Want to see the lights (better) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

serge · 06-30-2014, 02:39 PM

Dash lights not very bright. Just replaced all the bulbs and no change in brightness.
Is it possible the dimmer is faulty?
Serge

**Stocker** · 06-30-2014, 03:15 PM

Possibly, or it could be poor connection(s) or bad ground(s). Check voltage with a digital VOM, and check grounds (referenced to a known good 12VDC source) the same way.

hamjet · 06-30-2014, 03:20 PM

Alot of people are switching from 194s to 168s, they say they're alot brighter..

davepl · 06-30-2014, 03:24 PM

I switched all of mine to LED (194 direct replacements). Only downside is the ones I chose are a "daylight" color that is too blue for me.

I noted that my tach is a lot brighter than the others. Then I also found that the tach actually takes a different bulb (maybe its a 194 vs 168 thing) that I have to look into.

serge · 07-02-2014, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the feedback.
Will check wires and ground. Figure it's good to rule out any issues here.
Bought digital volt meter. Any tips on how to use would be appreciated.
Serge

**Stocker** · 07-02-2014, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serge

Bought digital volt meter. Any tips on how to use would be appreciated.

Basic voltage checking is pretty straightforward. Depending on your specific VOM, there may be an on/off switch. Some are auto-select but you'll probably need to select DCV and maybe a suitable range, such as up to 20V. Polarity doesn't matter all that much here, but to read it correctly, plug one lead into the COM port and clip (or hold) the end of the probe to a known good ground. The other lead plugs into the Volt/Ohm port -- use its probe to check for voltage.

Daner · 07-04-2014, 12:08 AM

When I had my cluster out to lube the speedo cable I repainted the backing plate white instead of black. Also painted the back of the housing white instead of that weird green color that the plastic is. It brightened it up tremendously. I think there are some threads on that.

Hawghauler · 07-04-2014, 10:36 AM

On my '67, my dash lights didn't work at all, until I twisted the switch back towards the dome light that did work, and saw a flash of light from the gauges. So I twist it back and forth a number of times, and boom dash lights. I eventually replaced the switch.

davepl · 07-04-2014, 03:23 PM

I lined the inside of mine with the 3M metallic duct tape (NOT the cloth 'duck' tape - the real metal foil stuff). That made it effectively all reflective inside and brightened it up.

Did the same with my tail lights.

06-30-2014, 02:39 PM	#1
serge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Geneva, Ohio Posts: 201	Want to see the lights (better) Dash lights not very bright. Just replaced all the bulbs and no change in brightness. Is it possible the dimmer is faulty? Serge

06-30-2014, 03:15 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,809	Re: Want to see the lights (better) Possibly, or it could be poor connection(s) or bad ground(s). Check voltage with a digital VOM, and check grounds (referenced to a known good 12VDC source) the same way. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

06-30-2014, 03:20 PM	#3
hamjet Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Westerlo, New York Posts: 1,325	Re: Want to see the lights (better) Alot of people are switching from 194s to 168s, they say they're alot brighter.. __________________ Thanks, Joe.. 1969 C/10, 348 C.I., 3X2 bbl. V8, 2004r , LWB.

06-30-2014, 03:24 PM	#4
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,334	Re: Want to see the lights (better) I switched all of mine to LED (194 direct replacements). Only downside is the ones I chose are a "daylight" color that is too blue for me. I noted that my tach is a lot brighter than the others. Then I also found that the tach actually takes a different bulb (maybe its a 194 vs 168 thing) that I have to look into. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

07-02-2014, 01:57 PM	#5
serge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Geneva, Ohio Posts: 201	Re: Want to see the lights (better) Thanks for the feedback. Will check wires and ground. Figure it's good to rule out any issues here. Bought digital volt meter. Any tips on how to use would be appreciated. Serge

07-04-2014, 12:08 AM	#7
Daner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Wildrose, North Dakota Posts: 300	Re: Want to see the lights (better) When I had my cluster out to lube the speedo cable I repainted the backing plate white instead of black. Also painted the back of the housing white instead of that weird green color that the plastic is. It brightened it up tremendously. I think there are some threads on that. __________________ Dane 67 Chevy Fleet 250/4 speed 1/2 ton 68 Chevy 250/4 speed 1/2 ton for parts 49 GMC Grain truck 235 1 1/2 ton 76 Chevy 350/4 speed 1/2 ton

07-04-2014, 10:36 AM	#8
Hawghauler Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Whidbey Island/Edmonds,WA Posts: 361	Re: Want to see the lights (better) On my '67, my dash lights didn't work at all, until I twisted the switch back towards the dome light that did work, and saw a flash of light from the gauges. So I twist it back and forth a number of times, and boom dash lights. I eventually replaced the switch. __________________ If I have to be on 4 wheels, It has to be a classic Chevy 1967 c10 Longbed (Hawghauler/Icy weather transport) 2003 BMW K1200GT (Rain bike) 2007 Softail Deuce (Sun bike) 2009 Ultra Classic Electra Glide (Everything else bike)

07-04-2014, 03:23 PM	#9
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,334	Re: Want to see the lights (better) I lined the inside of mine with the 3M metallic duct tape (NOT the cloth 'duck' tape - the real metal foil stuff). That made it effectively all reflective inside and brightened it up. Did the same with my tail lights. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible



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