Gauge Cluster lighting too dim question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Roberty · 07-12-2005, 10:26 PM

I own my second 1985 Silverado now - I had another a few years ago. My question is, is there anything that can be done about the gauge cluster being too dim at night. I like nice bright gauges and both 1985's had the same problem. I assume this is a common problem with our trucks since both of mine were/are like this. Is this:
1. A problem with the dim down feature of the headlight switch.
2. Dim light bulbs from age that can be fixed by replacing them with new bulbs.
3. Something else.
4. or, were they were like this even when the trucks were new?

I'm sure this has been asked before but with the search feature on permanant vacation I thought I'd ask.
Thanks in advance.
Robert

Russell · 07-12-2005, 10:39 PM

Here is an excellent article on how to make your gauges so bright that you'll need to turn em down

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

Roberty · 07-12-2005, 10:48 PM

Thanks EXACTLY what I was looking for Russel.

THANKS!!!

Russell · 07-12-2005, 11:14 PM

No problem! And trust me, it makes a simply phenominal difference!

*Zilverado* · 07-12-2005, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

No problem! And trust me, it makes a simply phenominal difference!

Thanks for the props Russell and, enjoy Rob.

86swb · 07-13-2005, 08:57 AM

I have done this to mine and love it. Sprayed the inside of the part where the gages go with chrome paint and put in the blue led's. Also sprayed the back side of the black cover (but you really have to be careful here to not get any paint on the other side.) Make sure you do not get paint on the connectors.
Just follow the instructions on that site and you will to love them.

*Zilverado* · 07-13-2005, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86swb

I have done this to mine and love it. Sprayed the inside of the part where the gages go with chrome paint and put in the blue led's. Also sprayed the back side of the black cover (but you really have to be careful here to not get any paint on the other side.) Make sure you do not get paint on the connectors.
Just follow the instructions on that site and you will to love them.

You're right about not getting paint on the front side of the black gauge surround, or "reflector" as I called it in the article.

Robert, make sure you mask the front of the "reflector" off well to prevent the paint from getting on the front. Even a small amount of overspray specks will show on the black side if it gets on there. I used regular masking take accross the openings - - pressed down nice and firm around the edges to prevent the paint from bleeding. Unfortunately, I didn't think of taking progress pics that could be posted - - honestly, I didn't realize the outcome would be that great that I would need to tell the world about it, but....

Have fun with it.

mhicks · 07-13-2005, 09:55 AM

I have a '73 stepside and did the same thing to it and it helped a lot. I liked the results so well that I also took the cover off of my tail lights and painted the inside of them with the chrome paint and it brightened them up a lot too.

**N2TRUX** · 07-13-2005, 10:37 AM

Yep it really works. I was amazed at the difference in my gauge cluster and it had already been restored. The new bulbs and chrome background makes it very easy to read at night....

Roberty · 07-13-2005, 11:58 AM

So do you basically take the cluster apart to do this? The article doesn't go into too much detail or have any pictures.

86swb · 07-13-2005, 12:02 PM

Yes, it is really easy. But you do have to take apart. Take the gages out and bulbs and cover connectors so they get no paint on them.

*Zilverado* · 07-13-2005, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roberty

So do you basically take the cluster apart to do this? The article doesn't go into too much detail or have any pictures.

Yes, you take everything apart. The bezel and gauge lense and covers come off fairly easily with surface screws. You may need to tilt the steering wheel (if available), and put your column mounted shifter into gear to get the shift handle out of the way – then finesse (sp?) the bezel off. Now the gauges themselves just pull out of their sockets. The speedo cable needs to be disconnected from the back of the speedo head – relatively simple. Then the gauge housing is unscrewed to remove it. The wiring harness to the back of the housing is simply unplugged.

Like I said before, I didn’t think of taking progress pictures at the time I was doing it. But if you take it slow and be careful, it all goes pretty easy.

bigblock73 · 07-13-2005, 12:21 PM

Zilverado's article is one of the most popular tech articles on 73-87.com. I have received quite a few "Wow, did that ever make a difference..." E-mails...so you know people are doing this mod, and liking it!

Zilverado, if you like, I can add your E-mail addy to the article that way people can E-mail you directly and thank you...or ask questions. Let me know.

*Zilverado* · 07-13-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Zilverado's article is one of the most popular tech articles on 73-87.com. I have received quite a few "Wow, did that ever make a difference..." E-mails...so you know people are doing this mod, and liking it!

Zilverado, if you like, I can add your E-mail addy to the article that way people can E-mail you directly and thank you...or ask questions. Let me know.

