Dim Dash Lights on my '79
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Dim Dash Lights on my '79
Does anyone have any suggestions on fixing my dim dash lights on my '79? I can turn the dimmer switch all the way in either direction. They go from complealy dark to hardly on... I was thinking about replacing the dimmer switch.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
On our 79, they are not the brightest when fully on. Don't compare them to dash lights on more modern cars, they aren't that bright.
One thing to check though, are all the bulbs working.
One thing to check though, are all the bulbs working.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
I had the same problem on the 76', so I took out the dash, and it was basically one of the more horrible experiences with that car, lol. The switch wasn't bad though, it was the wires. They were all dried and cracked, so I cut the problem area, and spliced in new wire, for as far as I could reach. Someday, I've got to just replace the harness all together....
but yeah, to your problem, for me, it was just bad wires, rubbing and grounding, etc.
but yeah, to your problem, for me, it was just bad wires, rubbing and grounding, etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Your problem is likely to be one of two things. 1.) someone (previous owner, etc.) has changed out all of the bulbs and put the wrong bulbs back in (lower wattage than specified); 2.) the rheostat in the light switch is worn out. My guess is that #2 is most likely the problem. If you turn the rheostat from "OFF" up through its full range, and it reaches maximum [although weak] brightness well before you reach the end of its travel, the stat is defective. If is gradually goes from dim to max brightness near the end of the rotary travel, its not the switch.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Even after changing all the bulbs and the headlight switch I still find the dash lights dim. Both clusters rely on light reflecting off of a trim panel. I'm considering painting the backside of each panel a glossy white to improve reflection. Has anyone else done this? Curious if it is worth the trouble.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 484
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From: McComb Ms.
on my '79 i also replaced all bulbs and switch and they're still dim. it has to be heavy into initial dusk before i can even tell they are working.since i can see my gauges at the transition point of sun light to when i begin to see my bulbs illuminate i'm not gonna worry about it
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,759
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From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Hss anyone ever tried changing to a different bulb intensity? GM has used those bulbs with the little holder for a number of years, and I am sure they have use bulbs of varying intensity. The Vette bulbs aren't very bright by nature and I have wondered if I could upgrade them all. Brighter ones should just draw a little more current, but I wouldn't think enough to blow a fuse or the like.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: McComb Ms.
Hss anyone ever tried changing to a different bulb intensity? GM has used those bulbs with the little holder for a number of years, and I am sure they have use bulbs of varying intensity. The Vette bulbs aren't very bright by nature and I have wondered if I could upgrade them all. Brighter ones should just draw a little more current, but I wouldn't think enough to blow a fuse or the like.
Last edited by thrilher; Feb 21, 2008 at 05:21 PM. Reason: misspell
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 2,510
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Agreed, those are the kinds of things I had concerns about. That is why I thought maybe someone here has done it. I believe that C3s just have dim dash lights. Mine have always been fairly dim buy all were the same dimness so I have never thought much of it. They may have made them slightly dimmer due to the tightness of the cabin as well. That many bright guages migh be overwhelming.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
guys you are missing the obvious......clean up the ground areas especially where the metal dash is grounded....you will be surprised how much of a difference it makes
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Exactly. Although, to add, I don't know how well these cars age in general, but in mine, all the wires were cracked and crumbling, too.