crvettec2

I tried to do a search but for some reason the forum isnt too friendly this evening........to make your instrument panel brighter what bulbs would you use, I would want something just a bit brighter than the stock 1816 the 1445 is probably ok unless someone knows of a brighter one for that also? Thanks ahead of time for the imput.

Mecom Racer

What about trying brand new bulbs first?

magicv8

1817 bulbs are 30% brighter, but no longer in production, so they are relatively expensive. I got the Atlanta bulb company to get me 16 from a warehouse in CA. They are perfect.

Viet Nam Vett

While your at it ...Read this artical and make your head lights brighter as well as your dash lamps without changing bulbs......

The old c-2's had electrical Issues....

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml

bondtimbond

The 1817's may be brighter, but they may also burn out much faster too. They have a much much shorter quoted life than the original bulbs. I don't have the data in front of me, but I recall finding that when I was researching it last year. I you don't drive much at night, it might not be an issue.

65 Hardnoks

Thanks for the link.
When I installed my stereo in my C2 I used Bosch relays to isolate everything from the stock wiring harness but never thought about using relays for the headlights as well.
Great idea.

BTW, the tech section of the website has a ton of other great in depth electrical reading too.

MassVette

Get some stronger glasses, you blind old bat!
P.S.
See you at South Easton on the 28th; I'll have some more Hot Rod music CD's for ya ...........

w1ctc

The instrument dimmer control does not supply the full 12 volts to the bulbs. I changed my head light switch and the new one was the same. Was this designed that way to save the bulbs or keep some the plastic from melting? Also, check the white reflective plastic behind the bulbs, it may not be that white anymore.

magicv8

timbond - my bulbs are at 1 year and glowing, and I drive half the time at night. I'll be sure to let you know what year the first one goes out.

Some one on this forum posted the equivalent (config) brighter aircraft instrument bulb a few years ago, but I didn't save the number.

65air_coupe

Don't overlook the fact that for incandescents, brighter is hotter! I think new bulbs, fresh reflectors, and insuring they truly have 12 volts is the best solution.

bcwaller

I can't say about instrument lights, but I bought the brighter tail/brake lamps to help improve my visibilty from the rear. Not only were they expensive, but they did not last as long. I went through a few in a year and swapped back to standard lights - and I refreshed the reflector.

Are there any LED replacements that would work for the dash? Those would last forever.

65 Hardnoks

I was just going to post that idea.
I'll bet there's something that could be rigged up. I'm glad I don't have to worry about NCRS rules.

67L88Vette

I bought a set of LED dash lites specifically for C2's at
www.white-gauges.com. I have not installed them
yet, but I expect they're a lot brighter. They are also
available in differnet colors for use with their gauge overlays.
They sell stuff on eBay too. I know my LED brake lights
are a lot brighter. Hope this helps. Good Luck
John A, 67l88Vette

shft22

John A, thanks for posting that site, I like their idea, I have a perfectly working cluster, just the gauges faces are all rusty, I'm going to give this product a try, for $20 I can have all my gauges resurfaced..... I send them an e-mail to see if the Oil is 80lbs, if it is I'm ordering it, plus the lights. Again thanks