Replace Instrument Panel Lights?

[apstguy]

What brand is the chrome bumper touch up paint you used? I used some "chrome" Rustolium and it isn't very "chromy" - kinda just metalic. It did help though.

[Mike76251]

BTW..........get a fluorescent orange paint pen from Walmart (in the toy/model section) and paint your guage hands while you are at it.

[Zilverado]

Originally posted by apstguy
What brand is the chrome bumper touch up paint you used? I used some "chrome" Rustolium and it isn't very "chromy" - kinda just metalic. It did help though.

Tyler,
As I mentioned in my article on Mike's website, I did the same thing with mine. I first used Rustolium, with less than stellar results. I actually ended up using a bumper touch-up paint that I picked up at a local automotive parts store (Canadian Tire). It was their own "in-house" brand (Mastercraft), but it was good enough. It was actual CHROME - not just metalic silver.

Mike,
That painting of the gauge needles is a good idea. I'll have to do that next time I have the bezel off. Now we just need to figure out how to brighten up the numbers on the stock gauges, and we're done...

[Gregsmx]

The paint I used is from Armor - Chrome Aluminum Bumper Paint.

Mike, thats a great idea using the flourescent marker. How has it stood up to the cab heat and sun rays?

I painted mine chevrolet engine orange. It was very close to original color, but I'm sure it would not have the reflectance of the marker.

[Mike76251]

Originally posted by Gregsmx


Mike, thats a great idea using the flourescent marker. How has it stood up to the cab heat and sun rays?

I painted mine chevrolet engine orange. It was very close to original color, but I'm sure it would not have the reflectance of the marker.

It has held up well for 8 years.
Just make sure you don't paint in on too thick as it might crack when it dries.

[twxsby]

Any one know were I can get a lamp socket? I am doing this project now, and it seems I'm short one. Don't know if I lost it, or if it wasn't there to begin with. There are 12 right?
Thanks

[twxsby]

Originally posted by GMC Jim
as I have posted prior.....The standaed lamps for the instrument panel is # 194. This is a 2 candle power lamp...Suggest replacing with # 168 ( 3 candle power )..... 1/3 brighter and the 168's are same size and type....

The parts store calls for 168. The Sylvania web site calls for a 168. Is the 194 the brighter light? What about the 161?
I need to buy 12, I want to make sure I get the brightest ones I can.
Thanks

[GMC Jim]

Chev service manual specifies # 194 for instrument panel and side marker lamps. Specs on wedge base lamps are:--

161 - 1 C.P. - .19 amp
194 - 2 C.P. - .27 amp
168 - 3 C.P. - .35 amp

The 168 lamps would be the brightest.............Jim

[twxsby]

Thanks for the reassurance. I pulled out all my lamps, and someone must have already changed out all the lamps. They are already 168.

[70Chevy4x4Nut]

I just finished doing my dash panel cluster with the chrome paint and I am very pleased with the results. I can see the gauges so much better.

[Zilverado]

Originally posted by 70Chevy4x4Nut
I just finished doing my dash panel cluster with the chrome paint and I am very pleased with the results. I can see the gauges so much better.

Almost makes you have to break out the shades, eh??? j/k

Seriously, I'm thrilled that more people are using this idea and having it work for them. Afterall, that's what this board is all about.

[70Chevy4x4Nut]

The dimmer has a real function now. Thanks for the tip.

[twxsby]

I finished with my chrome paint job, and a what difference. Best upgrade for the money. Thank You.
I think I'm going to change the turn signal lamps to #161. They are obnoxiously bright with the 168's.

[Zilverado]

Originally posted by twxsby
...They are obnoxiously bright with the 168's.

I realize you are talking about the turn signals, but whoda' thought we would ever be saying things like this about the instrument panels on our trucks.

As for "bang for your buck" - I agree.