Light bulb identification for engine bay light

[Mikes Z car]

SteveJ, that LED light looks like it does a good job.

Eurodat, in a Homer Simpson DOH! moment I was looking for my old Pertronix to see what version it was because of the thread on that and I noticed a pack of A72 12V G3 1/2 light bulbs that I used to replace the instrument panel lights. I didn't make a connection to them because I thought the engine bay light had a lot more wattage (the original one did) and didn't realize the socket was the same. They are 3.4W and have a miniature bayonet base, fit fine in the engine bay light. Some eBay listings show the A72 bulb as 4W, some 3W and one lists it as 3.4W. They draw .25A at 12V and are 23.4MM long, I got them from

Planet bulb

1100 McAlpine Ave

Kansas City

KS

66105

877-542-8527

I probably got them off of eBay. I notice eBay now has a listing for an A72 bulb. Being humbled by my own lack of observation is probably a good thing once in a while.

Edited December 21, 2013 by Mikes Z car

[EuroDat]

SteveJ, that LED light looks like it does a good job.

Eurodat, in a Homer Simpson DOH! moment I was looking for my old Pertronix to see what version it was because of the thread on that and I noticed a pack of A72 12V G3 1/2 light bulbs that I used to replace the instrument panel lights. I didn't make a connection to them because I thought the engine bay light had a lot more wattage (the original one did) and didn't realize the socket was the same.

I know what you mean. I have a garage full of that kind of stuff. Generally find it a day or two after I ordered a box of what ever it is. Its those moments when you think; Ill put that up there so I can find it next time and WTF.....

That box should be a lifetime supply, if you can find it again when the bulb blows;)

Steve, Your LED is on steroids. I ordered the 5 SMD version because I thought the 9 wouldnt fit. The 9 SMD is almost double the light. The 5 is 29mm so the 9 must be at least 5mm longer. It must be a tight fit under the lens cap?

Chas

[SteveJ]

Chas, it seems to fit well. It didn't seem to be touching the lens at all.

[EuroDat]

Hi Steve,

The 9 SMD LEDs came in today. I tried one, but its too long by about a millimeter:(. Don't want to force it, but I could see it pushing the bulb looking through the clear lens I made a while back. I might make a longer lens when I get the rubber insulators done.

Chas

[SteveJ]

Sorry to hear that, Chas. The 9 LED BARELY fit in mine. Is the current lens one that you made?

[EuroDat]

Steve,

I made a mould for a longer lens and it now fits. Its 10mm longer than the original and the 9 LED fits with the same tolerances around the end, compared to the original 8watt.

I make some extra's if anyone is interested. Postage is the killer at around $20, but I can send it with a 9 LED bulb and gasket.

The grey long lens in the photo's is the dummy to make the mould. The lens will have a clear milky tint. Have to experiment with the colour die.

Chas

[EuroDat]

Made the ëxtended"lens today and tried it on the inspection light. Fits good with the 9 SMD LED lamp.

Its a lot brighter than my old bulb which wouldnt be hard at 4watt.

I made some photo's of the two with a lable in the background to show effect, but its hard to see the real difference.