[C2] Dash Light Questions
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,120
Likes: 1,230
From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Dash Light Questions
Hello Forum,
My recently purchased 1965 roadster had about half the dash bulbs burned out when I bought it back in July. So after a little reading on here, I purchased the super bright led bulbs # BA9S-WWHP5 and changed out the 9 dash bulbs. They all work now but not as bright as I was hoping for?
My original head lamp switch dimmer rheostat when rotated both clock wise and counter clock wise has some dead spots. The bulbs will either go out or become very dim during rotation. if I turn the switch completely counter clock wise they go off completely when the interior courtesy lights all come on.
I know the new switches are problematic went through a few on my C3. They got very hot to the touch and would start flashing the headlights. I would have to turn off my headlights and allow the switch to cool down before activating the head lights again.
If I find a sweet spot during rotation my bulbs are illuminated sufficient for dark driving.
I don't need the dimmer feature and that was why I decided on the Superbrights vs the 1816 bulbs.
Are they supposed to go completely dark when the interior light position on the switch is activated?
Would a better ground help or is this about the best I can expect from the given head lamp switch?
Thank you,
Marshal
My recently purchased 1965 roadster had about half the dash bulbs burned out when I bought it back in July. So after a little reading on here, I purchased the super bright led bulbs # BA9S-WWHP5 and changed out the 9 dash bulbs. They all work now but not as bright as I was hoping for?
My original head lamp switch dimmer rheostat when rotated both clock wise and counter clock wise has some dead spots. The bulbs will either go out or become very dim during rotation. if I turn the switch completely counter clock wise they go off completely when the interior courtesy lights all come on.
I know the new switches are problematic went through a few on my C3. They got very hot to the touch and would start flashing the headlights. I would have to turn off my headlights and allow the switch to cool down before activating the head lights again.
If I find a sweet spot during rotation my bulbs are illuminated sufficient for dark driving.
I don't need the dimmer feature and that was why I decided on the Superbrights vs the 1816 bulbs.
Are they supposed to go completely dark when the interior light position on the switch is activated?
Would a better ground help or is this about the best I can expect from the given head lamp switch?
Thank you,
Marshal
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 10,604
Likes: 8,439
From: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
2026 Restomod of the Year Winner
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
Yes, they go off when the interior curtesy lights come on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 447
From: NJ Hockey beer league
That's not correct. The courtesy lights when activated through the headlight switch is an auxiliary feature and should NOT have any effect on the dash lights.
OP your best option would be to search for an NOS GM switch. They are out there.......... you might also try cleaning the resistor contacts on your old switch. If it's an original part, it would be worth a try. Those switches can be disassembled, cleaned and lubed and put back to good working order in most cases.
OP your best option would be to search for an NOS GM switch. They are out there.......... you might also try cleaning the resistor contacts on your old switch. If it's an original part, it would be worth a try. Those switches can be disassembled, cleaned and lubed and put back to good working order in most cases.
