Converting old bow light to LED?

[440roadrunner]

I have an old 58 Crestliner 15 ft "Voyager," bow lamp housing in decent shape, and I'm not anxious to put a "modern" one on that. It seems to take a 90 bulb, but I cannot read it anymore. Anyone have a "favorite" LED lamp I can put in there? I AM NOT looking to use the original dual contact socket which is corroded. More like something I can adapt with permanent/ soldered wiring. This will see little use. Maybe out watching fireworks on the 4th, etc.

 

[tpenfield]

You don't want to just put an LED bulb of the proper type in it and call it good?

 

[Scott Danforth]

either fix what you have and drop in a new LED bulb, or buy a new LED bow light.

your local auto parts store will have sockets

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[440roadrunner]

Thanks but I don't want a new assembly. More holes in an old aluminum boat. I'd prefer NOT to have a socket "electrically" rather, would like permanent wire connections. I did find a replacement LED bulb I may gut the socket and solder the connections, then RTV the bulb into the socket

 

[matt167]

You can get repair sockets easy. Then use a led bulb for that. However go through the perko catalog. I found the exact replacement navigation light for my old StarCraft except it's led. Bolted in original holes and gasket was identical as well as housing

 

[Davetowz]

I like just upgrading to EMI tested LED nav lights. Usually can match style , there are so many styles available. But you always can find a socket from NAPA and there is no end to led replacement bulbs.

 

[440roadrunner]

I ordered a couple bulbs from "marine beam" be here in a few days "I hope." I don't want to argue with sockets. I've spent a lifetime arguing with them, including the "newer" "push in" baseless ones used on my old '00 Dakota and 01 Dodge Cummins. I've replaced both front sockets on both rigs and they STILL don't work reliably.

The plan is to saw the rear off the old socket, RTV the new LED in there for mechanical retention, and solder leads to the bulb contacts.

 

[jimmbo]

Make sure to get the Polarity correct, or you may end up with a LED Black Light

 

[440roadrunner]

Make sure to get the Polarity correct, or you may end up with a LED Black Light

I'm aware, LOL. I was first licensed as a radio amateur in about 1965 in high school. 6 years as a Navy RADAR electronics tech. My last part time job I built electronics/ electrics for a local wheelchair company. I built "the brains" that runs the chair

 

[jimmbo]

I fried many LEDs in Grade 11(1975/76) Electronics Class. It was on one of the Teachers Pet Projects that I had no interest in, so I wasn't too concerned about waste