How To DIY LED Shift Indicator to replace Fiber Optic

[Big Kev-O]

I had a member ask me to provide instruction on how to make an LED shift indicator to replace his broken fiber optic so here goes,

You will need:
1. 3mm LED, any color you choose
2. 1/2 watt resistor
3. 22 inches thin wire 22awg or 24awg(prefered)
4. Spare socket, My 68 GMC uses GM p/n 2973932
5. Heat shrink 1/16" and 1/8"
6. Soldering iron
7. Drill bit

Note: You do not need to use a socket like I did, it is easier to use splice connectors to connect the wires to instrument harness.

Note: LEDs have polarity so if it doese't light up turn the socket 180* and reinstall.

Steps:
1.Gently pry metal connectors from socket and solder wires to bottom of terminals. Tin the wires and the terminal first. Once the wire has been tinned the insulation will shrink back. Trim the tinned wires and solder them with the insulation right against the terminal.

2. Drill hole through back of socket.I used a 1/8" bit and enlarged it a bit more by reaming the hole with the bit.

3. Install terminals in socket with wires running out back.

4. Install resistor in the positive wire. I used 100K OHM to make it a bit brighter than the stock fiber optic.

5. Solder wires to LED and shrink wrap. I stretched the 1/8" shrink wrap to get it to fit over the rim of the LED. This makes it the perfect size to fit in the indicator without glue.

[Big Kev-O]

Here is how it looks with 100K OHM resistor. Make sure to use a 1/2 watt resistor. A 1/4 watt resistor will get too hot.