brighter dash lights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1974gmc · 06-17-2005, 12:18 AM

i couple days ago i followed the brighter dash lights article found on 73-87.com and you wouldnt imagine the difference. When i first saw the before and after pictures i didnt think it was possible but i was wrong. i would recomend everyone else to do it too!

'78 Fleetside · 06-17-2005, 02:44 AM

how much it cost?

'78 Fleetside · 06-17-2005, 02:45 AM

i noticed tonight that mine sucks, i can barely see the numbers at night

jesse977 · 06-17-2005, 03:03 AM

what exactly needs to be painted???

75stepside · 06-17-2005, 09:42 AM

completed the same mod - w/ great results!!!

Prerunner1982 · 06-17-2005, 10:31 AM

the easiest part to paint is the plastic piece that is black on the side that faces you but a light blue on the back side, this is what reflects the light onto the gauges. Some people even went so far as to paint behind the gauges as well.. i did not and still have good results.. i have another idea on the same subject i will work on time permitting..

milehightoyz · 06-17-2005, 01:37 PM

fill me in, whats the mod? whats it cost?

bigarmzz · 06-17-2005, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1974gmc

i couple days ago i followed the brighter dash lights article found on 73-87.com and you wouldnt imagine the difference. When i first saw the before and after pictures i didnt think it was possible but i was wrong. i would recomend everyone else to do it too!

i went to www.73-87.com and i couldnt find anything about this mod.....??? mostly just metric conversions, and special edition stuff

8t5Silverado · 06-17-2005, 02:23 PM

Take out your gauges and paint the light blue housing that they sit in, along with the black piece the sits in front of the gauges. Be careful not to get paint on the electrical contacts.

I painted my housing with "chrome" paint and it looks great at night.

bigblock73 · 06-18-2005, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

i went to www.73-87.com and i couldnt find anything about this mod.....??? mostly just metric conversions, and special edition stuff

Head to the garage section on my site, there is TONS of stuff in there (including this upgrade as mentioned above).

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

boxrodz · 06-17-2005, 02:28 PM

8t5 summed it up. You can read the write-up on Jeff's 73-87 site.

You could also integrate some LEDs or (...) in place of the dash lights to give a more pronounced look. It's a bit more involved and requires some thought to avoid hot spots.

BTW, Jeff: the LED dash lights link does not work.

bodydropped · 06-17-2005, 04:11 PM

what gauge cluster is that

chevyfan420 · 06-17-2005, 09:23 PM

I did it for my 79, and i recently did it for my 80. Well worth the hour or two invested. Total cost was maybe 20 or 25 bucks for chrome spray paint and roughly 12 or 14 "194" light bulbs

86swb · 06-17-2005, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyfan420

I did it for my 79, and i recently did it for my 80. Well worth the hour or two invested. Total cost was maybe 20 or 25 bucks for chrome spray paint and roughly 12 or 14 "194" light bulbs

$20.00 or $25.00 for chrome spray paint? What kind of chrome paint was it that cost "that" much?

**N2TRUX** · 06-17-2005, 10:29 PM

I can tell you it really works too. When I had my tach dash rebuilt it was painted at the same time. I got a tach dash with new bulbs and fresh gauges at one time. Even though mine looked good before, I was amazed at the difference. It was like night and day....

boxrodz · 06-18-2005, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86swb

$20.00 or $25.00 for chrome spray paint? What kind of chrome paint was it that cost "that" much?

That probably included the cost of the bulbs.

But, how 'bout some 'real' chrome paint at $135 for 8 ounces. I sure wouldn't hide that chrome paint behind the dash.

Earl Filter · 06-17-2005, 09:30 PM

I did the mod with some silver I had on hand today. Probably not as good as I could have done, but it was spur of the moment, as I got my new dashpad, and wanted to put everything back together. It worked well, but I don't know if it was the paint that did it, or the 2 burned-out bulbs I replaced!

