Dash Bulb replacement questions

[RED MONSTER 4X4]

Does anyone know off hand the types (I believe 2) of bulbs used in the dash console? I have a 91 'burban, as you know, but as I research the bulbs don't seem to have changed since 73(i could be wrong.) I just can't narrow down the bulb numbers. Any help? I am planning to just replace all of them with super white LED replacements. I have already ordered 6 #906 & 6 #211-2 bulbs for the roof console that I am restoring and adding to my Monster(tutorial and pictures to come) (I bought extra because they are dirt cheap on Ebay) I could just pull apart the dash and check myself, but i can't have the truck down for the next 2 weeks and I would like to get the proper bulbs ordered so i can just pull, Clean up the dials, paint the interior box Silver and re-install with LED. with minimal down time.

Has anyone done this? any pictures or tips?

 

[dyeager535]

Mainly 194's, and the 168's in a couple of spots. You might as well get the brightest possible if going LED. The brighter incandescent bulbs are more likley to melt things, which can and does happen.

LED's are a bit sketchy, they theoretically shouldn't be "dimmable" without a different type dimmer, but my Dad put some in his cluster and is able to change their brightness a bit. Personally I'd go for the SMD design bulbs, as they spread light better, and if there are two or three per "bulb", you will have better lighting, even though it will still be poor compared to modern vehicles.

LED's work very good in the blinker, high beam, and brake light locations. I do not recommend one in the "check engine" location if your truck has an ECM, mine was always dimly lit.

Be VERY careful with the gauge faces. I have a couple that the numbering/lettering is smudged on. Whatever they used as paint is not hardy at all, and you can also end up with rust on the little rivets if you touch them. Very light wiping with a cloth is all I'd recommend, and I might even go so far as to wear new surgical gloves to keep them from rusting.

 

[jeff in co]

The 90 and 91 era clusters take a small diameter socket than the 89' and older ones. I just swapped in a 91' cluster into my 89' and the older bulbs would not fit into the hole.

Also, the ones I found in the 90 cluster were "non-removable" bulbs....meaning you need to take the cluster out and twist the light bulb socket out from the back side.

But, I did find that the S-10 trucks use the smaller diameter sockets and the bulbs are removable from the front side (gauge side). Might want to swap those over for future light bulb burnout failure.....

 

[RED MONSTER 4X4]

dyeager535, thanks for the fast reply! For cleaning the gauges, all I plan to do is take the clear plastic cover off,and clean and dust, no liquid on the dials themselves. Just a swiffer duster. Some Windex and a microfiber will be used for the back and front of the clear plastic. this truck has spent (as far as i know 2002-2012 in the desert with fine dust! so it is everywhere!) I will then remove the cluster and paint the white plastic silver for a more reflective surface. I just HATE that yellow dim look, it just makes this old car look even older!

 

[jeff in co]

dyeager535, thanks for the fast reply! For cleaning the gauges, all I plan to do is take the clear plastic cover off,and clean and dust, no liquid on the dials themselves. Just a swiffer duster. Some Windex and a microfiber will be used for the back and front of the clear plastic. this truck has spent (as far as i know 2002-2012 in the desert with fine dust! so it is everywhere!) I will then remove the cluster and paint the white plastic silver for a more reflective surface. I just HATE that yellow dim look, it just makes this old car look even older!

That chrome paint option is great! It really helped the brightness of my gauges significantly.....

 

[dyeager535]

As mentioned, if you've got the later cluster (checked your profile, you have a '91?) then there will be differences from earlier. Haven't messed with the gauge illumination lights in mine, which IS a later cluster, but I do recall the "one piece" bulb/socket.

Must still be 194 style in the brake/turn/high beam/4WD locations, since I know I replaced those in my cluster.

 

[RED MONSTER 4X4]

jeff in co,
looks like my research was misleading, sounds like the 90-91 cluster is more like my old(RIP) 1994 Corsica, where the socket is accessed(bulb and socket in one piece) while the cluster is removed, and the contacts are on the back side on that green circuit/ribbon type connection. This is interesting.

 

[jeff in co]

I went to the junkyard and grabbed a whole bunch of those sockets. I haven't put them in yet but I did test them out before I got them (just to be sure they were the same size).

 

[89blueblazer]

I have an 89 k5 blazer and most of the bulbs are burnt out for the gagues. I tried removing the outer bezel to get access to the gagues and the vent is attached and i cant take off the outer most gague bezel. How do i remove it?

 

[jeff in co]

I have an 89 k5 blazer and most of the bulbs are burnt out for the gagues. I tried removing the outer bezel to get access to the gagues and the vent is attached and i cant take off the outer most gague bezel. How do i remove it?

You need to remove all the screws for your dash pad so that it can lift up to gain more access. I usually lower my tilt steering wheel down as well. Take it out slowly and be gently. Once you get the headlight knob clear of the bezel, that helps as well. You definitely need to loosen the dash pad though.....

 

[89blueblazer]

Ok thank you ill go try that

 

[CaliWarWagon]

You know I just replaced all dash bulbs, the printed circuit, and headligh/dimmer switch on my 85 Jimmy. not a project I want to go through again. The bubs were 161ll I recomend getting them in LED wherever and whenever possible. BTW does any one know how I can up grade my motor while still meating the California smog requirements? This truck of mine is a major werk in progress.

 

[jamber2541]

the bulbs are t10, the sockets can be found in a junkyard or auto parts store, led is the way to go, check out the one guage with an led on one side and the regular t10 bulb on the other.

 

[89blueblazer]

In the process of replacing the bulbs, i broke the speedo neelde off the little shaft that holds it. Can i replace that or do i have to buy another odometer thing