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gauge cluster lights brighter info pics aslo

sweetk30

sweetk30

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i had my dash apart so i figured why not try the chrome paint trick. so i took the cluster apart. wiped out lits of dust and removed all parts including cirkit board.

then got some chrome paint and gave it 2 coats on the cluster insides and the back of the gauge cover also. then i got some ultra flat black and redid the front of the gauge cover.

i have done some searching of bulb #s for there light output specs. to my suprize i found we might have some help in a diffrent bulb # . we basicly use the 194 bulbs as thay are comon and easy to find plus we assume thats whats in there. well his little brother is the 168 bulb.

the specs are 194 = 2 candle power output.
168 = 3 candle power output.

so in short if we are looking for just a bit more of a edge on the dime gauge lights try the 168 bulbs.

i just got done with the reassembly and will get bulbs after work tomarow. then i wwill plug it in and snap some pics for ya.

gauge work 001.jpg

gauge work 002.jpg

gauge work 003.jpg
 
Good idea, but as with any bulb, the brighter they are usually the hotter they get. With the gauge housing being all plastic you might want to watch for any melting if you have the lights on for any extended period of time. Although I don't think 1 candle power will cause any trouble in your application.
Just my .02.
 
FYI, GM used both of those bulbs typically in the same housing.

Some indicators and what not apparently needed to be more visually apparent, so you will see 168's used in some locations, stock.

I too question the longevity of the bulb holders and surrounding cluster, as I've seen partially melted clusters, but it's not always from being a 168, seems entirely random, so who knows.
 
that really looks good, especially the flat black. i should do that. a combo with bright bulbs and a good reflection should help alot
 
Did you get the dash back together? id like to see how it looks in the dark lite up now
 
I have had 168's in mine for almost 3 years. No melted anything yet. And I did the chrome paint thing a month ago or so. It is real nice at night.
 
I too have done the chrome and flat black paint and it is nice a bright if I can get all of the sockets to light the bulbs all at the same time:doah:.

Ira
 
I got a can of semi gloss black paint, I see everyone is using flat, will the semi work ok? Are you using flat so you wont get any reflection or glare?
 
dasanii19 said:
I got a can of semi gloss black paint, I see everyone is using flat, will the semi work ok? Are you using flat so you wont get any reflection or glare?
Click to expand...

I painted the gauge cover flat black it is the metal piece that goes between the gauges and the plastic lens. I supose you could paint that any color you wanted. I chose flat black to make it sort of disappear.

Ira
 
the truck dash is back togethor. i will take pics soon. but i can see a big diffrence to my eyes just in the shop.
 
wow is all i can say. i just got to finaly test drive it around town at night. this mod works for sure.

sorry no pics. i tryed but camera didnt like it to well. but the few bucks for the chrome in a can and 1 hrish to do well worth it.
 
Lol, I've got two broken leafs on my ear drivers leaf pack that I'm waiting to fix..."if I'd have know then what I know now" is an understatement...
 
Sorry, I searched but could not find answers.... How do I remove the cluster? I get to the white part with all the bolts removed and it feels like something in the middle is holding the cluster back. I am guessing it is the speedo cable. But how do I remove this? Thanks
 
metal tab thet needs to be pushed to the center of the speedo this will let the cable drop off.

but the hard part is to the untrained person its a 2 hand job.
 
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