Map Light replacement bulb

[digphisher]

I was thinking of replacing my map light bulbs with red bulbs due to the fact that those white lights are too bright to use when driving. I think red bulbs would be easier on the driver's eyes. Does anyone know what bulb size I need. Has anyone done this before?

Thanks

 

[arcas]

As an alternative, you might consider constructing a filter from one or more layers of red cellophane or somesuch. I've done this to a couple flashlights that I use when I'm out with my telescopes. I used transparent red sheet protectors that I bought at Office Depot for a buck or so. Works fairly well with flashlights, might work well with the map lights.

It would probably look better if you could install the filter on the inside of the map light housing (don't know how difficult that would be since I've never disassembled mine) though the advantage of an external filter is that you can remove it if you need.

 

[tkr128]

They are 194/168 bulbs (they're the same). I changed mine to super-white LED's.

 

[digphisher]

I've seen a couple of options:

1) 12v 5 Watt-- painted glass or colored glass (I assume colored glass is much better

2) 194 LED Red Mini Wedge Mount Bulbs
(12V 5W 1 LED per bulb)

3) 168 (194) LED Red Mini Wedge Mount Bulbs
(12V 25W 1 LED per bulb)

I am not sure which option to go with. I don't want the red light to be as bright as the white is now, but I don't want the red light to be too dim that you can't read a map with it on in the dark.

Any suggestions?

 

[jeober]

You may have a problem reading a map with a red light even if you can get it bright enough. Colors won't be rendered well and red/orange/yellow roads may disappear on a light background.

But red would be cool.