Dashboard illumination

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    • #2909
      Andrew J Pacey
        @andrew-j-pacey

        Good evening Jaguar enthusiasts.
        My name is Andrew.
        I have a 1989 XJS Sport convertible with very poor instrument illumination even when the dimmer is set to max output.
        Before I start removing the instrument cluster could anyone advise if there is modification kit or any advise as to improve the instrument display lights.
        Many Thanks.

      • #2914
        Laurence Jones
          @laurence_admin

          Hi Andrew,

          I am just crafting an article on exactly this topic, as both the lights on my 1984 Cabriolet and my 1990 LHD Convertible have appalling instrument cluster lights.

          I have greatly improved the lights on the Convertible by taking the instrument cluster to pieces, removed the speedo and rev counter gauge dial fronts. Then I proceed to remove each of the little green domes (which cover each instrument light) – then put it all back together. I was actually taking the instrument cluster to pieces for another reason, which was to change the KPH speed face for a twin KPH/MPH dial face.

          This has made a reasonable improvement to the backlighting of the dials – in fact is probably good enough (yet to do the same on the Cabriolet).

          I imagine that that with the little green domes removed then higher watt bulbs can be used, as there is then nothing in the way to melt.

          I have also looked into replacing the usual filament bulbs with led versions – which I’m yet fully investigate.

          I do need to get on and write that article now, as it includes photos (I have them somewhere) of each dismantling stage).

          Laurence

        • #3000
          Andrew J Pacey
            @andrew-j-pacey

            Good evening Laurence.
            Thank you for your reply.
            I will look forward to reading your article.
            Due to a fault on the horn connections I will remove the steering wheel & while im at it remove the display cluster, maybe a bulb gone !!!

            Well done on setting up the new updated soft-top website.

            Andrew.

          • #12552
            Gerry Stoll
              @ixjies

              Hi guys,

              you can get a special XJS dashboard LED kit.

              http://www.bettercarlighting.co.uk/index.php?searchStr=Xjs&act=viewCat&Submit=Go

              Gerry

            • #12636
              Paul
                @paulf42

                You can buy all the LEDs on eBay in a set for around £10

              • #12638
                Paul
                  @paulf42
                • #12649
                  Laurence Jones
                    @laurence_admin

                    Hi Paul / Gerry

                    Do they recommend removing the little green cups – which I’m guessing you’d need to if you wanted to use Green or Red bulbs.

                    Laurence

                  • #12650
                    Laurence Jones
                      @laurence_admin

                      Hi Paul / Gerry

                      Do they recommend removing the little green cups – which I’m guessing you’d need to if you wanted to use Green or Red bulbs.

                      Laurence

                    • #12713
                      Paul
                        @paulf42

                        Hi Laurence

                        When I fitted mine I just upgraded to LED lamps from a car spares so I used the original holders and all. Just be very careful that you don’t damage the copper tracking at the back because if it is loose, it will easily snag when you’re putting the plugs back in and you won’t find out till you’ve got it back together again (I know from experience, I have no water temp at the mo and have got to take it out again)

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