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1. all bulbs types
2. how many of each are needed
3. what colours are needed
4. where to get them
5. alternative method to having a brighter backlight
6. the common things to check when lights are not working.
7. guides and links to removing the dash
So not a DIY just yet but i will make one or post links to other threads that have the info already (you are always welcome to help).
I searched a number of threads before i even found a reference to what dash lights we need..
* back lighting (i think anyway so correct me if im wrong)
Speedo and Tach cluster will need 12 bulbs.
There are 4 per gauge for light (back light illumination)
Two signal bulbs
Two warning indicator bulbs for High Beam and Brake.
The Center gauge cluster will have 1 back light illumination bulb per gauge
4 warning indicators if all are present.
Cornering Lamp
Type: 1159
Amount: 2
Colour: Cool White
Also External Rear and Fronts
Back up Lamp 1156 x 2
Front / Rear side markers 168 x 4
Front Courtesy lamps 906 x 2
Licence plate 168 x 1
Parking and Directional Signals 1157NA x 2
Tail and Stop Directional Signals 1157 x 4
I had the regular LED's in my dash and pulled them all in favor (or favour for you Canadians) of the SMD's. They are much brighter.
Ok great so 100% SMD bulbs not regular. Its only $2 extra per bulb.
So do you know about the 4 instrument general bulbs, are they for back light, any idea on how many of each and where they go?
And somewhere i read about a block off rubber plug that goes in the hole if not using a bulb. I plan on doing the LED strip around the gauge for better back lighting.
Switches
Light switch - needs to be pulled out and turned for dimness and back lights to work.
Even if it operates the headlights it can still have broken coil contacts and cause issues for dash lights
The dash lights may work in only one position or not at all, the rheostat has gone bad. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1573210790
You may test this by Grounding the white wire from the roof dome light, it should turn the the dome on.
and
Try jumpering 12V directly to the light circuit board behind cluster which will bypass the rheostat on the headlight switch and see if they're any brighter. If so, then probably need to replace switch - See more at: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....f5Dl26wF.dpuf
Originally Posted by Jim Shea 1969-82 C3 Corvette Turn Signal Switch Wires Colors, Order, & Functions
1969-1982 C3 Corvette wiring for the turn signals, hazard warning, brake lights, and horn followed the color coding that is charted below. Cornering lights were also included on 1980, 81, & 82 models. All wiring is routed up into the steering column and functions are actuated through the turn signal switch. The steering column wiring and the vehicle body harness wiring come together in a narrow long connector called the “harmonica connector”.
YEARS CONNECTOR COLOR WIRE COLUMN COLOR BODY FUNCTION
69-82 P White White 12v When brake pedal is pushed
69-82 N Dk Green Dk Green Right Rear Brake Light
69-82 M Yellow Yellow Left Rear Brake Light
69-82 L Purple Purple +12v Source for turn signal power
1969 - 1982 K Brown 18g Brown 14g This provides the +12v for hazard flasher operation.
1969 - 1982 J Dark Blue 18g Dk Blue 20g 2 wires Right Front Turn Signal Light
1969 - 1982 H Light Blue 18g Light Blue 20g 2 wires Left Front Turn Signal Light
1969 - 1982 G Black 18g Black 20g Horn ground when horn button is pressed.
1969 - 1982 F Light Green 20g Pink/Black 20g These are the key buzzer warning circuit wires. Open with key removed. Shorted together with key in lock cylinder. Also open when key is turned in lock cylinder to Run position.
1969 – 1982 E Tan 20g Black 20g Same as F
1980, 81, & 82 C Black 18g Blk/Wht 18g Right Cornering Lamp
1980, 81, & 82 B Orange 18g Orange 18g Left Cornering Lamp
1980, 81, & 82 A Brown 18g Brown 18g Feed from headlight switch. This is the +12v source to power the cornering lamps when the headlights are ON.
With the connector disconnected none of these wires should be grounded (tied to chassis). In fact I don't think that they should tie to ground regardless of turn signal position, or activation of the hazard switch.
