[dataway]

Here are some photos ... of what appears to be the original bulb from the map light in my 68 .... Looks like GE 580 or 550 or 530.

I noticed the map light bulbs being sold to fit the 68 GTO are all over the place as far as type. OPG has what appears to be the closest a 562 .. but when I click on it, it says it doesn't fit a 68 GTO.

I'd like to change it to LED so it doesn't continue to melt the lens. I did find plenty of LED replacements for the 562 type, but no idea if it fits my 68.

Anyway, what's the scoop?

[dataway]

Update ... I did find a place selling GE 550 bulbs, listed as 1966 Cat dome light.

Not sure if 550 is a bulb type, or a GE stock number.

[OG68]

The 68 owners manual lists the 550 for the courtesy/map lamp.

[dataway]

Holy crap .... it even lists the bulb types. I'm going to have to sit down one day and actually read that manual like a book. Dang internet making me stupid.

[dataway]

Appears to be an obsolete bulb type ... might have to get creative with the replacement.

[indymanjoe]

our host sells led211cw per the chart in the catalog (i wish they still sent) this fits your car

[dataway]

That's a dome light bulb, won't fit the map light which uses blade type connectors on both ends. Ames was the first place I checked.

I ordered a couple different 562 style bulbs ... the modern LED equivalent used in late model map lights. Almost the exact same size, but the connectors will require some modifications.

[indymanjoe]

yep missed that one! LOL

[dataway]

Don't know if anyone has a similar problem, but I'll post whatever my fix ends up being. I'll probably just wrap the loops in a modern 562 LED bulb with bare copper wire around the OEM contacts in the map light fixture.

[kk68]

Yep, been there. Use the LB0211 bulb from Ames and carefully remove the metal end caps so it will fit in the map light socket.

[kk68]

Here’s the old bulb with new 211 before caps are removed.

[OG68]

Have you seen this Data?

https://www.replacementlightbulbs.com/lamp550.html

[dataway]

Yep, came across that site in my search but I'm wanting to go LED to stop the heat damage to the old lens.

KK68, very cool ... I just happen to have an LED with end caps like that on the way, not sure if they are removable, but I'll find out.

Like they say on YouTube .... "We're gonna test that"

[dataway]

Here is the map light with a modern 562 LED replacement installed. I just kind of jammed it in there in such a way that both contacts touched and it felt secure. This particular bulb was not polarity sensitive so it could be put in either way.
Got four of the bulbs for like $8 on Amazon.

Will be getting some more similar festoon LED bulbs shortly to see if any others fit better or are brighter etc.

[dataway]

And if you want another option, not quite as bright as the first, about the same as OEM you can go with this Philips DE3175WLED bulb.

[69gtocv]

Originally Posted by dataway

Here is the map light with a modern 562 LED replacement installed. I just kind of jammed it in there in such a way that both contacts touched and it felt secure. This particular bulb was not polarity sensitive so it could be put in either way.
Got four of the bulbs for like $8 on Amazon.

Will be getting some more similar festoon LED bulbs shortly to see if any others fit better or are brighter etc.

Did you ever find another festoon LED that worked?

[dataway]

No I didn't, will probably end up using the flat type pictured above. Seems nice and bright and holds on well enough it shouldn't shake out.

[68ragtop]

Great Topic. I was in the same searching mode a few years back & then just decided to use the only working original that I had & thats what still in there. I'm going to follow your lead & put something else in there to save the original & potentially the 54 year old plastic.

I wonder how the LED will look as far as color goes?

[dataway]

Seemed to look all the same after it's filtered through that thick plastic lens. Actually the lens age and yellowing seems to control the color more than the bulb.

[69gtocv]

I ended up buying some 562 LED's off of Amazon as well. They'll be here next week. I'll also post some pictures