Russell · 06-17-2005, 11:44 PM

haha, boo on you N2TRUX :P

Yeah, this is a wicked upgrade. Makes the gauges phenominally brighter!

MylilBowTie · 06-18-2005, 03:51 PM

That's chrome bumper paint + the 2.00 a piece light bulbs. If you are careful you can mark on paper the metal contact orientation. Then you will be able to remove them and have it down to the plastic shell to spray easier without worry about over spray and taping off. I didn't paint the back of my gauges I didn't want to get anything on the front or mess with over spray. Don't let any paint get on the plastic electronic circuit board. I forget the real name of it right off hand.

It is well worth the time to invest if you do everything right.

dswancutt · 06-18-2005, 04:08 PM

If your lazy like me and don't want to go the paint route, just cleaning the 20+ years of dust of the bulbs and cluster will help quite a bit. Every truck I have had a thick layer of dust on the bulbs and the cluster.

Doug

Earl Filter · 06-18-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dswancutt

If your lazy like me and don't want to go the paint route, just cleaning the 20+ years of dust of the bulbs and cluster will help quite a bit. Every truck I have had a thick layer of dust on the bulbs and the cluster.

Doug

Yep, along with two burned-out bulbs, the rest were dirty. I can see my gauges!

Oh, and since I didn't have any on hand, I didn't do what would probably have been the best mod...change the bulbs from 194s to 168s! They fit in the same socket, but the 168 is 3 candle power, compared to the 194 with 2 candle power. I'm not so good at math, but I believe that's 50% more light!

87_Blazer · 06-18-2005, 08:48 PM

yep....been there done that....great results!!!!!!

1974gmc · 06-18-2005, 09:07 PM

today i saw some autolite(sp?) and they have led replacement bulbs that are LED's, but were pricey... $12 canadian for 2 bulbs

chevyjr73 · 06-18-2005, 10:17 PM

i sprayed behind the dash with chrome paint and peplaced all the instrument panel bulbs with blue xenon bulbs, you wouldn't believe the difference. night and day.

boxrodz · 06-19-2005, 01:58 AM

If you're looking for some quality LED substitutes (like 6-LED Wedge-base bulbs) at reasonable prices ($ 3.00 each), try Superbright LEDs. They have other LED configurations as well. Install a PWM and the LED brightness can be controlled.

I'm curious if the extra heat of 168s will damage the plastic or housing around the bulb intended for 194s. ???

06-17-2005, 12:18 AM	#1
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	brighter dash lights i couple days ago i followed the brighter dash lights article found on 73-87.com and you wouldnt imagine the difference. When i first saw the before and after pictures i didnt think it was possible but i was wrong. i would recomend everyone else to do it too! __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd

06-17-2005, 02:44 AM	#2
'78 Fleetside Young'n Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 258	how much it cost? __________________ 1978 Chevy C10 Fleet (For Sale!!) www.rudezone.net/daniel "It's ok for you to not like me, because i already dont like you!"

06-17-2005, 02:45 AM	#3
'78 Fleetside Young'n Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 258	i noticed tonight that mine sucks, i can barely see the numbers at night __________________ 1978 Chevy C10 Fleet (For Sale!!) www.rudezone.net/daniel "It's ok for you to not like me, because i already dont like you!"

06-17-2005, 10:31 AM	#6
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	the easiest part to paint is the plastic piece that is black on the side that faces you but a light blue on the back side, this is what reflects the light onto the gauges. Some people even went so far as to paint behind the gauges as well.. i did not and still have good results.. i have another idea on the same subject i will work on time permitting.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

06-17-2005, 02:23 PM	#9
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	Take out your gauges and paint the light blue housing that they sit in, along with the black piece the sits in front of the gauges. Be careful not to get paint on the electrical contacts. I painted my housing with "chrome" paint and it looks great at night. __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339

06-17-2005, 03:03 AM	#4
jesse977 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 277	what exactly needs to be painted???

06-17-2005, 09:42 AM	#5
75stepside Proud Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 741	completed the same mod - w/ great results!!!

