Dash Panel Bulbs

[1971LT1SWBPOSI373]

I'm in the process of rebuilding my dash panel, and one of my manuals calls out the dash bulbs as 194's or 1895's. It doesn't say which goes where, or if one is a substitute for the other. I was under the impression that all of the bulbs were 194's. can anybody out there verify this for me? Thanks, TJ

[67chevemall]

I have 194 's in all mine
Who is this 1895 feller???

[jhow66]

The 2 bulbs in AC-heater panel are 1895's

[GMC Jim]

use #168 in place of the #194.... The 194 's are 2 Candle Power while the 168's are 3 C.P.....so the 168's are 1/3 brighter!... Same physical sie wedge-type lamps........ Jim

[1971LT1SWBPOSI373]

I checked at the auto parts store last night and found that the 1895's are the push and turn type bulbs with the pegs on the side.

I changed out the instrument back lighting bulbs on my dash panel with the 168's (4 each). I left the 194's in on the blinkers, high beam indicator, and the 2 idiot light positions (seeing how these seem to be bright enough) If I remember correctly, the blinkers and idiot lights do not dim with the rheostat, can anyone verify this for me????

This board is great, I dug a post out from about a year ago on this 168 bulb swap (I think it was yours Jim) When ever I see a good post that applies to my truck I print it out and hang on to it!!! TJ

[Longhorn Man]

You are correct, the only ones that dim are the 4 that you put 168's in.
THe blinkers are actually supposed to be 186! Go figure huh?

[1971LT1SWBPOSI373]

Thank You Longhorn Man for checking on that for me. The blinker bulbs are suppose to be 186'S???? I thought that I ran across something like that a few years ago in a manual where it called out two similar bulbs for the dash panel (both the push in type) Is there any way to tell the two types apart? The problem with the push in type is you can't tell what you have, other than maybe the color of the internal insulator just below the filament....... TJ

[GMC Jim]

Longhorn Man;- I think you meant 168 instead of 186!!!! My Phillips manual list 3 wedge base lamps...
# 161 - 1 C.P. - .19 amps
# 194 - 2 C.P. - .27 amps
# 168 - 3 C.P. - .35 amps

GM Chassis Service Manual following info for lamp usage convential cabs...# 194 -- Instrument Cluster; Temperature Indicator; Brake Warning Indicator; Generator Indicator; Oil Pressure Indicator; High Beam Indicator; Tachometer and side Marker identificaion lamps.
# 168 is used for Directional Indicator ( per Manual )
Per your personal preference; you can use any of these lamps as ther are interchangeable.....The 168's ; I beleive, are too bright for the directional indicator. 194's are more than adequate.....

[Longhorn Man]

I reread my post 3 times saying something isn't right...you nailed it.
Dislexia is a b!tch sometimes.

[1971LT1SWBPOSI373]

You guy's are great, thanks for all the helpful information.

Now, is there any way to tell the bulbs apart? I guess I could power them up and sort out my pile of bulbs by brightness!!!!!!!!!!! TJ

[GMC Jim]

1971LT......... If you have a multimeter ( a Volt-Ohm Meter) you can check the resistance of the bulbs you have.... The ones with lower resistance will be the brighter ones ! also a great way to see if bulbs are any good..... no resistance means the lamp is burnt out ........