Clear Plastic by Cigarette Lighter?

[Sparky73]

What is the name of that clear plactic piece behind the insturment cluster that surrounds the 2 sets of switches and the cigarette lighter? Any value to it? (Unbroken/Uncracked)

[namba209]

Those clear plastic pieces are what is used to light up the rocker switches. The light rays travel down them and because of the jagged edges in them actually help to light up that area. If they are dirty/dusty, clean them up and you get a brighter area below them.

[baronbors]

I took my plastic out entirely and glued in two LED's wired to the dash lights- remarkable difference

[jvandyke]

I should do that. I cleaned my plastic then lined it with aluminum foil (I thought that being up against black on one side (absorb the light) and open on the other (loose the light?) it would help and it helped but it is still pretty weak light. LEDs. Just go buy some 12v ones, or what? or rig in some sort of resistor?

[ungermm]

Originally Posted by Sparky73 What is the name of that clear plactic piece behind the insturment cluster that surrounds the 2 sets of switches and the cigarette lighter? Any value to it? (Unbroken/Uncracked)

I'm not sure, it might be called the dash instrument cluster switches illuminater. I don't think they are worth that much. I guess if someone needed one they would pay a few bucks for one though. I remember my first dash extraction, mine fell to pieces. I was able to glue it back together and reuse it. Jerry

[GTJIM]

That part is made of 'Lucite' (sp) or 'Perspex' and actually channels the light down from the bulb above - just like a fibre optic cable. If you mount the LEDs above it then their brighter light (of any colour you choose!) will also be transported. Indeed the LEDs use this same material as a light guide!

It is quite brittle plastic so is easily broken when trying to remove a rusted up cigar lighter.

The inside of the surface of the plastic 'reflects' the light along the path - don't know if ali foil on the outside would help or hinder!

This effect lead on to investigations which resulted in fibre optic technology.

[baronbors]

Originally Posted by jvandyke I should do that. I cleaned my plastic then lined it with aluminum foil (I thought that being up against black on one side (absorb the light) and open on the other (loose the light?) it would help and it helped but it is still pretty weak light. LEDs. Just go buy some 12v ones, or what? or rig in some sort of resistor?

12 volt leds and spliced them into my dome light/ floor light system. When I open the doors or turn on the dome light manually by way of the defroster switch, the leds come on in my dome light, under the floor by my feet and passengers feet and the center console is bathed in light too- looks cool

[jvandyke]

Originally Posted by baronbors 12 volt leds and spliced them into my dome light/ floor light system. When I open the doors or turn on the dome light manually by way of the defroster switch, the leds come on in my dome light, under the floor by my feet and passengers feet and the center console is bathed in light too- looks cool

Care to share any more info? Like what you used for lights and how you wired it?
Sounds like a good plan. I simply need more light. I'd like to see quite a bit on the rockers/heater and preferably spilling over the whole center console a bit, maybe just put LEDs on the outside right there. Also some foot lighting sounds good as well as make the dome light somewhat useful. Being able to turn those on with a switch (defrost) sounds great.

[Sparky73]

Picture for future reference.. and for Hallgeir

[hallgeir]

Thanks Jon. Looking really good. I`ll buy it. PM has been sent.