'65 Instrument Cluster Bulbs...#1817..anybody?
 

Guys,

I know there were recent threads on using a #1817 bulb in lieu of the standard #1816 bulbs for the instrument cluster. I have searched high and low, local auto parts houses as well as a Google search for this bulb. I know MagicV8 has had good success using this #1817 bulb but like Magic, I'm unable to find a source. Anybody out there know where I can get at least 16 of these.

Have been speaking with the Atlanta Light Bulb Company and they are out of stock. This outfit buys up discontinued bulbs and redistributes to you and I...they're out of 'em. I'm hopin' to find these 'cause it just makes sense to get a brighter dash (30% brighter with these bulbs) and this is the time to do it.

Like MYBLUEHEAVEN and Stott Marzahl, I'm ultimately pulling the dash pads out and re-skinniing 'em...pullingl the cluster next. :ack: Already have the steering column out, glove box out and console out. Pulled the steering box out and shipped it out to Gary99 (seems very knowledgeable on rebuilding steering boxes).

Back to my question, anybody out there know where I can put my hands on at least 16 of these 1817 bulbs. I know, the 1816 will work but I am hoping to improve the whole dash look...AND I guess I was just born too soon...need all the light I can gather :D

Thanks All!

Regards,

Jim

I did a quick look and I see NAPA carries the 1816 bulb, have to check for stock but On-line catalog lists them for a 66'.

P.S. they list them as costing 0.99¢ ea. and they show a BP1816 @ 1.99 ea.

Vette-66,

Thanks for the headsup on NAPA. I'm kinda' hopin' someone out there has a local auto parts store that just may have a stock of these 1817's.

Thanks again for chimin' in.

Jim

let me look I might just still have some...shoot me an email

Jason
VetteInstruments@aol.com

Jim, I use a 5 candlepower xenon bulb (standard bulb is 2 CP. I think) The difference in the cluster brightness is amazing. I buy the bulbs from a company called CANDLEPOWER INC. 301 340 0224. The bulb is NARVA #H5W-pricey at $3.90 each but worth the money.

JOliver,

Thanks for willing to check. Just sent you an e-mail.

KenEDMUNDS,

No heat issues using the NARVA #H5W? You're right, they are pricey. How long have you been using them?

Thanks for responding!

Regards,

Jim

Regards,

Jim

Newark Electronics still lists the 1816 on the web site at www.newark.com. I could not find the 1817. At one time, you could order from Newark with no minimum using a credit card. I do not know if this is still the case.

Those look like a good find :thumbs:

A set of these should only draw an additional 1/2 an amp :thumbs:

Got mine through the Atlanta Light Bulb company. They ordered them through some warehouse in CA.

Well I checked high and low and I'm all out of them.
Guys becareful on the heat of those brighter bulbs I know they don't have a measure on them but the original bulbs are about the limit.
I have seen many with some melted pieces inside the cluster...where the 3 bulbs are Brake/Lights the white things I have seen melted from time to time.Keep in mind that the 64-67s have old brittle cardboard tubes in there as well.
just my 2 cents

Jason

Hey JOliver, thanks again for trying to find those bulbs.

MagicV8...no dice Atlant Bulb no long has 'em and apparently can't find a source either.

Look like KenEDMUNDS source, although pricey, remains to be my only alternative. I'm just reluctant to go back to the stock bulb without some improvement in lighting.

I've got a little time here as I still haven 't pulled the cluster out yet and she ain't going back in until I have the odometer and trip guage fixed AND after I've pulled my dash pads out and reskinned 'em. Yup, got a couple of days for sure, right? :ack:

Thanks again guys!

Regards,

Jim

I emailed atland bulb 2-12- and they took my order. I havnt gotten them yet but the order and confirmation went thru

As my dash is currently out so Jason (VetteInstruments@aol.com--highly recommended!!) can repair a few of the instruments, I tried to run down a bunch of #1817 at my local parts stores over the weekend.

Not one had a listing for them, but all stocked or could easily get #1816's. So, I ordered 20 for delivery tomorrow.

Interestingly, the bulbs now in the
Vette are GE 53's.

As I rarely drive my Vette after sunset, the extra 30% of the 1817's won't be missed.

Ken Edgar,

Let me know if you do get 'em. As of last week they did not have any of these 1817 bulbs and could not find a source.

Thanks!

Regards,

Jim

:thumbs: Hello Cobra66......Saw where you have sent a dash cluster off to Jason. I just got mine back from him Monday and it was BEAUIFUL !!!!! Also got a new clock.. The CF is lucky to have such a talented member that we can intrust our precious car parts to. You will not be disappointed!! :seeya

No heat issues as of yet. I have been using them for a year. I have them in a dozen or so cars in south florida. I only use them for ullumination area, not behind the turn signal or light/brake filters.

How many bulbs required for just the illumination area???

bondtimbond,

16 sockets use the stock 1816 bulb for illumination (all grey wires).

Jim

1817 bulb vendor
 

I found these bulbs about a year ago by going thru my local electrical supply house .They ordered them for me took about a week ,they were @ 2.00 apeice.You may thy your local el. supply house and get lucky. I cant tell you how they work though as I havent put them in yet .

quahog - How about posting the phone number of your local supplier??

PS Now I'm glad I spent the extra money to order a dozen extra 1817s two years ago - which also means two years of bright lights and no cluster damage (for those of you who worry).