Replacing the Parking Lamps and Lenses (how-to)

[chris snell]

This was one of the better sub-$50 upgrades that I've done to my truck. Replaced the faded-out parking lamp lenses with fresh, dark, genuine parts lenses. Also replaced the incandescent bulbs with LEDs from superbrightleds.com

Parts used:

Qty. 4 Lens, Front Amber (http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-13602-lens-front-amber-defender.aspx) $5.91 each from Rovers North (would have bought from AB but they didn't have any)

Qty. 4 BA15 9-LED bulb, Amber, 67-A9 (http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/67.htm) $2.99 each from superbrightleds.com

Install was easy. I had been having problems with the incandescents burning out but it turned out to be a weak contact on the receptacle. Pushed the receptacle tip in and bent the the little copper contact out and that cured this issue.

I can't believe how much better the truck looks. The old lenses were really faded out, almost clear, and that caused the lamps to appear white. (see first pic) The new LEDs are amber, so the lamp will still look decent even if the lenses fade again.

[Hans]

Definitely better than my fix, I had the faded lenses for a long time too..... but ended up just repainting mine with a clear orange model paint. Holding good so far, but the lenses are getting old and starting to crack at the lips.

You wouldn't have found a part number for the socket in your search, would you? One of mine needs replacing. I have a set of the newer style lenses/sockets laying around, but I'm too lazy to figure out how to swap them. Maybe when the weather warms up.

-Hans

[Bozman]

Nice job. Thanks for posting.

[cellulararrest]

Hey that looks great. I think I'll do that only with the new clear lenses.

[chris snell]

Which years had the two clear lenses?

[rover4x4]

94 but I think they were amber, no NAS trucks have clear indicators I dont think..

[Stmpede]

No, but european ones have a clear lens on the top and an amber on the bottom I believe. That is what I put on my 110.

[TDI Guy]

I did all clear on my truck with yellow bulbs on the turning signals... :pimp

[cellulararrest]

Randy do you have the smoked lenses off the new euro defenders? If so, you wouldn't have the part number would you? :)

[chris snell]

I did all clear on my truck with yellow bulbs on the turning signals... :pimp

Yes, but you also have a silver-painted grill. :tounge

[TDI Guy]

I believe its called Brunell Grey as per land rover... I will be ordering some bulbs for sure. they are nice Chris.

[ini88]

Chris did you find any LEDs for the rear lights?

[chris snell]

There are LED options, definitely. Do you have square lights?

Here's what I went by:

http://www.d-90.com/forum/showpost.php?p=121050&postcount=14

Personally, I think I'm going to hold off on converting the rear bulbs. The LEDs definitely look different. In the conic-shaped lens of the parking lamp, it's not very noticeable. With the flat rear lenses, however, I think that you would see the individual LEDs.

[flippedrover]

There are LED options, definitely. Do you have square lights?

Here's what I went by:

http://www.d-90.com/forum/showpost.php?p=121050&postcount=14

Personally, I think I'm going to hold off on converting the rear bulbs. The LEDs definitely look different. In the conic-shaped lens of the parking lamp, it's not very noticeable. With the flat rear lenses, however, I think that you would see the individual LEDs.
I bought all but the turn signals from there and didn't spend much on them. So far they have been pretty nice. Only complaint is with the back up light. For me LEDs aren't bright enough to see very far.