Pictures of the Solaras Interior Bulbs

[philosophicaljt]

I see there is gaining interest in changing the colors on the inside of the solara. I myself, am not a very big fan of the stock green color.

So I thought I'd explore a little. I'll update as time goes on.

Which Switch I choose to play with: (easy access)


Which bulb I choose to play with....


Green Cap sitting on top of bulb......I think


Its odd that from the factory, green. Why green? lol.

I am still not 100% sure thats a cap, and not just a green bulb?

[rollaevo99]

on my corolla is green too......... but it's a cap though....

[PapaDukes027]

Yes that green is just a cap. Like 10 min ago i took apart my head unit and found the same type of bulb. Mines out so i gotta replace it so i took the bulb out and found out the green is just a cap. Props for taking the time to start this up to. Im down for changing the color also.

[philosophicaljt]

In case you guys/gals haven't noticed yet, not only do I love taking photos, I love doing "projects".

Just went to Parts-express (LOVE them) and purchased these:

Blue lamp covers for the stock bulbs


and a blue 1000mcd LED for replacing the lamp (and cover)


I found you could also buy some pre-made LED conversions, that will fit with no modification!

http://autolumination.com/74.htm

"Neo - Wedge LED Instrument Panel Bulbs Type A, B & C

(Note to choose the correct bulb, measure the diameter of the base)

Type A Type B Type C
8mm= 5/16" 10mm= 3/8" 12mm= 15/32"

[PapaDukes027]

Damn i gotta find somewhere like that around here. Ive never heard of Parts Express but hopefully ill hunt down some covers like those today.

[philosophicaljt]

Damn i gotta find somewhere like that around here. Ive never heard of Parts Express but hopefully ill hunt down some covers like those today.

parts-express.com

[philosophicaljt]

Here is a shot of the bulb re-installed, but with NO cover over it. Just the natural color of the lamp. Ugly!


Here is one for comparision, stock on left, naked on right:

[philosophicaljt]

Well. Blue sucked. About 75% as bright as with the green cover. Significantly cooler looking, but I can not accept that much light loss.

Pictures:



Comparision to stock:


Next is the Blue LED. Photos to come. I need to eat first

[philosophicaljt]

Well, I'm lazy. So I'm just going to order some of these:



and for comparision I am also going to order some of these:



from http://autolumination.com/74.htm

But do I want White or blue? I can't choose!!!!!!!

[SleeperSolara]

Looks like a good project man.

[Biggi_e]

i'd say blue, i want blue also in mine since i have a few blue led's i custom did for my amp subwoofer control and alarm but i kind of want white instead. lets see how yours turns out. goodluck with your project.

[philosophicaljt]

My only concern is changing the lights in the Navi I don't think I have the balls to open that thing up, let alone play with the the lighting.

[viper1400]

I tried to do this with my dash...LED's just dont provide the same amount of spreading light as traditional bulbs do...

You end up getting a bunch of "hot spots" and it just doesn't look right. That's why a bunch of car manufacturers are using those Electro-Luminecent Displays nowadays (Its like those watches back in the days that when you pressed a button it would light up). Many of you are familiar with Jetta's, The new Accords, etc. All of those guys are using ELD's.

BTW, on a sidenote, cars have green lighting for a reason. Hella days ago, they did a study on which color of light was least straining on the eyes at night. Which color did the find was the least straining? You guessed it, green.

[philosophicaljt]

^^thats good information to know....thanks. I always thought it was red, thats why airline pilots cockpits have red lighting and HUD displays are red?

[Duffman]

^^thats good information to know....thanks. I always thought it was red, thats why airline pilots cockpits have red lighting and HUD displays are red?

I'm guessing that might have to do with the fact that red light won't kill your night vision.