Instrument cluster lights are dim

[Mike Davis]

The lights are quite dim, I never removed the cluster. Does anyone know which bulb to replace it with that is brighter?  Also how straight forward is the task of removing cluster? I've never done it. Thanks,

Mike Davis

[Tsingtao_1903]

The cluster is retained by two knurled nuts.  They are fairly large, around 3/4" diameter.  Should be easy to turn.  You will also need to disconnect the speedometer cable and the wire harness.  On my '72, there is also a ground wire that needs to be unplugged.  The cluster can then be pulled out from the front.

 

I changed all of my cluster bulbs to blue LEDs.  

 

Good luck.

Edited March 12, 2017 by Tsingtao_1903

[adawil2002]

Sure the headlight switch rheostat is working? Unless the coil is broken, turning the knob clockwise should make them plenty bright.

 

Removing the cluster is easy as described by Tsingtao_1903

[02Les]

45 minutes ago, adawil2002 said:

 

Removing the cluster is easy as described by Tsingtao_1903

Yeah, right. Somewhat daunting if you have never done it before.

Remove under dash panels, then working completely blind, snake your hand up behind the dash and try and feel the knurled knobs, and remove. Undo and pull back the speedo cable.

Then gently pull the cluster out from the front of the dash, but only a little way so you can get your hand behind to remove the round multi wire plug (fits on the ring of connectors, right side of my pic). From memory, I believe there's another single wire to remove (tach?). Installation is reverse, and good luck like trying to get the speedo cable re-installed, it's a 10 second affair or 10 minutes.

 

[Mike Davis]

Is there any way to contort one's body to see a little of whats behind the dash?

[02Les]

3 minutes ago, Mike Davis said:

Is there any way to contort one's body to see a little of whats behind the dash?

hehe.

Remove driver seat. Lay something comfy on the floor, then on your back skinny up under the dash as far as you can go. Then with the aid of an inspection mirror, you should be able to see the back of the dash that's not masked by the dash support/bodywork.

Getting the cluster out the first time is a bugger, but once you've done it the next time's not so bad.

[2002#3]

Remove cluster.  Reinstall.  Repeat.  After that, you can do it in the dark.  Promise.  Most of us have.  Probably many times.

[Acid House]

I did plain white LEDs, came out good. They are super cheap on Ebay, came with a bunch of extras.  Matches my radio too. 

 

 

Edited March 13, 2017 by Acid House

[rmoore007ri]

On my '71 with the 3 piece dash you have to undo (or substantially loosen) the cover over the cluster. Two more big nurled nuts.  But yes, once you have done this once . . .

[Mike Self]

18 hours ago, Acid House said:

I did plain white LEDs, came out good. They are super cheap on Ebay, came with a bunch of extras.  Matches my radio too. 

 

 

Are the LEDs you used dimmable?  and where didja find 'em on E-bay?

 

mike

[jrhone]

Yeah I did red LEDs to match my head unit...and they are not bright AT ALL.  Going to do amber but again wanna know which ones to go with.  

[MoBrighta]

'Bout 30 years ago, I had this exercise to replace the lamps because: (1)  I wanted them brighter,  and (2)  Red, like brand new E28s had...

Boy, you guys sure have it easy these days, with LED replacements in every color of the rainbow.

 

My '72 has four #194 small wedge base lamps.  I dipped them in some red gel-coat intended for theatrical lamps.  Worked like a champ for about 15  years, before the red coating started to darken, and go dim all over again.  Of course, that could be my eyes, but hey - I live and enjoy life in the state of Denial.... 

 

I do have access to amber and clear 194 lamps, not too expensive last time I checked.  Of course LED will be more money, and probably more light.

 

John T- I'll get back to you soon as I have a cost.

[Tsingtao_1903]

17 minutes ago, MoBrighta said:

Boy, you guys sure have it easy these days, with LED replacements in every color of the rainbow.

Amen.  I replaced my instrument warning lights with red, amber, green and blue LEDs.  Nice and bright.

[beammmer]

As questioned before, are the LEDs dimmable in our cars?

 

Don

[Driv3r]

LEDs in classic cars? I don't know about that. I only use quality globes and gauges.