|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 52
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 52 |
Any suggestions on getting brighter gauge lights using my 6v 1947 system? Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 52
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 52 |
I think I found the answer -- 316 bulb
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306 |
Which bulb you choose to use is normally not where the problem lies. The problem is usually if the dimmer switch is operational. Is yours? When you turn on your head lights can you adjust your dash lights by rotating the switch? If the dimmer mechanism in the switch has gone bad (this is normal in a car of our age)then you can bypass the dimmer part of the switch by rewiring the light switch. When you rewire the switch you will end up with no dash lights on when your headlight switch is off and full dash lighting when the switch is on. That is how I have my car set up. My eyes are getting less sensitive to light so I need maximum dash lighting to drive comfortably.
If your dimmer switch is working but your lights are still dim then you may have an electrical problem in your wiring or in how well your wiring is grounded. This is common if you still have the original wire harness in your car. Somewhere in the harness you are not getting a good current flow. To check your current you need to go through all the different connections to see if they are tight and free of corrosion. You should be getting 6 volts of current to your light switch. The same voltage you are getting from your battery. If you are not then most likely you have a wire or ground problem. You can always run a wire from the battery to your electrical switch to test things. You can also check the wiring from your switch to each dash bulb and check the condition of each bulb. If the bulb is not giving off much light it will not look right. It will appear to have a black tint on the inside of its glass. Good grounding of each bulb is important. This is easy to accomplish by rotating the bulb socket where it is plugged into the instrument panel. Your rubbing the two metal surfaces against each other will eliminate corrosion.
Good luck, Mike
Mike 41 Chevy
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 300
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 300 |
I agree with GoodTimin .....the # 316 bulb really is a brighter bulb I switched mine out on my `40 and a big change .....good luck
David Martin-Hendersonville NC, Pine Island Fl....... 1940 Chevy SDSS,
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 373 Likes: 1
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 373 Likes: 1 |
When I rebuild my gauges, I painted the insides white to help reflect the light.
VCCA Member 51121
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
