Topic: Dash bulb sockets
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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I have the dash out on my 82 and have decided to change all the bulbs while it is apart. I noticed today that there are two different color bulb sockets on the back of each of the gauge units. Is there a difference in these two in regards to the bulbs or what is up with this. Anything special to consider while I am doing this?
Thanks
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I'm not sure. I think I have seen black, white, grey, and blue sockets. Don't know if the actual color of the socket means anything or not.....might be interesting to see where this one(question) goes.
Are yours the ones that just kinda screw into the panel, like 1/4 turn in/out?
Are yours the ones that just kinda screw into the panel, like 1/4 turn in/out?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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Yes, all look to be the same ~1/4 turn sockets but two different colors. I did not look to see if the colors might have any correlation to anything like gauges vs warning lights. I'll look this weekend.
Are all the bulbs the same regardless of where they go?
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I recently replaced all of my bulbs and noticed that I have both gray and blue bulb sockets. They are the 1/4 turn type and are the same size. The same bulb fits in them regardless of color.
This is a fun question are the colors for the application: instrument lights Warning lights ( fuel gen etc) or is it size I think their is at least two size holes 5/8" and 1/2"

Lemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
I replaced mine forgot where the resistors went on gauge back so I went to a local and asked him to look at the back of some units. Long story they all had different colors in different place few were the same. So I would guess it does not make any difference. Do you have all of them? let me know if you do not I may have a couple hanging around you could have.
In an email I gave you a site I used I just posted it again just in case people following this post need it. I believe the lights are 194 check this site for the best buy on lights. http://www.memotronics.com/ . just type in the number.
By the way the top light the one that is connected to the vary top of the console is suppose to be a different bulb. Does anyone know if that is true or not and if it is true what is the bulb number . By the way I have a pdf on light type with that base in case you decide to go a little brighter or for a little longer life bulb.
I will send it if you want it or post it if someone will tell me how to post a pdf.
In an email I gave you a site I used I just posted it again just in case people following this post need it. I believe the lights are 194 check this site for the best buy on lights. http://www.memotronics.com/ . just type in the number.
By the way the top light the one that is connected to the vary top of the console is suppose to be a different bulb. Does anyone know if that is true or not and if it is true what is the bulb number . By the way I have a pdf on light type with that base in case you decide to go a little brighter or for a little longer life bulb.
I will send it if you want it or post it if someone will tell me how to post a pdf.

HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I did all my bulbs and ordered new sockets. Corvette America only sells one kind and told me they were both the same.
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
Thanks I guess it is just a rummer until someone has some proof. I have not found any that were different. I have found that the heat from that top bulb seems to warp the plastic on all of the consoles I have checked.
Gil,
Ordered the bulbs today. Your guy was definitely cheaper than anyone else I could find and ships by USPS which is also less expensive.
I have all the sockets now but I'll let you know if I need one after I start changing everything.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
YA gotta be careful with this type of bulb. Ya don't wanna replace a bulb with one of a higher candlepower rating, as it can(and usually will) wind up melting stuff.
On the older, non-circuit board gauge clusters, the bulbs are different...they're like regular bulbs, with a metal base. The push-in kind like the 75-up cars have can be replaced with bulbs of much higher candlepower....that means more heat...sometimes more heat than the circuit board, or the surrounding plastic can handle.
If you are replacing the bulbs, be sure to match the factory ratings on candlepower. Just because the bulb looks the same, and plugs in does NOT mean it is the same. Get a magnifying glass or something and look at the bulb(s) to be sure what they are rated for.
On the older, non-circuit board gauge clusters, the bulbs are different...they're like regular bulbs, with a metal base. The push-in kind like the 75-up cars have can be replaced with bulbs of much higher candlepower....that means more heat...sometimes more heat than the circuit board, or the surrounding plastic can handle.
If you are replacing the bulbs, be sure to match the factory ratings on candlepower. Just because the bulb looks the same, and plugs in does NOT mean it is the same. Get a magnifying glass or something and look at the bulb(s) to be sure what they are rated for.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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