Dash/gauge bulb illumination

[Royal]

I just finished installing 2 more gauges (oil temp & voltmeter) on MiGi (Many moons ago, I was a nuclear engineer.)  I carefully matched the new gauges and the installation looks pretty good if I do say so.  BUT, the new gauges have some new design bulbs that is not only much brighter than the old ones but are a totally different “color” white.  Anyone have any ideas?  I can easily dim the new ones down by installing a resistor in series but they would still be much “whiter” when on. 

[edward ericson]

I’d look to see about replacing the old gauge lights to match the new ones. I bet that will be easier than matching the old ones with new bulbs

[Royal]

Thanks Ed, but it’s not just a matter of different bulbs.  The fixture is quite different.  I wrote to VDO, – lets see what they say.  I have a feeling that it’s going to be expensive.

[edward ericson]

I’ll be keen to hear what you come up with. I lost the press fixture for one of my new VDOs last spring. Ended up jamming the old round mini bulb fixture that I think came out of one of the replaced gauges in the hole. Didn’t quite fit right, but it’s held so far.

The brightness was actually pretty similar.

And BTW, the original dash gauges from VDO–like the old school Bug speedo I’m using–have somewhat adjustable brightness depending on how long you leave the socket. If there is a way to shorten them up, get the old bulbs a little closer to the front of the gauge face, it might true-up the intensity.

You could also dot the new too-bright ones with a sharpie. Just a little at first, then a little more. Maybe dab a little blue or yellow on ’em to get the color right.

[Royal]

I like the sharpie idea for color.  I am not that worried about intensity – that is an easy fix. 

[billnparts]

There are several configurations of bulbs that are used in those gauges. Short round glass or long narrow glass is available. Both styles have different candlepower rating. Take the number off the base of the bulb with the proper illumination you like, and put that bulb number in all the other gauges.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[Scott A Chynoweth]

Go to a radio shack and get some 24 volt bulbs.With only 12 volts going to them they will be dimmer,and hopfully match what you have.

[Mark]

wow….WHAT A GREAT LOOKING DASH.

[Author]

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