12-17-2018, 09:27 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 156
|
Dim Dash Lights
The instrument lights work on my 74 C10 but they are dim and I'm guessing this is not uncommon with a 45 year old truck.
Is there a fairly common fix for this. Maybe a grounding problem or a different bulb that would work? Thanks
__________________
Repairing and driving old trucks is an analog experience. No computers or sensors and they can be fixed with basic hand tools |
12-17-2018, 09:45 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: TN.
Posts: 7,725
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
Try twisting the headlight knob right to left
with the dash lights on and see if they flicker or get brighter / dimmer. The coils in the (Example picture ) below may have corrosion on them.
__________________
________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build |
12-17-2018, 10:54 PM | #3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 156
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
Quote:
I should have checked voltage at the sockets when I had the panel open but I didn't. It's not a big deal to pull it again but before I do that I'm hoping to find some common fix that maybe everyone but me has heard of. Considering the age of these square bodies the problem could be almost anything. I suspect a dirty or corroded ground but I don't know where it could be. I pulled and cleaned the ground on the firewall and have no other electrical gremlins that I am aware of. The battery and alternator were replaced this summer and the truck can sit for days and still spin like a top when I turn the key. I'm not completely stumped but I am stuck at the moment. Thanks for the reply
__________________
Repairing and driving old trucks is an analog experience. No computers or sensors and they can be fixed with basic hand tools |
|
12-17-2018, 11:19 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: TN.
Posts: 7,725
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
In one of my 78 Chevy trucks I owned.
I put the orange covers over the bulbs. Maybe the bulbs are ??? Maybe a bulb change like you said in your first post may be a good next step.
__________________
________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build |
12-18-2018, 02:34 AM | #5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 156
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
Quote:
I've had square body trucks before and I'd say these are about half as bright.
__________________
Repairing and driving old trucks is an analog experience. No computers or sensors and they can be fixed with basic hand tools |
|
12-18-2018, 08:00 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Parkville, MD
Posts: 1,024
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
Check the voltage between the leads for the lights. Using the same ground that the lights use. Thinking you might have a bad ground given that you get a full 12v out of the headlight switch.
If you do go LED, be aware of light temperature (color). Incandescents are usually around 2700-4000k and give off a more yellowish light. White LEDs will go up to 6500K. These are the really bright white lights. The color may look odd in the old dash.
__________________
1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z |
12-18-2018, 12:52 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 737
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
I found that my 85 cluster was completely dirty inside. Years of dust had settled on the bulbs and housing. (the housing is what reflects the light back out towards the gauge and gives it that Greenish tint)
I broke mine down and washed the housing then gave it a good respray with some flat white. Then replaced all the bulbs with new ones. (double check they are all working, mine tend to be flaky) It's not the brightest but much better than before.
__________________
Jay Gesner Atlanta, GA 1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2 LS 5.3, 4L60E Father/Daughter Project |
12-19-2018, 01:04 PM | #8 |
Msgt USAF Ret
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Posts: 8,703
|
Re: Dim Dash Lights
This will get you started but remember that LED bulbs are polarity sensative and most of them are not dimmable so you won't want those or you may be getting tired of the glare after awhile.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...archid=6255836
__________________
VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative. |
Bookmarks |
|
|