65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Electrical => Electrical => Topic started by: dsags on December 23, 2015, 03:45:38 PM
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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 (http://www.shiftworks.com/LED.htm) #LED102 are the ones.
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I like! The l .e.d. should take less power also. and create less heat. It could be a plus on 3 points.
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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?😀
[url]http://www.shiftworks.com/LED.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.shiftworks.com/LED.htm[/url]) #LED102 are the ones.
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I really like this, wow, what a difference? Another nice addition for night driving is the Sylvania Xtavision headlights.
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Thanks for the info. I have some LED's that on bought on EBAY, not much better than stock.
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Finally figured it out, I see.
Loren
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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
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Dan, are those your pictures they use on their site?
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Can these be dimmed?
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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
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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
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Did anyone see the l e d tail lights on u tube . 65 Skylark tail lights is the link.
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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.
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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://rxmechanic.com/168-vs-194/)
https://headlightreviews.com/168-vs-194-bulbs/ (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
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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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Always the litte stuff like that that gets you.Jim
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Here's an updated link for the #102 led kit from Shiftworks:
https://shiftworks.com/products/led-dash-light-bulbs-replace-1895-57?variant=2989603946517
I took a look on Amazon for #194 led bulbs, and boy there are dozens of choices!
Many are in the $1 each price range. Light color is 6000k or 6500k, I'd prefer a lower color temp since it's less white and more warm like conventional bulbs.
Heat could be an issue so I'm looking for a bulb with a larger housing to act as a heat sink, and maybe a wattage of 2w or 0.8w. I'm presently considering the Sealight or Marsauto.
The Shiftworks bulbs look to be premium quality with the ceramic base @ $3 each.
It's tough to do comparisons without all the tech specs listed.
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Which LED bulb would work in the factory console tach? Has anyone changed theirs out and have a picture showing the difference?