Other Issues
Interior/Dome/Kick Panel Light's stay "On"
1981 the magic little box for the light timer delay is located behind the glove box, on the right side, usually just above the wiring harness near top of the ac/heat duct. Need to take the glove box cardboard liner out for easy access
Also, you should be able to Unplug the delay timer in glove box and connecting the white wire to the white wire right into the harness. Lights should work with door opening and or headlight switch, and no time delay
Option 3:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331354629017?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D331354629017%26_rdc%3D1
This is as close if not better to Pacific star option.
Metal Housing, removable bulb, fits C3 harness ect
and bulb GE Sport Nighthawk 9007 NHS H4 from ebay ~ $11 a bulb
Total $119 using stock wiring
He also sells HALOGEN H4 HEADLIGHT RELAY HARNESS WITH HI HEAT CERAMIC PLUGS FOR CARS & TRUCKS WITH 4 HEADLIGHTS - HI & LOW BEAMS
(PLUG AND PLAY HARNESS!)
IF YOUR UPGRADING TO HALOGEN BULBS OR YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR 5-3/4" HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY - THIS IS YOUR FIX! [100watt Halogen Bulb Max]
THIS HARNESS FIXES:
DIM HEADLIGHTS
BACK FEEDING POWER
FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS
MALFUNCTIONING HEADLIGHTS WHEN USING HI/LOW BEAMS
OVERLOADING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH
OVERHEATING PLUGS
Total: $40 + $119 = $159 and you have similar i would say to the $450 NeverNight Kit..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CERAMIC-H4-HEADLIGHT-HEADLAMP-H4-LIGHT-BULB-RELAY-WIRING-HARNESS-SOCKET-PLUG-SET-/331051630353?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AChevrolet%7CModel%3ACorvette%7CYear%3A1980&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d1436ff11
He Also has the C3 Corvette Halo Ring Head Lights too, and HID Kits.
Nice job putting this together in one place. I haven't driven mine at night too many times but when I did, I was astonished as to how little I could see. Thank goodness for side pipes so I could tell my speed based on the sound
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
My car is a 1970 so there is probably some differences in the wiring. In mine all the illumination bulbs have a gray wire. The others have various colors depending on their function. You should probably wait for your AIM to arrive to give the definitive answer.
I saw a kit a while back that used an LED ribbon surrounding the gauges. I seem to remember it being way over priced.
My car is a 1970 so there is probably some differences in the wiring. In mine all the illumination bulbs have a gray wire. The others have various colors depending on their function. You should probably wait for your AIM to arrive to give the definitive answer.
I saw a kit a while back that used an LED ribbon surrounding the gauges. I seem to remember it being way over priced.
Yes that kit is discontinued. But a member made his own for like $30, ill find a link. That is why i am trying to figure out which bulbs i dont have to buy since i will get the LED ribbon instead..
Edit: i cant find the link anyone seen it ?
Here is the name of the guys who did sell the kit
Inclusive Lighting
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
OK. The ribbon only replaced the illumination lights (ones with the gray wires). The others would still need regular LED replacement bulbs. Have you looked at superbrightleds.com ? They have quite a selection and some replacement bulb finders. https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...te--/11-412--/
OK. The ribbon only replaced the illumination lights (ones with the gray wires). The others would still need regular LED replacement bulbs. Have you looked at superbrightleds.com ? They have quite a selection and some replacement bulb finders. https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...te--/11-412--/
Yes i figured that out
I posted the link in first post, its a great site. I was trying to confirm which bulbs (grey ones) not to order. I believe
Speedo and Tach cluster use 8 bulbs, 4 per gauge for light (back light illumination)
The Center gauge cluster will have 1 back light illumination bulb per gauge
Just seems like a lot of work when you could just replace the bulbs with LED's.
yes but 16x SMD bulbs = $7x16 = $112
thats 6 illumination for the centre console, 8 for the speedo / tach, 1 for gear selector, 1x for AC.. And they will not be as bright as the method above. But the option is there for those that want to try it
P.S on the lighting topic, anyone recognize this ?
This was plugged into my check engine slot, its not even got contacts on it to be activated by the board its just powered by grey and pink wire coming from a loom that goes along the handbrake / shifter tunnel area and then up into engine bay. Its got constant power, the wires are not long enough to go in top of the vents to shine on AC control so have no idea what its for ???
The radio wire for "illumination" is spliced into it..
01-14-2015, 06:53 PM
Interior dash lighting guide DIY
anyone seen it ?
