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

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

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

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ-S-Complete-Dash-Instrument-LED-Bulb-Set-Upgrade-Blue-Display-Up-to-91/302527984018?hash=item467012b192:g:y5wAAOSwN5BalBIJ

They have a green and red set too at the moment and I have seen the white ones in the past as well.

Hi Paul @paulf42 / Gerry @ixjies

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

Hi Paul @paulf42 / Gerry @ixjies

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

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)