1981 eldorado fiber optics

[Tonyv_73]

okay, so i decided to try and fix my fiber optics in my 1981 eldorado (the opera lights and the hood lights)  i took a look at the hood lights that connect to the headlights, turns out i have the wrong headlights in the car (if anyone knows where i can find them let me know)  but regardless the high beams have the correct bulbs, but are now bright at all (as well as the turn signals) and for the opera lights, it looks like the fiber optics are missing their insulation.  i replaced the bulbs but the opera lights do not light up.  If anyone knows a good way to fix this, i was thinking just fitting in an LED strip if i cant find replacement fiber optic wire. 

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Doesn't the Eldorado have Electro Luminescent type opera lamps?

As for the headlamps, you'll need to look for vintage bulbs with the glass tab that shines light into the fiber optic cable. A suitable size of vacuum hose cut to fit will probably suffice if the originals are missing. It helps channel light from the tab to the optic cable. 

[manxie]

 

As for the headlamps, you'll need to look for vintage bulbs with the glass tab that shines light into the fiber optic cable. A suitable size of vacuum hose cut to fit will probably suffice if the originals are missing. They simply channel light from the tab to the optic cable.

Is this a way to join two bits of fibre optic together? I believe the ones on the rear of my Eldo have been cut when new filler panels were fitted?? Thanks.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Is this a way to join two bits of fibre optic together? I believe the ones on the rear of my Eldo have been cut when new filler panels were fitted?? Thanks.

Great question. Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of this.

[76eldo]

The problem is getting a clean cut.  There are tools for making fiber splices in the data industry.  In this case you are conducting light, not data.

I'd try making a cut on each side with a razor blade as straight as possible and push the two sides together.  Put a drop of super glue on the outside of the two halves.  Have some shrinkwrap over one of the two sections and slide it over the splice and seal it up.  It should work.

Brian

[manxie]

That`s great Brian, I`ll try that, thank you. Sorry for highjacking thread. I`ll sign out now. 

[Tonyv_73]

Doesn't the Eldorado have Electro Luminescent type opera lamps?

As for the headlamps, you'll need to look for vintage bulbs with the glass tab that shines light into the fiber optic cable. A suitable size of vacuum hose cut to fit will probably suffice if the originals are missing. It helps channel light from the tab to the optic cable.

There is a fiberoptic cable that leads to the trunk where there is a bulb that lights it up, i replaced both bulbs (the little peanut kind) but it barely lights, and i did it in the dark.  the fiber optic cable looks to be flat with no insulation, i wasnt sure if there was something wrong with it.

[g27g28]

There is a plastic cover that fits over the outside of the area that lights up on the opera lamps, if this is gone the fibers quickly break off and disappear.  I do not know if the fibers will disintegrate over time though if the cover is still in place.

[Whit Otis, 1188]

The opera lamps on my 85 Biarritz are quite dim.  I replaced the bulbs in the trunk when I first got the car as they didn't light up at all. Haven't done the homework yet but was going to try to find an LED replacement in hopes of increasing the brightness.  Has anyone tried this?
Whit
1188

[Tonyv_73]

The opera lamps on my 85 Biarritz are quite dim.  I replaced the bulbs in the trunk when I first got the car as they didn't light up at all. Haven't done the homework yet but was going to try to find an LED replacement in hopes of increasing the brightness.  Has anyone tried this?
Whit
1188

I'm planning on wiring up leds in series to my front headlights and turn signals and taping them to the end of the fiber optics, this will give a brighter glow but will remove it from now working when the bulb goes out, also if need be I can always put it back to factory.  I may also replace the opera light bulbs in the trunk with leds to make them brighter too.

[smokuspollutus]

I have 194 LED's sourced from ebay in my 1984 car. I looked for ones that send light upwards similar to the magnifying lens on top of the stock incandescents. They're very visible from the outside of the car now, but not so much that they look tacky. I'll try to get a picture at night, but they really don't photograph properly with a cheap camera.

[TJ Hopland]

Use electrical heat shrink tube to attach your new LED's or repair the fiber optics.   It works way better than any sort of tape.