Instruments lights dim

[Charles S.]

About 10 years ago I replaced all my instrument lights while I had my instrument cluster out. I haven't really driven the car at night since then. Recently I turned on my lights only to discover my instrument lights are very dim. They do change as I turn the light switch but they never get very bright. I wouldn't guess that something has happened to all the bulbs since they haven't hardly ever been used and I don't think it is a ground because the ones in the clock act the same way. I'm starting to guess that the light switch itself has gone bad. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Francis F.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

Yes Charles I'm with you ,I suspect the switch also.You may know that this switch has a rheostat built in,perhaps it is not delivering full power to the lsmps.A new switch aprox.$29.would be a good try in my estimation....
Francis

[John H.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

Charles -

The #1816 illumination bulbs were pretty dim to begin with; very common complaint. #1817 bulbs are a bit brighter (available from Atlanta Light Bulb Co.).

[Roger O.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

You could try bypassing the headlight switch rheostat by putting 12 v directly to the left side of the Panel LPS fuse. This will show you the brightest they can be. Also check to see the fuse isn't corroded causing dimness.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

My 67 is the same way. I know the bulbs are correct and the H/L switch is a new #149 (1967 NOS).

I agree with John, takes you back in time when driving at night with the dash lights and those original T-3's. Ever notice when you go to a car show and it starts to get dark how the cars start to leave in short order..

[Richard M.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

Hmmmmm, make sure you have a solid ground connection at the back of the cluster too. Run a test wire ground from the steering column to the back case of the cluster to verify. (in the garage with the overhead lights out though)

Rich

[Stephen L.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

My 67 has the same "problem". The instrument cluster has been restored; however, the bulbs are low candle power by today's standards and the locations don't help either. You are used to newer cars with well lit instruments, so when you drive the 67 it seems like its comparatively very dark.

The solution is just drive in the daylite hours.

[Edward J.]

Re: Instruments lights dim

Charles -

The #1816 illumination bulbs were pretty dim to begin with; very common complaint. #1817 bulbs are a bit brighter (available from Atlanta Light Bulb Co.).

John, I Believe that the light bulbs that are brought over the counter today are made in china/ mexico- etc. and the candle power doesnt seem to be as good as they were in the 60s-70s. I was playing around with some different makes of the 1817 bulbs on my 72 C-3 A/C control head, (wagner, sylvania), I ended up going to a parts thats been a family run business for about 60 years , I asked if he had any old stock on GE 1817 he looked around and came up with a box with two bulbs in it. Well I Can tell you the difference of the bulbs candle power was noticiable.