Back Lighting on Gauges

dollarbill · Post by **dollarbill** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:45 pm

Anybody have any tips on replacing the back lighting for dash engine gauges? Since it is a 78 Express - I may have to do some modifications..maybe .. looks like non standard bulbs but I was looking at them at night so I did not get a real good view. Hoping to be able to change the color from White to Red if possible also.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:12 am

what brand of guage? can you take the bulb out and read the bulb number? if so should be able to cross it to something. if you cant maybe a little more info on the guage would help. there are plenty of bulb companies,

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:44 pm

CHeck the wiring on the gauges as well. The ones I have on the 77 use what looks like standard bulbs, almost like the flashlight type. I replaced a few and that worked, but others it was the wiring. On the back of my dash all the gauge lights go to a central spice "lug" and these are held in place with a set screw. Over time and vibration I'm sure some of these wires are brittle. Right now all light up except for the temp, and that is intermittent, so I'm pretty sure it's old wiring.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:13 pm

May be a good time to consider LEDs. There are quite a few replacements for different style bulbs, and they come in a few different colours. Gauge manufactureres are now suppling LED conversions as well. At 50,000 to 100,000 hour life span, you'll never have to worry about them again.