Light Bulbs
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,220
Likes: 1,671
From: Long Island
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
Switch
Was the switch a reproduction replacement or from Ecklers, etc. ?
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.
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,118
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
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
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
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.
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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