C2 Dim Instrument Lights

[Brian K.]

Does anyone else have this complaint? All bulbs are working and charging system is working fine. I find at night they simply aren't bright enough. Has anyone done anything to improve theirs?

Thanks!

[Dan H.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Check your manuals and make sure you have the correct lamp bulbs, makes a big difference if incorrect.
Dan

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

If you expect the lights to meet the illumination of todays autos... forget it.

Unless they are so dim that they don't illuminate the instruments at all, then what you see is what you get....

[Bill W.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Brian,

Could be a combination of things, or any one of the following. If the bulbs are old, a black coating will form inside limiting the amount of light transmitted. Your rheostat may be ready for replacement or the ground terminal may be in need of a good cleaning. Bill

[Brian K.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

I have 67 Chevelle SS and those instruments are quite well illuminated. The bulbs were all replaced some time ago (and I am certain they were the correct ones) which was the reason I replaced them without improvement.

I realize they won't compare to today's benchmark. Just wondered if that was the general consensus that they don't do a good job of it.

Brian

[Bill W.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Brian, Another thought. My fuzzy old brain seems to recall an article in "The Restorer" from many years ago of a fellow who had a problem similar to yours. He discovered bulbs originally used for aircraft instrumentation that were slightly brighter, had part numbers for them also. Check your really old "restorers". Good luck, Bill

[Brian K.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Bill,

Thanks! I have the CD with all the old restorers on it and I have a lot of pilot friends so maybe between the two I can do something.

Welcom to the fuzzy old brain club.

Thank you!

[Bill W.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Brian, The more I think about it the more I think the info you seek is in an early issue of "Driveline". I will do some looking tonight. Bill

[Chuck G.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

I just went through replacing bulbs in my 56 Chevy.

Long story short, there are several bulbs of the same size, but different candlepower.

You can get instrument panel bulbs up to 5 CP. I believe originals were 2, maybe 3.

Makes a big difference. I searched on Phillips, GE, and other sites till I gleaned the info I needed. Then went to PEP Boys and got the brighter bulbs.

Chuck

[Kirk McHugh]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Here's a copy of a response on CF.

If your factory bulbs are #1816 you can replace them with #1817. They are .40 amps ea vs. .33 amps for the 1816's. Will not over load the system since it adds up to be less that having 1 or 2 bulbs burned out. Ends up a little brighter.

In addition, a number of people with drivers have converted their dash lights to LED's.

Good luck.

[Bill W.]

Re: C2 Dim Instrument Lights

Brian,
In Vol. 19, number 4, Spring of 1993, page 5 of "The Restorer" there is a note from Bill Halbert, Snyder, TX. describing his search for more dash light. While Bill is dealing with a stright axle car, the info may apply to your car also. Hope this info is useful to you. Back to work! Bill