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Topic: Replacement Guage Bulbs

in Forum: C3 Interior

Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/5/08 5:53pm Message 1 of 7
Former Member
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Las Vegas, NV - USA
Joined: 4/1/2008
Posts: 14
Vette(s): 1979 coupe
has anyone replaced the guage bulbs with either brighter or colored bulbs?
the bulbs in my 1979 coupe seem dim to me and i would like to find something either brighter or easier to see. maybe im just getting old and my eyesight is going.
thanks
richard



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Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/5/08 5:58pm Message 2 of 7
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I don't know if there's any higher wattage bulbs available in that style, but if you want to change color, you can find gel caps that will fit over the existing bulbs at places like Pep Boys.  They run something like $5.00 a pair and come in different colors.

I would think that while they change the color cast to the gauges, they may likely dim the light and make the gauges even harder to see.

A hint...if you do decide to change any bulbs or add the gel caps, put all new bulbs in.  They're cheap and a you don't want to pulling the dash and console apart any more than you have to.



Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/6/08 5:33am Message 3 of 7
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Lanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
agree with gunslinger on those points. the only other thing i can think to add is that increasing the wattage in the bulbs may also increase the heat that they give off which may cause some damage over time.

after driving all the newer cars with all the bright dashes, i know when i get in my 75 at night the dash appears like it is dim but after getting used to it i can see the guages ok. only other thing might be the dimming control on the switch might be dirty and not adjusting right.



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Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/6/08 7:29pm Message 4 of 7
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA
Joined: 1/3/2006
Posts: 1560
Vette(s): 1980 Black L48 T-Tops
You guys need to read the last SharkBytes.  There is a great detailed article about changing your dash lites out to LED's.  Josh (defseqx) wrote this article.

 


Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/7/08 7:08pm Message 5 of 7
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Victor, NY - USA
Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6841
Vette(s): 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe
Good point Dennis. Thanks for the reminder.


 
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Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/23/08 8:46am Message 6 of 7
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.
Is SharkBytes a magazine?  I've tried Googling it but can't find a link.


Replacement Guage Bulbs

Posted: 4/23/08 11:44am Message 7 of 7
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Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205
It's right here at C3VR. Click at the top (blue area) where it says Research. Once you click there is a list of things. The bootom one is SharkBytes. corvette440hp2008-04-23 11:45:04


corvette440hp

in Forum: C3 Interior


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