How to change out dash lights - 87 R10

[remist17]

All
Need some help. My dash lights are really dim is there any way to fix this. I checked the dim switch and it still works.

Also how do I change out the dash light for the idiot oil light.... I think it is blown as these gauge lights do not come one.

[timjt]

I'd like to know too.

[jasonroman]

i dont have the link, but there is one on here that tells you what you need to do to brighten lights.
basically, unscrew guage panel, < not sure if thats what its called.
then loosen dash pad...
unplug speedo, wiring harness and guages that are connected...
after that you will pull out the cluster.

carefully take it apart, noting how you did it so you can put it back together without problems
careful not to damage the thing on the back that makes things happen...again, not sure of names.

then you will take a gloss paint. and paint the inside of unit. and change bulbs as needed....some use led's.
let dry. replace. and you will be good to go.
much better than before.

i just did this last weekend.
with regular bulbs. and it was much better.

good luck.

[N2TRUX]

On my cell so I cant look it up, nut check the FAQ
forum. There is a "how to" on dash light upgrade that makes a huge differemce
Posted via Mobile Device

[jasonroman]

not so good at computer thing. but i copied a link i saved.
pics didnt work tho.
but this is it.



Making The Dash Lights Brighter


Written by: Dwayne Penner (Zilverado)
Many of you have been wondering how we can brighten our dash lights/gauges. Below is an example of a very simple and cheap fix - no additional lighting installed. I did this during my recent camping trip (yes, while in the camp ground). All you need is some spray paint, tape and some screw/nut drivers.


What I did:

I removed the bazel and everything back until I could remove the gauge/light housing (simple). I unplugged the wiring harness from the back of the housing and removed it (I had to loosen the front of the dash pad to give more space - no problem).

I took the housing (kinda' cream colored) and masked off the light bulb holes and the gauge connector clips. I also masked off the holes in the "reflector" which sits in front of the gauges (black front with light blue back) to avoid paint from blowing through and painting the front (black) side of the reflector.

Now paint: I used a bumper chrome touch-up paint. It didn't take much. I gave it a couple of coats. Running of the paint is not critical since these parts are not visible once reinstalled.

Just a note. I first tried it with a cheaper metalic/chrome spraybomb (I think it was Rustolium). Well, to say the least, the color was not chrome as the lid suggested but a metallic silver - not good enough.

The results (photos taken after dark, park lights on, but no interior cab lights. Shutter speed - 1 second in both pictures):


Before:





After:

[Bluebomb85]

What part did this guy paint the chrome? My dash lights are soooo dim as well but when I read this I didnt understand exactly where he painted? Please help me out

[my85k10]

He painted the inside of the plastic dash light bezel. Then he put led lights in. i just did this myself and im 100% satisfied. I can see my gauges now finally

[jasonroman]

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/interior/dashlights.htm

[east1la]

Originally Posted by jasonroman

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/interior/dashlights.htm

thanks for the link. I want to try this on my 1987 chevy pickup truck.

[RuralRoute C-30]

Just another link:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392750

Cheapest mod so far.

Mark

[east1la]

Originally Posted by RuralRoute C-30

Just another link:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392750

Cheapest mod so far.

Mark

I planning to do this on my 87 chevy pickup.

[willstruck]

I have an interesting problem with my dash lights...
they get dim, and my turn signals start glowing. bumps, acceleration, braking changes it. I found if I kick the parking brake, the gauge lights light back up, and the turn signals stop glowing. The previous owner put in some aftermarket gauges with their own lighting. Only thing left is speedo and oversized gas gauge that doesn't work. So, going to buy speedo, tach, and fuel gauge that match other gauges, and don't have to worry about the wiring anymore. I'm going to try to wire them through the dimmer switch, as it is now the backlights on the aftermarket gauges come on if the truck is on.

[remist17]

I think I have a bigger issue than the brightening the lights. Took off the front bezel and reached around the back and took out the bulbs. They all work. Why would the idiot lights not come on when the key is turned?

This was a computer truck and I took the computer out would these be running off the computer?

[remist17]

any suggestions on the lights not working at all?

[parrisc19844x4_468]

Originally Posted by remist17

All
Need some help. My dash lights are really dim is there any way to fix this. I checked the dim switch and it still works.

Also how do I change out the dash light for the idiot oil light.... I think it is blown as these gauge lights do not come one.

Just replaced all mine with LED ones. I found the best way to change the lights in the cluster is to pull it out. Might sound like a lot of work, but it take about 10 mins to pull mine out. Good Luck

[my85k10]

hello everyone, I have a problem i hopeing someone has some knowlege on. i have a 85 k10 and the ac climate control panal lights dont work, after searching for the problem i found the gray, black , and yellow wire bundle is disconnected and i have no idea where it plugs into. and apparnetly someone cut the yellow wire and used it as a radio power wire. The 4x4 light doesnt work as well but it appears it is tied into the same bundle. So....does anyone have any suggestions on this problem? Also what does each color wire represent? Thanks in advance

[motornut]

Originally Posted by remist17

All
Need some help. My dash lights are really dim is there any way to fix this. I checked the dim switch and it still works.

Also how do I change out the dash light for the idiot oil light.... I think it is blown as these gauge lights do not come one.

when you change the bulbs,make sure the wires go under the glass before it goes in the socket
and you may need to use some fine sand paper to clean the copper area around the opening, and i slightly lift the copper on the socket,for better tension,and clean it with sand paper
there is a small bump to help the socket hold itself in the cluster
i used a meter on the bulb ,then bulb and socket ,and when installed to confirm a connection