TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Dec 09, 2022 10:26 pm

Sodo wrote:
Does anyone know if these will fit on the Vanagon instrument cluster?

No, those are different. The ones in the cluster don't have the 2 upper metal socket holders and cutting them off won't work because the proper sockets have 2 raised plastic portions on the socket itself. You can see what I am talking about below

Fri Dec 09, 2022 10:42 pm

OK I see it, thanks!
And you're saying the metal tabs on the Amazon bulbs won't do the deed?

Anyone know where to get LEDs for the instrument cluster on the open market?
I know GoWesty at $13 for 4 is quite reasonable, but the shipping cost adds a bit. And I need a few more for the Syncro locker panel.

Fri Dec 09, 2022 10:53 pm

Sodo wrote: And you're saying the metal tabs on the Amazon bulbs won't do the deed?
No they won't, the holes in the cluster won't allow those to be installed.

I just diid some research and I think they are a B8.3D socket. Be careful though there seems to be differences even with specifying the B8.3D socket

I think these are something like what you want but I am not sure.
https://www.ledlight.com/b8-3d_5050_3-chip_led_bulb_12v_dc.aspx

FYI the original bulbs are 12 volt 1.2 watts

Sat Dec 10, 2022 12:31 am

T5 B8 B8.3D 5050 (qty 10 for $9.99) https://a.co/d/efn81Y2

But the reviewers say the metal contacts are below the level of the plastic and you have to bend them upward above the plastic to contact.
I think that flaw is visible in the product photo.

I thought it would be just "easy" to find LEDs for the dash cluster.

Sat Dec 10, 2022 6:16 am

I just recently purchased these for my cluster. The “warm white” option is a very close color match to the factory incandescent bulbs. I didn’t want the typical “super bright white” color like most LEDs are.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/b8-led-bulb-smd-instrument-panel-led+color-Warm~2900K+base-B83D

Although not a 100% perfect fit, they are pretty darn close. It’s a bit tricky, but I was able to get all three of them installed into the cluster and they appear to have a snug fit once installed. They perform great too, except one of the three that I bought was DOA. Its replacement is currently en route to me (at no cost, of course).

I can take some pics and will post them here when I get a moment.

Sat Dec 10, 2022 9:19 am

"Produces up to 6 lumens at 5500K or 6900K." That seems pretty bright to me and they are hardly warm white at all those Ks. 2K is about the right range to duplicate incandescent.

Duncan

Sat Dec 10, 2022 9:59 am

DuncanS wrote: "Produces up to 6 lumens at 5500K or 6900K." That seems pretty bright to me and they are hardly warm white at all those Ks. 2K is about the right range to duplicate incandescent.

Duncan

That link has several color options. The ones I purchased are 2900k “warm white”. They are a very good match.

Thu Apr 06, 2023 8:28 pm

ANGOVAY wrote: Here's a pic of the std light in the middle and the LEDs on each side. Much brighter.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/649967.jpg

How do you remove the galley light cover? I've tried pinching in from either side but nothing budges. I don't want to force the cover for fear of cracking it and then tracking down a replacement : )

Wed Dec 20, 2023 6:00 pm

revolution337 wrote:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/b8-led-bulb-smd-instrument-panel-led+color-Warm~2900K+base-B83D

Although not a 100% perfect fit, they are pretty darn close. It’s a bit tricky, but I was able to get all three of them installed into the cluster and they appear to have a snug fit once installed.

A very snug fit. Rotating the base had my panties in a bunch worrying I would tear my new foil. I ended up filing a smidgen of the locking ears off for a more "comfortable" fit.

Sun Nov 24, 2024 12:19 am

Hi great post and thanks for taking time to take photos and notate all of it.
Also in case anyone here needs the late model switch ending with letter T and not able to find it, there is an informative video by the guy at Vanagain showing how some of the parts can be exchanged with a switch with the M letter in the part number:

Cheers

Wed Oct 01, 2025 11:08 am

Thanks for the post. I just ordered the b8 3d lights from superbrite LED

Wed Oct 08, 2025 10:30 am

Just installed those lights and problem is solved. I cleaned the foil contacts with some isopropyl alcohol and used some 3d printed clips from Uniwerks. I think the main issue was just too much overall looseness between the foil and the bulb which caused the lights to flicker. The new clips and those led bulbs are nice and tight and lights work great. Awesome tip!