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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5 |
Have a relatively new light switch. I can barely see the gauges at night however. Bought new bulbs and they made no difference. I believe they were 3 w bulbs. Is that right? Six volt system btw.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Use #55 bulbs and not #51.  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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The light intencity can be adjusted by rotating the light swich knob. Are you aware of that?
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
The OEM #51 is a 1cp bulb. The #55 is a 2cp bulb. Better but still not good. Try #316 bulbs. They are almost double the #55 and will fit. They are slightly longer but will fit. I use them in my '53.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Dec 2007
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ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
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Gene's response raises an interesting question.
When did Chevrolet add the dash light rheostat/dimmer function to the light switch? Based on what I read in the operator's manuals the first year was 1940.
Rusty
VCCA #44680
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5 |
I'll try to find the 316s. Sounds like they will improve the situation. The rheostat shows a potential of 6v if maxed. Thanks for the tip Tiny.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
I'll try to find the 316s. Sounds like they will improve the situation. The rheostat shows a potential of 6v if maxed. Thanks for the tip Tiny. You are welcome.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
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I just bought some on EBay. The stated wattage is about twice that of the 55.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
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I just installed my 316s that came today. Tiny that was a great tip. They make a nice difference.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5 |
Great news. I just received my 316s. So I'll put some in tomorrow. As they say, all of us are smarter than any one of us.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
I'm happy it worked for you.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 234 Likes: 5 |
Installed the 316s and drove it at night, They are at least twice as bright as the #51 bulb. I can actually see all the gauges without straining. Good tip Tiny.
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