redrat454

I would like to find a way to make the dash lights on my 64 brighter. I have by-passed the headlamp rheostat and the lights are still marginal at best. Part of the problem may be my advancing years (if anyone has a fix for that, please inform). Naturally, I have tried new bulbs and checked for good ground connections. Does anyone know of a higher candlepower bulb that will work or a way to step up the voltage to the lights?

Thanks,
John

crw41

The illumination was never good to begin with.

Sometimes trying a make a poor sytem better can create more problems than it's worth.

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Some guys have tried non stock Halogen beds - some with success and some without.

Vet65te

John, I just got finished working on my dash cluster for my 66 Coupe.
Found a couple of the bulbs were burnt out but also found that someone before me had installed the wrong bulbs in a few other spots and those were slightly less bright. In the end, the cleaning of the gauge pod backgrounds and new bulbs made it passable. Not great but a lot better than it was.

Not certain if this will apply to your 64 but while searching the old postings here on the forum, I ran across one that had some great pics of the backs of the various midyear clusters. Going only off memory (probably a big mistake for me), I sorta remember that someone had pointed out that the earlier midyear dash clusters had 'two less' illumination bulbs than the later ones. Can't remember if it was strictly '63 or '63 and '64 but apparently by at least 65 they had added the two bulbs and they were located more towards the lower center of the housing.
Take a look through the old postings and you may come across it.
If I find it I'll let you know.

Vet65te

John, While I was unable to find the exact post that 'showed' the rear of the early and late midyear dash housing and the bulb locations, I did run across this entry posted by '62Jeff' in Houston.

"Yeah, a 63/64 had 2 fewer bulbs than a 65 in the main dash. Plus a car with A/C had 2 more bulbs as well. Yet, the circuit is a 4 amp circuit in all of those years."

So, it looks like unless your 64 is starting out with 2 less bulbs. Other than some sort of bulb upgrade or creative hole punching of the housing along with wiring in a pair of extra bulb sockets, it looks like it may not be as bright as you may want it to be.

macdarren

I just did the new wire harness thing and my lights are now 'bright enough' but you pretty much have to run them undimmed. Were I to do it again or as my eyes get older I might look at some of the new LED bulbs, some are now brighter than conventional bulbs.

kenEDMUNDS

I have succesfully used OSRAM #64111 5w Halogen bulbs in every c-2 cluster that I remove and reinstall-no issues yet after 4 years in a dozen cars.

65 vette dude

I just replaced my 1816 bulbs with 1817 from Atlanta bulb company. I only replaced the gauge lights and left the turn signals and clock with 1816 to help save a little amps. I believe the 1816 bulbs pull .33 amps each and i think the 1817 pull .40 amps. So you are only adding an extra 3/4 of one amp draw. I also changed out my fuse to a 5 ampere. i haven't put my cluster back in yet,but I will post my results when I do. I remember reading where another member did this with good results and no problems after several years. Atlanta Bulb does not have the bulbs in stock,they have to order them and it took about 10 days for me to get them. They cost 2 dollars each,and I think you have to order at least 10......Gary

redrat454

Ken, where does one attain the OSRAM #64111 bulbs you suggested?

Thanks, John

6T5RUSH

redrat454,

I'm sorry to pass this on to you but Ken Edmunds passed away 2 days ago. Here's a recent post/topic on this:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1772586

I do think others here can help you source these bulbs. If nothing else, try a google search to see what comes up.

Edit: I just did a search and, pheww!, they are pricey. Here's a link to a source:

http://www.absak.com/catalog/product...roducts_id/793

Regards,

Jim

Donny Brass

http://www.bulbconnection.com/ViewIt...4111/item.html

google them, there are a lot of suppliers