65 instrument cluster bulbs

[Doug R.]

I've searched the archives for an answer to my question, but can't find a solution. I would like the boards opinion on the best available cluster bulbs and where to get them. Especially the #257 flashing bulbs. I've searched the web and found what could be a viable option but don't know for sure it I can trust them to be correct ( flash rate, USA made,etc.). I have my cluster pulled out now and would like to replace the bulbs now and forever,since it so difficult to get to these bulbs. Thanks

[Larry M.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

I bought all the needed bulbs on Ebay............including the #257. Got mostly GE, with a few by old Tung-Sol and Westinghouse. All were old stock made in USA.

Most folks swear GE #257 is the only one that flashes correctly, but I have both GE and Westinghouse old stock an cannot tell a difference.

Your Owners Manual has the bulb numbers, but #67, 90, 1893, 1445, 1816, 1156, and 1157 are the numbers for 67 cars, and 65 should be the same.

Search the bulb numbers on Ebay with either GE, Westinghouse, or Tung-Sol as prefixes to the part number. It may take a few weeks to get them all, but I just did this to get boxes of NOS spares for myself and my friends.

Larry

[Edward J.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

Doug, The 257 bulb was also used by the toy trains, there was some for sale a while back a ended up with a few they were the GE bulbs. this will give another option for these bulbs when searching Ebay.

[Larry M.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

A few on Ebay right now (GE #257) at about $12 each. You can buy for less if you wait.

Larry

[Dan T.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

I too purchased the bulbs from corvette supply companies with terrible results. Ebay like the gentleman above takes a while, but they work great, be sure they are GE, Westinghouse, Tung-sol. Happy hunting.

[Duke W.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

You might want to consider replacing the incandescent bulbs with LEDs, but you'll need to get educated on things including color temperature and beam angle. Two big advantages are about one tenth the operating current and ten times the life of the incandescent bulbs they replace, which should minimize the chance of having to remove the IP cluster to replace bulbs, which is not a fun job.

After being packed away for over 50 years I decided to mount my Lionel Super Chief train set above the couch in my living room with functional lighting. The installed incandescent bulbs were a hodgepodge of BA9S base automotive type with different numbers, so I needed to use LEDs since the power source is 8 C-cell batteries mounted in the baggage car with a switch.

The Lionel operating voltage is up to 16 and the single LED bulbs I bought (nominal 12V input) put out plenty of light at 12V.

One thing you'll need to determine is how any LED will perform with a rheostat to allow variable lumens. I don't know how much voltage it takes to "turn on" a 12V rated LED since this wasn't an issue with my job.

You might also have to use the standard incandescent bulbs for the brake and lights warning, unless you can find a suitable LED that flashes.

I bought from www.ledlight.com. They have an extensive inventory of different LED types and a useful cross reference for all the common 12V automotive incandescent bulbs.

Duke

[Doug R.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

Thanks Duke, I would like to change to led's but like you say I would almost have to see the effect or get advice from someone who has actually been through what I am trying to do. Any help that would narrow my search would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Paul J.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

Doug, if you're trying to stay stock, then stay stock. Duke's suggestions are not stock, even if they might work.

Paul

[Donald O.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

I've searched the archives for an answer to my question, but can't find a solution. I would like the boards opinion on the best available cluster bulbs and where to get them. Especially the #257 flashing bulbs. I've searched the web and found what could be a viable option but don't know for sure it I can trust them to be correct ( flash rate, USA made,etc.). I have my cluster pulled out now and would like to replace the bulbs now and forever,since it so difficult to get to these bulbs. Thanks

Doug,
Since your cluster is out, now is the time to clean the inside and repaint if needed, clean the lenses, and replace the rubber lens isolators.
Do this and you won't have to switch to LEDs and you will be able to see the gauges at night. Been there and done that.

The flash rate of the #257 has no specifications listed in any GM service manual or in any NCRS judging guide, so just get a GE #257 for your headlights tattletale and brakes (if needed).

And yes, LEDs are detectable by the judges.

You asked for opinions and that is mine.

Don

[Richard G.]

Re: 65 instrument cluster bulbs

I have two GE #257 bulbs in my cluster.
They have two very different flash rates.
The time they take to start flashing is also different.
Just adds to the nostalgia, in my opinion.
Rick