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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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mjc Community Regular

mjc

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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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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



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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

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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.

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Hector Veteran

Hector

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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!

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ryoder Veteran

ryoder

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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?

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Gone Grand Master

Gone

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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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HRM Grand Master

HRM

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Would you consider LED post lights?  Available from Aircraft spruce.  One LED can light up the face of an important instrument or two.  I had two in my C, I believe they dimmed with the other lights, but I don't recall.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/70844.php

-a-

 

That link is now dead.

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