Check out this link. Some simple work made a huge difference in mine with just plain old 5w5 bulbs. http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=60255&highlight=dash+lights
I normally use Dielectric grease on these connections. I feel it is better suited to keep out moisture. Silcone is better than nothing but not as gud as Dielectric. I used new 194's and spray painted the green housing white, that increased the brightness many time. If u still have the cluster out you might want to consider that. "Worth the effort".
What we discovered was a problem with our fuse block. We ended up switching to ATC type, and now we have all the illumination lights, plus the dome light, which we never had before. It was only a 2 hour job, and well worth it. We also swapped out all of the 194's with 168's and there is a difference in our dash illumination.
Followed one of the tech articles here, and got rid of the old fuse box and replaced it with the atc.
Ok on the replacement. I have been considering the same change. I have some rust in the box coming from what I believe is a leak around the windshield during hvy rain. I will be sure when I replace the glass gasket/seal this spring.