06-17-2005, 01:37 PM	#7
milehightoyz AttentionDeficitDisorder Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: COLORADO Posts: 600	fill me in, whats the mod? whats it cost?

06-17-2005, 02:28 PM	#11
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	8t5 summed it up. You can read the write-up on Jeff's 73-87 site. You could also integrate some LEDs or (...) in place of the dash lights to give a more pronounced look. It's a bit more involved and requires some thought to avoid hot spots. BTW, Jeff: the LED dash lights link does not work. __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin... Last edited by boxrodz; 06-17-2005 at 02:31 PM.

06-17-2005, 04:11 PM	#12
bodydropped Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: beaumont,tx Posts: 757	what gauge cluster is that __________________ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ropped/sig.jpg

06-17-2005, 09:23 PM	#13
chevyfan420 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada eh Posts: 95	I did it for my 79, and i recently did it for my 80. Well worth the hour or two invested. Total cost was maybe 20 or 25 bucks for chrome spray paint and roughly 12 or 14 "194" light bulbs __________________ 80 Chevy K10 350/350turbo 86 Chevy 1/2 ton shorty project truck 79 Chevy 1/2ton 350/350turbo not much to look at... *Retired* 97 Chevy C1500 4.3/5 speed.....daily driver

06-17-2005, 10:29 PM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	I can tell you it really works too. When I had my tach dash rebuilt it was painted at the same time. I got a tach dash with new bulbs and fresh gauges at one time. Even though mine looked good before, I was amazed at the difference. It was like night and day.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

06-17-2005, 09:30 PM	#17
Earl Filter Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 212	I did the mod with some silver I had on hand today. Probably not as good as I could have done, but it was spur of the moment, as I got my new dashpad, and wanted to put everything back together. It worked well, but I don't know if it was the paint that did it, or the 2 burned-out bulbs I replaced! __________________ Real Name - Brandon Current Vehicles: 1977 C20 Silverado 454/TH400 3.73s 1989 Jaguar XJ6 in the middle of an LT1/4L60E swap

06-17-2005, 11:44 PM	#18
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	haha, boo on you N2TRUX :P Yeah, this is a wicked upgrade. Makes the gauges phenominally brighter! __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

06-18-2005, 03:51 PM	#19
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	That's chrome bumper paint + the 2.00 a piece light bulbs. If you are careful you can mark on paper the metal contact orientation. Then you will be able to remove them and have it down to the plastic shell to spray easier without worry about over spray and taping off. I didn't paint the back of my gauges I didn't want to get anything on the front or mess with over spray. Don't let any paint get on the plastic electronic circuit board. I forget the real name of it right off hand. It is well worth the time to invest if you do everything right. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI



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06-18-2005, 04:08 PM	#20
dswancutt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Franklin, NE Posts: 387	If your lazy like me and don't want to go the paint route, just cleaning the 20+ years of dust of the bulbs and cluster will help quite a bit. Every truck I have had a thick layer of dust on the bulbs and the cluster. Doug

06-18-2005, 08:48 PM	#22
87_Blazer Getcha' Pull!!! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Posts: 215	yep....been there done that....great results!!!!!! __________________ Rest In Peace Dime

06-18-2005, 09:07 PM	#23
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	today i saw some autolite(sp?) and they have led replacement bulbs that are LED's, but were pricey... $12 canadian for 2 bulbs __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd

06-18-2005, 10:17 PM	#24
chevyjr73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: chesapeake,virginia Posts: 117	i sprayed behind the dash with chrome paint and peplaced all the instrument panel bulbs with blue xenon bulbs, you wouldn't believe the difference. night and day.

06-19-2005, 01:58 AM	#25
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	If you're looking for some quality LED substitutes (like 6-LED Wedge-base bulbs) at reasonable prices ($ 3.00 each), try Superbright LEDs. They have other LED configurations as well. Install a PWM and the LED brightness can be controlled. I'm curious if the extra heat of 168s will damage the plastic or housing around the bulb intended for 194s. ??? __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

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