dash lights
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: cincinnati oh
dash lights
ok, lights on my dash are not as bright as i would like. sooooo, two questions. can i buy brighter that will fit sockets? also, should i try this with dash in or should i loosen screws to give me some more room. there is one bulb that hangs behind the tach that i cannot find a place for at all. so, how many bulb go to dash anyway. thanks for the help to all on my vent drains. got that licked. you guys all rock.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
My suggestion would be to buy a complete bulb kit (Paragon, Long Island Corvette, etc.) or direct from Lectric. They are available over the counter but buying them this way they come with a sheet that tells you what bulb goes where.
Next, it's easier with the front seat out and laying on your back under the dash (see pic). One by one pull the screws out and replace with a 1/4" x 20 steel rod about 6-8" long. Slide cluster out and when you can, unscrew the speedo and tach cables to give you more slack.
Although you can probably now change the bulbs. I would go a step further and remove the console completely (you need to remove the ignition key bezel - turn it to accessory and stick a paper clip in the little hole, it pops off). It's much easier to replace the bulbs in the harness with the cluster out of the way.
My .02. Perhaps someone could suggest some shorter/easier method.
Next, it's easier with the front seat out and laying on your back under the dash (see pic). One by one pull the screws out and replace with a 1/4" x 20 steel rod about 6-8" long. Slide cluster out and when you can, unscrew the speedo and tach cables to give you more slack.
Although you can probably now change the bulbs. I would go a step further and remove the console completely (you need to remove the ignition key bezel - turn it to accessory and stick a paper clip in the little hole, it pops off). It's much easier to replace the bulbs in the harness with the cluster out of the way.
My .02. Perhaps someone could suggest some shorter/easier method.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
Are you getting full bright on the dash light adjustment (rotating the light switch ****)? If the dash lights don't get brighter as you rotate the **** counterclockwise all the way until the overhead light comes on, the rheostat in the headlight switch may be bad. It that is the case, you'll need to replace the headlight switch.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 488
From: Willowbrook IL
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16
As you remove a lamp, replace it. If not, lable each lead and lamp as to where you removed it from. All dash illumination is on the gray wires.
Check each new lamp BEFORE you install it.
Don
Check each new lamp BEFORE you install it.
Don
Last edited by vetsvette2002; Aug 27, 2005 at 11:14 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 802
Likes: 39
From: San Ramon Ca
Try LED's
I purchased four-point LED's from http://www.whitegauges.net. They're
much brighter, cooler, and wil last longer. They come in various colors
too if you want a tint. You might be able to get the same LED
somewhere else (eBay, Painless Wiring, or Ron Francis wiring). I'm
happy with mine.
John A.
much brighter, cooler, and wil last longer. They come in various colors
too if you want a tint. You might be able to get the same LED
somewhere else (eBay, Painless Wiring, or Ron Francis wiring). I'm
happy with mine.
John A.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: cincinnati oh
may try led's
may try the led's. hate being under that dash. i mean hate it. thanks for the tips i will use them. i just have one stinking grey wire light that i cannot find a home for. could it go to radio? i mean i am feeling around and trying to find a hole but no luck. if anyway has that paper that came with lightbulbs i would appreciate it. thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 168
From: Wi
Originally Posted by drewdog66vette
may try the led's. hate being under that dash. i mean hate it. thanks for the tips i will use them. i just have one stinking grey wire light that i cannot find a home for. could it go to radio? i mean i am feeling around and trying to find a hole but no luck. if anyway has that paper that came with lightbulbs i would appreciate it. thanks.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: cincinnati oh
yea got that one.
yea, thanks skids got that one in. love the posted pics. to say i am not looking forward to this is an understatement. will prob remove the seat and try it. like the idea about the studs. good one. if anyone has the sheet from those places. i would appreciate a jpeg of it. if possible. dont think it is the reostat? they dim and get brighter, i would just like em even brighter. i am getting old. need to see.
