replacing dashboard bulbs

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Super77

Super77

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10 Year
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I've got the instrument cluster out to replace the audio system, and I thought I'd address the dim bulbs in the dash while I'm at it. They're almost all #158 wedge base bulbs with little green rubber condoms, which are almost opaque at this point. Plus the bulbs are darkened from age. They light up, but barely.

Anyone have any wisdom to lend in replacing these? I was assuming to use identical 158 bulbs without the little condoms, since the green tint doesn't do much for me. Or, I could upgrade to the brighter 168 bulbs, or orange tinted 194 bulbs. Not sure if they will overheat, though :confused:

And before anyone raises it, I've read the threads on LED conversion. Not into it.
 
I switched to LED's because the heat from the original bulbs and Texas heat dried out the plastic holders so much they fell apart.

Try a new 158 bulb without the rubber bits installed. Just know that they do heat up the plastic holders and will strain them over time. With that reasoning I would not step-up to a larger incandescent wedge base bulb.

And I have to ask why you are not into LED bulbs. They are ideal for dash lights IMHO.

5782d937.jpg
 
klinetime574 said:
And I have to ask why you are not into LED bulbs. They are ideal for dash lights IMHO.

5782d937.jpg
Click to expand...
I just hate the light they cast. I much prefer the warmth of incandescent. And, yes, I know you can get warm white LEDs, but it's not the same. The other reason is the cost. The 158 bulbs cost ~$2, and the originals lasted 24 years. Cheap LED replacements are 2-3x the cost, and I doubt they'd give half the life. High-quality ones are 5x the cost. Not sure what the gain is.
 
My green leds (WLED-G-120) were and still are a $1.39 a piece.

superbrightleds.com

I understand what you mean about the light quality. Just wanted to share they are not more expensive. And I've had zero problems with them. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

If it's warmth you're after the incandescents with no green boots will be it
 
or try this...instead of re-using the condem use a sharpie to tint as light/heavy as you prefer...it's worked for me
 
klinetime574 said:
I switched to LED's because the heat from the original bulbs and Texas heat dried out the plastic holders so much they fell apart.

Try a new 158 bulb without the rubber bits installed. Just know that they do heat up the plastic holders and will strain them over time. With that reasoning I would not step-up to a larger incandescent wedge base bulb.

And I have to ask why you are not into LED bulbs. They are ideal for dash lights IMHO.

5782d937.jpg
Click to expand...

Kline - I was thinking of going with the bulbs that you used as my tach bulb is almost done (barely lights up) and it looks like one bulb was replaced at one point but never got the green condom put back on. Anyways, how many bulbs did you buy to replace all (including the heater controls) and how hard was it to get at them?

Also was that the stock Vacuum gauge color you got or did you change that one out as well.. Thinking I am going to get a single gauge pod for the A-pillar with a vac gauge this summer.
 
Last edited:
Saw your post right before I ate some Whataburger. Needed my computer to answer though :)

I used 6 of these (1 for multi-cluster, 1 for tach, 2 for speedometer, 1 for inclinometer, 1 for 4WD light)

file-2.jpg


One 9 LED green brick for the heater controls

file-4.jpg


One BA9 LED for Sunpro Vacuum Gauge (no picture)

All of those bulbs are in the baggies in the next photo with part numbers :D

file-8.jpg


They are very easy to change. Undo the five screws for the instrument cluster, undo three wiring connectors and speedometer cable then it should be loose to pull out. Black light holders twist or snap into the white plastic housing.

file-7.jpg


Inclinometer is the most tedious. Gotta pull the trim off and pull the inclinometer. Same style light bulb holder as gauges.

file-6.jpg


HVAC controls even easier. Push inward on the left side and kind of pull backward. Cover should come off. White diffuser over bulb can be used or discarded. I left it out and put the brick in backwards to avoid a "hot spot."

Hope that helps :cheers:
 
I just did the LED swap in my gauges also. Its almost like driving a different rig at night. I noticed your tach is dimmer than the main gauges, and mine is also. Did you use LED for that also?
I also put a blue "narrow" LED in my High Beam signal lamp but when my highs are on, I am blinded by it. I've gotta go back and swap in the stock bulb....

klinetime574 said:
I switched to LED's because the heat from the original bulbs and Texas heat dried out the plastic holders so much they fell apart.

Try a new 158 bulb without the rubber bits installed. Just know that they do heat up the plastic holders and will strain them over time. With that reasoning I would not step-up to a larger incandescent wedge base bulb.

And I have to ask why you are not into LED bulbs. They are ideal for dash lights IMHO.

5782d937.jpg
Click to expand...
 
CCRider the tach bulb is the same. Guys on here recommended to get the brightest bulb possible. Mine is slightly dimmer (worse in photos), but I don't mind. I may order a brighter replacement, but I'm gonna wait until I need more bulbs. Or feel like buying some haha.

My high beam light no worky. I have HID's and have no clue how to get it to work again. It works when I put in normal H4 bulbs though.
 
Anyone changed the color of their dash lights? Thinking of going red.

Also, klinetime: How many wled-g-120 should I buy? Six or seven? I'll be replacing the entire dash/heater lights.

Anyone know offhand what style I need for the dope light? Want to change that bad boy to something I can actually see with...
 
shinsain said:
Anyone changed the color of their dash lights? Thinking of going red.

Also, klinetime: How many wled-g-120 should I buy? Six or seven? I'll be replacing the entire dash/heater lights.

Anyone know offhand what style I need for the dope light? Want to change that bad boy to something I can actually see with...
Click to expand...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/261572-led-light-swap-lots-pics-dial-up-bad.html

Green WLED-G-120 LED's you would need 5. It's really how you want to set it up though. Read the thread I linked. Hopefully it works. I'm posting from my phone :D
 
Blue LED's on the way! Hope this works and the dash looks good.

Heater lights are the 120s too, right?
 
LED Dome light

Shisain,
For the dope light, get something dim. For the dome light, you'll want a 30mm festoon bulb. I can actually see things inside my cruiser at night!

shinsain said:
Anyone changed the color of their dash lights? Thinking of going red.

Also, klinetime: How many wled-g-120 should I buy? Six or seven? I'll be replacing the entire dash/heater lights.

Anyone know offhand what style I need for the dope light? Want to change that bad boy to something I can actually see with...
Click to expand...
 
Hi all,
I have also been working on switching my Hj60 1986 over to LED.
All my LED's i have gotten off ebay, most from Hong Kong, Takes about a month to get to BC but the price is right.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/280861029142?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I used there 24v red wedge light in my 4 side mounted running lights as well as my dash. (i have a photo of my dash but i can never upload photos. I could email it out if anyone wants to see that they look like.


http://www.ebay.ca/itm/150962750310...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_5706wt_1156

I have 2 of there for my dome lights a 7w in the front and a 3w in the back.


http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170904075192?ssPageName=STRK:null:IT#ht_6183wt_1365

I have these in my reverse light and rear blinker, got to get a couple more for the front and brake lights.

The red light went in today, Look nice and easer on the eyes, just have to wait to see how they last. All other light i have had for a month.

Also does anyone know what bulbs i need for my high beam indicator, Burnt out today and not sure what it is. All i know is it is TINT.

Thanks All
 
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