Thanks Jeff, again I appreciate the props. I'm just glad so many people are finding it helpful.

I don't have a problem with adding my e-mail to the article. I'd love to hear people's feedback or answer questions.

Thanks again.

bigblock73 · 07-13-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilverado

Thanks Jeff, again I appreciate the props. I'm just glad so many people are finding it helpful.

I don't have a problem with adding my e-mail to the article. I'd love to hear people's feedback or answer questions.

Thanks again.

PM me your addy then, and I'll get it added tonight.

*Zilverado* · 07-13-2005, 01:48 PM

Done.... Now all I need is the royalty cheque

bigblock73 · 07-13-2005, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilverado

Done.... Now all I need is the royalty cheque

Don't you mean Reality Check?

*Zilverado* · 07-13-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Don't you mean Reality Check?

86swb · 07-13-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilverado

Done.... Now all I need is the royalty cheque

It will be OK. I hear it is in the snale mail. Be happy!

But really, great post and has helped a lot of people including me. Thanks.

*Zilverado* · 07-13-2005, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86swb

...and has helped a lot of people including me. Thanks.

I believe that's what this whole site is all about. That's what makes it so great. Just glad I could contribute in my own small way.

Thanks

07-12-2005, 10:26 PM	#1
Roberty Hot Damn - Here I Am!! Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Ringgold, Georgia Posts: 726	Gauge Cluster lighting too dim question I own my second 1985 Silverado now - I had another a few years ago. My question is, is there anything that can be done about the gauge cluster being too dim at night. I like nice bright gauges and both 1985's had the same problem. I assume this is a common problem with our trucks since both of mine were/are like this. Is this: 1. A problem with the dim down feature of the headlight switch. 2. Dim light bulbs from age that can be fixed by replacing them with new bulbs. 3. Something else. 4. or, were they were like this even when the trucks were new? I'm sure this has been asked before but with the search feature on permanant vacation I thought I'd ask. Thanks in advance. Robert __________________ My vehicles: '90 Silverado Sport '71 Chevelle SS Convertible '70 C-10 - My Grandfather bought it new - original un-restored

07-12-2005, 10:39 PM	#2
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Here is an excellent article on how to make your gauges so bright that you'll need to turn em down http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/interior/dashlights.htm __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

07-12-2005, 10:48 PM	#3
Roberty Hot Damn - Here I Am!! Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Ringgold, Georgia Posts: 726	Thanks EXACTLY what I was looking for Russel. THANKS!!! __________________ My vehicles: '90 Silverado Sport '71 Chevelle SS Convertible '70 C-10 - My Grandfather bought it new - original un-restored

07-12-2005, 11:14 PM	#4
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	No problem! And trust me, it makes a simply phenominal difference! __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

07-13-2005, 08:57 AM	#6
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	I have done this to mine and love it. Sprayed the inside of the part where the gages go with chrome paint and put in the blue led's. Also sprayed the back side of the black cover (but you really have to be careful here to not get any paint on the other side.) Make sure you do not get paint on the connectors. Just follow the instructions on that site and you will to love them. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS Last edited by 86swb; 07-13-2005 at 09:00 AM.

07-13-2005, 09:55 AM	#8
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	I have a '73 stepside and did the same thing to it and it helped a lot. I liked the results so well that I also took the cover off of my tail lights and painted the inside of them with the chrome paint and it brightened them up a lot too.

07-13-2005, 10:37 AM	#9
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Yep it really works. I was amazed at the difference in my gauge cluster and it had already been restored. The new bulbs and chrome background makes it very easy to read at night.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-13-2005, 11:58 AM	#10
Roberty Hot Damn - Here I Am!! Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Ringgold, Georgia Posts: 726	So do you basically take the cluster apart to do this? The article doesn't go into too much detail or have any pictures. __________________ My vehicles: '90 Silverado Sport '71 Chevelle SS Convertible '70 C-10 - My Grandfather bought it new - original un-restored

07-13-2005, 12:02 PM	#11
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Yes, it is really easy. But you do have to take apart. Take the gages out and bulbs and cover connectors so they get no paint on them. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

07-13-2005, 12:21 PM	#13
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Zilverado's article is one of the most popular tech articles on 73-87.com. I have received quite a few "Wow, did that ever make a difference..." E-mails...so you know people are doing this mod, and liking it! Zilverado, if you like, I can add your E-mail addy to the article that way people can E-mail you directly and thank you...or ask questions. Let me know. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

07-13-2005, 01:48 PM	#16
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Done.... Now all I need is the royalty cheque



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.