Yes, they are dim by comparison.  As you are a gold member, you can access the Shark Bytes newsletter under the research tab. 

There is an article in the Winter 08 newsletter regarding changing your dash lights out to LED's.  This will definitely fix the problem.

They aren't exactly the brightest bulbs in the car, fer sher!
The later car, such as your '82, should be a little better than the older cars, tho.
One thing that may be contributing to the lack of brightness is dust...you heard me...
Over time, dust will settle on the bulbs in the dash, just as it does on the bulbs in your house/garage. This makes them appear to be fading in candlepower, but sometimes a good wiping of will make a big difference.
One thing you don't want to do is get bulbs that are brighter, or higher wattage. They can/will melt the dash, and the connectors after a while...always use the same/specified wattage bulbs.

The LED set-up is really neat, too, if you want to try something new/different.

where do you get that bulb kit?

In the 1972 I switched to LED blue dash lights, looks different and shows nice and is a little brighter than stock.

This is a copy of a post I put in Feb 2008.  You need to compare the cost from this site.  By the way they had good buys on LEDs ($0.08 for a two pack).  Do not know if those are the ones required but I'm sure someone in C3RV land is able to let the rest of us know.

Guys I have to replace a number of my dash lights.  With all of the trouble it is to get at them I decided I would just replace them all. 

But when I found out how many there were and the local parts store wanted $2.78 for a pair, I decided to look at ordering some from the net.  I was disappointed in that I could not find any that would make it worth while ordering them. 

Then I stumbled on to this site http://www.memotronics.com .

They are an electronic geek parts store that carries automotive lights.  The 194 lights used in the dash are only $.23 with brand name  GE for only $.44.   Shipping is reasonable also and because lights do not weight a lot they mail them first class most of the time. 

That means you will get them in 3 – 4 days. 

Check them out. Tb2k82CE2008-11-10 19:57:23

Here is where I buy the LED BA9s