Better illumination of gauge cluster possible?

[Andreas Wickman]

The illumination of mine gauges are very poor (C20 1983). Does anyone know if it is stronger bulbs for gauge cluster available? Any LED option?
Best regards from a cold Sweden.

 

[Scott91370]

LED will work but may not be dimmable (have to get the right kind for this). If they do not come one they're installed 180 degrees out - they are polarity dependant.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Another trick is to pull the gauges completely apart and paint the housing (the yellowish plastic piece) with some chrome paint. That with LEDs seems to work very well. I have a buddy that did this in his '73 and loves it

 

[fast 99]

Tried LED in a cluster, very disappointed. Didn't use chrome paint that is a good idea.

 

[GTX63]

I bought some leds off ebay or amazon. I bought multiple packs for each truck as I start tearing into dashes.
Most of them do not dim, so there is that. All of the ones I have used "Superbrite" might be the brand, have worked well.
The factory lights are akin to holding a bic lighter next to the gauge, and they were like that when new too.

 

[Tinker]

Change the bulbs out to 168’s they are a watts or 2 brighter than the originals

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Change the bulbs out to 168’s they are a watts or 2 brighter than the originals

Yes. #194 bulbs are stock, they're 2 candlepower. #168 is 3 candlepower so half again as bright. Also a good upgrade for the side markers and license lights. Don't get #161 as they are only 1 candlepower.

 

[75gmck25]

I wasn’t sure the #168 bulbs would help that much.

I decided to repaint the metal back of the cluster white, and then ordered new dimmable led bulbs from an online store (Super-bright LEDs, IIRC). They are dimmable, but not exactly like an incandescent. They dim to about 1/2 brightness, and then suddenly go nearly completely off. However, overall it works really well.

I also bought a red led for the brake warning light, and green leds for the turn signals indicators.

 

[Andreas Wickman]

Many thanks guys. I will start with #194 or #168 bulbs and see what it look like.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

These are dimmable, excellent

 

[Bullet Bob]

These are dimmable, excellent

Any chance you have a picture at night time on full brightness. I’ve been debating swapping and may order these if they will dim

 

[Randy and Easton]

Easton used Blue LED’s from www.superbrightleds.com and he likes the look. I put LED’ s in turn signal slots last month when we swapped out an inoperative fuel gauge

 

[ChuckN]

Yes. #194 bulbs are stock, they're 2 candlepower. #168 is 3 candlepower so half again as bright. Also a good upgrade for the side markers and license lights. Don't get #161 as they are only 1 candlepower.

I used 194 bulbs because it was the only thing in stock at the time. When I take the dash apart I’m definitely going 168, they’re just too dim.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I used 194 bulbs because it was the only thing in stock at the time. When I take the dash apart I’m definitely going 168, they’re just too dim.

Lot of stores don't have the 168 any more. We always had them, but that was because they used them more back in the day. Dad also carried many items that he used; I remember him explaining to customers about the brightness difference on the gauge clusters and backup lights/license lights.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Any chance you have a picture at night time on full brightness. I’ve been debating swapping and may order these if they will dim

I will take a pic tonight and post it to you, but they are BRIGHT, I really like they, and they dim well