! Did this last summer (2013).

Easy easy install, just remove the older bulbs and remove the 90° / perpendicular plastic pieces. Insert the new LEDs and attach the new black shrouds ... Point them where you need them.

A nice improvement! Looks better. Works better. There's nothing bad here!

Five minutes tops ... You're done!

+1. I did the same thing in 2012. Great system.

Ned Gravel

Lucky steward of C-FSWR, a '65 E model at Rockcliffe, Ontario, (CYRO)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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