Author Topic: Dash Lights  (Read 2917 times)

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Offline dsags

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Dash Lights
« on: December 23, 2015, 03:45:38 PM »
Anyone who has driven their car at night knows how dim the dash lights can be. You can barely see the speedometer numbers.  :laughing7:

While restoring the dash cluster in my car I replaced all of the dash lights. The bulbs are #194's and the instrument cluster uses 9 of them. 3 for the 'idiot' lights, 2 for the blinkers, 1 for the clock, 1 for the fuel gauge, 1 for the bright lights indicator and 1 for the speedometer. After installing the instrument cluster I went to check my handy work and ..... there was barely any improvement.  :angryfire:

By chance I came across a site that sells LED lights that are direct replacements for the 194's. They are a bit pricey at $24 for 8 but I really wanted the dash to light up so I ordered a set. You really only need to install 4 of the LED's. The idiot lights and blinkers do not need to be upgraded. The installation, if the dash isn't out of the car, involves laying on your back and squeezing your hand up behind the cluster and twisting them out. Cars with A/C will require that the vent hose on the drivers side be removed from the bottom air tube. The results are worth the effort.

http://www.shiftworks.com/LED.htm #LED102 are the ones.

« Last Edit: December 23, 2015, 03:48:43 PM by dsags »
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline nail lark

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2015, 04:02:49 PM »
I like! The l .e.d. should take less power also. and create less heat. It could be a plus on 3 points.

Offline GS66

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2015, 04:54:32 PM »
Anyone who has driven their car at night knows how dim the dash lights can be. You can barely see the speedometer numbers.  :laughing7:

Does this excuse work if you get pulled over?😀

http://www.shiftworks.com/LED.htm #LED102 are the ones.
Jim
North Mankato, MN

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Offline GS66

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2015, 04:56:10 PM »
I really like this, wow, what a difference? Another nice addition for night driving is the Sylvania Xtavision headlights.
Jim
North Mankato, MN

65 Gran Sport HT auto
66 Gran Sport Conv. 4 speed
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Offline sjfd04

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2015, 06:36:18 PM »
Thanks for the info.  I have some LED's that on bought on EBAY, not much better than stock. 
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Offline Loren At 65GS

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2015, 08:48:50 PM »
Finally figured it out, I see.

  Loren
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Offline dsags

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2015, 08:59:59 PM »
I figured out that I had to buy a different brand of lights.  :thumbsup:

Inside info - bought a set of bulbs on eBay that would light up when a battery was wired across them but NOT when they were installed in the dash. Knew I could trust Herb at Shiftworks so I bought a set of his bulbs. They work.

Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline GS66

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2015, 09:08:59 PM »
Dan, are those your pictures they use on their site?
Jim
North Mankato, MN

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Offline BuickGS65

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #8 on: December 24, 2015, 01:41:09 AM »
Can these be dimmed?
Dan
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Offline dsags

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #9 on: December 24, 2015, 07:12:51 AM »
Can these be dimmed?

Yes, they can be dimmed.

Dan, are those your pictures they use on their site?

No, that's a Chevelle, I think. Mine look quite similar though. Will try to post a picture later.

Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline dsags

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #10 on: December 24, 2015, 07:58:33 AM »
Pictures. 1231 was shot for 4 seconds at full bright. 1230 was shot for 4 seconds with dash lights dimmed. 1232 is my camera's 'Intelligent +' mode which needs very little light. The dash is not as bright as in that picture in real life.

Hope this helps,  Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline nail lark

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #11 on: December 24, 2015, 01:01:11 PM »
Did anyone see the l e d  tail lights on u tube .  65  Skylark tail lights is the link.

Offline Jimbo

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Re: Dash Lights
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2023, 11:39:03 AM »
I changed gas gauge, clock,and speedometer with #168 bulbs. They are 3 candle power compared to 2 candle power on the #194 bulbs.Looks so much better.
Jim
Chicago

Offline elagache

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168 vs. 194 bulbs - an interesting suggestion. (Re: Dash Lights)
« Reply #13 on: January 10, 2023, 12:18:45 PM »
Dear Jimbo and mid-60s Buick caregivers who like to illuminate,

I changed gas gauge, clock,and speedometer with #168 bulbs. They are 3 candle power compared to 2 candle power on the #194 bulbs.Looks so much better.

Honestly I had never heard of #168 bulbs, so I had to some web research.  It turns out there is something of a recent debate with respect to these bulbs.  Here are two reviews on the subject:

https://rxmechanic.com/168-vs-194/

https://headlightreviews.com/168-vs-194-bulbs/

The only downsides to the #168 bulb is that they only last about 2/3 as long as the #194 bulb and they produce more heat.  The #168 bulb are definitely an interesting option.

Thanks for sharing!

Edouard

Offline option B9

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Re: Dash Lights (Shiftworks LEDs)
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2023, 06:53:59 PM »
   Dan, Jim, Edouard. And everyone that would actually like to see there instrument panel at night. One of our members posted about Shiftworks LED replacement bulbs years ago.
I have installed the LEDs in all of my Buicks and other GM A bodies, I'm very pleased by the way they look. And they also work with the dimmer switch. If it's a Buick with bucket seats, just remove the drivers seat. It makes getting under the instrument panel that much easier. And wear safety goggles so you don't get all that dried out jute insulation and dust in your eyes.

           Tony  :icon_thumright:
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