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Old 02-13-2017, 11:23 PM
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Dougtov
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Default Light Bulbs

Hi,
Restoring 72'. Can original interior light bulbs be replaced with brighter ones and what damage can I expect?
Dougtov
Old 02-13-2017, 11:47 PM
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BLUE1972
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Yes you can, there are a few bulbs that fit. If you do the research you will find bulbs with more wattages that are almost the same size.

There is a thread on led's, but there is a problem with the dimmer settings resulting in on or off - no diming.

Most times the issue is with the headlight switch and the crappy resister in it or a poor ground.

I put NOS bulbs in my 71 with a new switch and it works perfect and is super bright.
Old 02-13-2017, 11:56 PM
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Dougtov
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Default Switch

Was the switch a reproduction replacement or from Ecklers, etc. ?







Originally Posted by BLUE1972
Yes you can, there are a few bulbs that fit. If you do the research you will find bulbs with more wattages that are almost the same size.

There is a thread on led's, but there is a problem with the dimmer settings resulting in on or off - no diming.

Most times the issue is with the headlight switch and the crappy resister in it or a poor ground.

I put NOS bulbs in my 71 with a new switch and it works perfect and is super bright.
Old 02-14-2017, 08:53 AM
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BLUE1972
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I called Ricks Corvette and spoke to them. The one from Ricks worked perfectly.

Wilcox also has the switches.
Old 02-14-2017, 09:08 AM
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marshal135
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I replaced my head light switch, GM NOS and replaced all the dash bulbs while it was apart.
They all dim now and are bright enough for driving at night.
Kinda wish the vac portion of the switch sealed up better.
I wouldn't want them too bright as you will get too much reflection off your eye glasses for you over 50 owners.
Marshal
Old 02-14-2017, 05:23 PM
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TimAT
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I just got all new LED's that are (allegedly),dimmable. Direct replacement for the original 1895 bulbs. We will see. Cool White, 90* view angle.
Old 02-15-2017, 10:54 AM
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Rotonda
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Virtually every bulb in a C3's interior (and exterior) can be replaced with something brighter (exceptions are the 77-82 bulb that shines down to illuminate the heater controls, and the 'in-line bulb that is in the upper courtesy light).

You can research this by googling the number of the original bulb number and finding out the style base. You can (usually) install anything with this base style into the socket as a replacement. Look at wattages listed for your original bulbs and pick out a bulb with the original base style that has approx. 50% more wattage (or a little less if there are many in the same circuit) and have similar glass bulb dimensions.
Old 02-15-2017, 01:26 PM
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7T1vette
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You can put higher wattage bulbs in for the stock bulbs...but they will draw more current and put more [electrical] stress on the wiring/fuses.

You could substitute LED's for the incandescents, but most of the LED bulbs have metal housings that don't fit well in the stock GM sockets. And, you will need to install a PWM power module so that the LED bulbs will dim.

IMO, you just need to replace the bulbs with stock 1895 bulbs and clean the grounding connections for the dash lights.

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