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Dashlight upgrade

Jeremy_C

Jeremy_C

1/2 ton status
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Mar 26, 2002
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Whats the opinion on this now? Still swapping to LED or the 194 bulb? * i think 194 bulb*

All the discussions seemed to be dated, wondered if the opinion has changed any, or if something better has came along.
 
cant find the thread but the 9 led replacements are currently the "Thing" over on my camaro forum. I was thinking about getting some red ones for the camaro.
 
after the rewire on my truck.... it seems they are way brighter now... the stockers... so im wondering if i had a bad ground....

but i always thought of doing a upgrade but dont have to now :dunno:
 
Install the 194s, clean off the dust, and do the paint trick. See how it turns out. If you dont like it then go to LEDs. I just did this to my m1009 and the gauges are definitly brighter, especially the speedo
 
DSC01874.JPG
Here is how mine was before paint.

DSC01875.JPG
Here it is after paint. Seemed to make a big difference in how bright the lights are.

DSC01874.JPG

DSC01875.JPG
 
try the paint
if you want brighter hit up
superbrightleds.com
and get some domelights while you're at it, 42mm btw
 
Don't know where the paint thread is, but do that. If you do a good job, clean it, and replace the bulbs.....that will be more than sufficient. Before the upgrade, i ran my dash as bright as it would get. Now, i run it almost all the way dim...and its still brighter!

Make sure to get the EXACT chrome spray paint listed, they are not all as good.

Who can find the thread?

Good luck!
 
dhcomp said:
Don't know where the paint thread is, but do that. If you do a good job, clean it, and replace the bulbs.....that will be more than sufficient. Before the upgrade, i ran my dash as bright as it would get. Now, i run it almost all the way dim...and its still brighter!

Make sure to get the EXACT chrome spray paint listed, they are not all as good.

Who can find the thread?

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Yea the chrome paint i used didn't turn out as good as that one above. I got mine from menards I think
 
I just finished doing this today. I used krylon chrome paint, from walley world. Also upgraded to the 168 bulbs. I am VERY VERY pleased with how this came out. Mine weren't terrible to begin with, but since i had to replace the speedo cable anyways, seemed like a good time to do it.

I also painted the flimsy black piece that goes under the clear piece satin black on the side that faces the driver. Cleaned up nice.

If you haven't done this yet, Do it. :D
 
Jeremy_C said:
I just finished doing this today. I used krylon chrome paint, from walley world. Also upgraded to the 168 bulbs. I am VERY VERY pleased with how this came out. Mine weren't terrible to begin with, but since i had to replace the speedo cable anyways, seemed like a good time to do it.

I also painted the flimsy black piece that goes under the clear piece satin black on the side that faces the driver. Cleaned up nice.

If you haven't done this yet, Do it. :D
Click to expand...

What is the job time from removing the first screw to reinstalling the last?
 
Well..... I'm not a great mechanic. And i took my sweet time, and painted the needles of the gauges with flurouescent paint. And replaced a speedo cable in the middle of all that.

I would say plan to make a day out of it..... you for sure dont want to rush with this stuff.
 
That's not what I expected at all. Figuring I've nev er taken a GM dash apart might just do it on a long weekend. Just in case Murphy swings by my place!
 
mudbuggy said:
What is the job time from removing the first screw to reinstalling the last?
Click to expand...


Its a few hour project, if there wasn't any painting involved. Gotta consider paint/dry/recoat time in there. I had mine apart while i had my interior gutted for stereo work, so harder to estimate....but easier to do a good job and put a few good coats of paint on there.
 
Do it when you can take your time and not be rushed. You'll probably get in there and do some cleaning, which will take extra time.

You can get the paint at walmart. In the Artsy Fartsy section. I used fluroescent orange for my gauge needles, and cleaned the gauges with a damp rag. They look brand new.
 
Jeremy_C said:
Do it when you can take your time and not be rushed. You'll probably get in there and do some cleaning, which will take extra time.

You can get the paint at walmart. In the Artsy Fartsy section. I used fluroescent orange for my gauge needles, and cleaned the gauges with a damp rag. They look brand new.
Click to expand...


I second Walmart. Except mine came out of the hardware/paint dept.
 
yeah, but what color chrome is it? I think everyone wants to know, just to be sure. Nothing like going though another 12 pack re-doing things. :)
Or is it just labeled Krylon Chrome?
 
There is a thread somewhere with really good instructions on what to use.

Who can find it first? I failed the last time i searched.
 
Anyone have any pictures of the after results? Mine are getting decidedly dim.
 
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