Dash Lights

Discussion in 'New Members Forum' started by stl2700, Nov 21, 2008.

  1. stl2700

    stl2700 Member

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    Hello all. I had a 1970 6-cylinder Maverick years ago for a work car. I missed it for years so I just picked up a 1975 302 Maverick the other day. This one will be my toy. I had the instrument panel out replacing burned out bulbs when I noticed directly under the plug-in harness, there is a hole. Is this a light socket hole? If it is, it would sure light up the dash a lot better. What does the socket look like and what bulb goes in it?

    Thanks,
    Steve, Bonney Lake, WA
     
  2. Bob Wiken

    Bob Wiken Chronologically Gifted

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    Mine has the same hole. I don't think it does anything . there didn't appear to be anywhere for the light to go once it was lit.
     
  3. stl2700

    stl2700 Member

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    So the gauges only have light coming into them from the outside edge of each one? My gauges are so dark I can hardly see one side of each one at night. Example; on the speedo I can barely see 0-50 but 50-100 or whatever the top number is, is lit up. I'm going to replace the 194 bulbs with 168's or maybe LED bulbs in the two gauge holes. This should help.
     
  4. 19Grabber72

    19Grabber72 Member

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    I have the same lighting issues with my 72 Grabber. At times the thing is brighter than other times. In fact at times I can't read the speed as it seems the bulb is out. Any thoughts on all that? Im guessing the bulbs are old and need replacing. Guess I'd be dim if I were a 36 yr old light. Wait, Im in my 40s! lol
    Good luck and let us know what you discover is the best for lighting.
     
  5. stl2700

    stl2700 Member

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    I replaced the 194 bulbs with 168's. I can read the gauges now but it could still be better.
     
  6. maverick1970

    maverick1970 MCG State Rep

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    Use the 2825 W5W bulbs they are brighter yet.
     
  7. draggon13

    draggon13 Member

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    Yeah, I believe the 194s are 2 candle power, the 168s are 3 cp and teh 5w5s are 4 cp. So they should be 50% and 100% brighter than the 194s. I am going to upgrade mine to 5w5s as well.

    rk
     
  8. stl2700

    stl2700 Member

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    Do you think heat will be a problem with the 2825 W5W bulbs?
     
  9. Jamie Miles

    Jamie Miles the road warrior

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    I've been running the W5W bulbs in my '72, which is a daily driver, for 3 years. No problem. It makes a huge difference. I took my gauge cluster apart and painted the inside of it white also, which helped a lot. I also run them in my side marker lights, it makes them much brighter, gives the car a lot more visibility to other drivers at night.

    You need 7 bulbs all together, three in the cluster and 4 for the side marker lights.
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2008
  10. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    My 70's cluster has an unused hole at the bottom also. The legend in the front film says "Fasten Seatbelts". I stuck a bulb in there that would light up when I armed the nitrous system. :D
     
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  11. draggon13

    draggon13 Member

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    Have you tried the 194 led bulbs for the side markers?? Anyone?? I know it is not recommended for the dash lights since they are not dimmable. I am going to try the 1156 led lights for my back-up lights, and want to try 1157 led lights for my front and rear running/turn lamps, but know there is a problem or two there as well. As in blink to fast or not at all. I have heard about using an electronic flasher that is solid state that is supposed to correct the problem. Anyone here try that yet??

    Thanks!

    rk
     
  12. Mercurycruizers

    Mercurycruizers David (Coop) Cooper

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    I use the 2825 w5w bulbs in my dash, on the 77 Maverick daily driver. I haven't had any problems. They've been in for a year now.
    Howdy, neighbor!!!! I live in Pacifc, Wa.....
     
  13. garry kilgore

    garry kilgore maverick 2

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    where does bulb connected to plug that goes to dash go
     
  14. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Huh???
     
  15. garry kilgore

    garry kilgore maverick 2

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    there is a bulb and socket connected to the plugin to dash on 71 maverick where does it go
     

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