Brighter Dash Lights

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1962birdlover
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Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Hi,

I just replaced my headlight switch and it got me thinking. I am not happy with the dash brightness. I have called around to a few auto shops to find ways to brighten them up but am told to do some research. I thought that what I was doing? :???: Anyways has anyone tried to install a device to improve dash light quality without breaking the bank and not to Complicated?


Also any tips on using the search function on this site? I don't think I have it down yet.
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Ozzy351
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by Ozzy351 »

Type in the following 3 words in the search box. 93 matches came up regarding your query. Hope this helps.

led and lights

Ozzy :smile:
"The sour memory of a dud purchase is remembered long after the sweet taste of a cheap deal has disappeared"
1961 T-bird H/T Silver-Gray Metallic/Raven Black roof.
1971 Ford Falcon 351 XYGT-Nugget Gold.
VTCI #11702
Adelaide, South Australia.
1962birdlover
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Jackpot. Thanks.
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ABQTBird
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by ABQTBird »

Try these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-PCS-T11-BA9S ... As&vxp=mtr

I have a picture somewhere on the Forum, but sadly, I can't find it with the search engine myself.
Tom in Albuquerque
61-63 Forum Moderator
1962 Corinthian White Hardtop, Medium Chestnut Metallic #89 Leather, A/C, P/W
2003 Premium Torch Red/Performance White HT, Partial Accent Interior, 1 of 47.
Past T-Bird: 1960 Convertible, 1974-1978
1962birdlover
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Thanks for link. I'm starting to get the hang of searching. This is good site. Video tutorials for beginers would take this site over the top.
MN63Tbird
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by MN63Tbird »

I tried the LEDs in my Mustang a few years ago and they brightened up the dash quite well. There is always the being true to the original design but as we get older I believe safety trumps that. It is more difficult to see with these little 1/2 watt bulbs. Even if you sum all them up you only have a few watts of light.

One thing to keep in mind is that I don't believe the technology for these has gotten to the place where they are dimmable yet . So be aware what you get in brightness is what you get.

MN63
1963 Thunderbird Hardtop
1966 Mustang Coupe A code
1962birdlover
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Thanks. I will keep that in mind in choosing the led's. The height at witch all the SUV's sit, not to mention the wrong angled halogens coming from all directions these nights, I am blinded while night driving as it is. A brighter dash may just condition my eyes. :cool: :crazyeyes:
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ABQTBird
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by ABQTBird »

One thing to keep in mind is that I don't believe the technology for these has gotten to the place where they are dimmable yet . So be aware what you get in brightness is what you get.
They are fully dimmable. I will take a picture of my dash. It glows beautifully with these lights.
Tom in Albuquerque
61-63 Forum Moderator
1962 Corinthian White Hardtop, Medium Chestnut Metallic #89 Leather, A/C, P/W
2003 Premium Torch Red/Performance White HT, Partial Accent Interior, 1 of 47.
Past T-Bird: 1960 Convertible, 1974-1978
MN63Tbird
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Location: Minnesota

Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by MN63Tbird »

If the new ones are fully dimmable then I think I will replace my Tbird ones. The investment is fairly small. I dont drive it much a night but any help would be great.
Thanks for the update.

MN63
1963 Thunderbird Hardtop
1966 Mustang Coupe A code
1962birdlover
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Thats great. I can solder and crimp and splice but trying to figure out what wire gauge to use or what components to use is out of my comfort level. I will be looking for some kit that is simple to install is one exists. There seems to be very experienced owners here. If any would have the time to add a quick tutorial for the upgrade, I'm sure many would be thankful. I will be searching this site here in case it has already been posted by someone previously.
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ABQTBird
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by ABQTBird »

If any would have the time to add a quick tutorial for the upgrade, I'm sure many would be thankful.
There is no wiring involved. You simply replace the incandescent bulbs with the LED bulbs. It's just a matter of getting behind the instruments. That means removing the clock and the left cluster. You can then reach all of the dash bulbs including the turn indicator bulbs and speedometer bulbs and swap them out.
Tom in Albuquerque
61-63 Forum Moderator
1962 Corinthian White Hardtop, Medium Chestnut Metallic #89 Leather, A/C, P/W
2003 Premium Torch Red/Performance White HT, Partial Accent Interior, 1 of 47.
Past T-Bird: 1960 Convertible, 1974-1978
1962birdlover
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 6:52 pm

Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Really? No socket change or relay install? Thats great. I will order some right away. I assume they will be brighter than the originals i'm using now. Thank you for the post and the eBay link. I will try to post a before and after photo when installed.
1962birdlover
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

Unfortunately, those lights don't seem to be compatible??? Does that seem right or is it just a mistake on the sellers posting?
i will keep looking.

[quote]http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-PCS-T11-BA9S ... =mtr/quote]



Last updated on Jul 30, 2016 09:20:08 PDT View all revisions
Compatibility
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This part is not compatible with 1962 Ford Thunderbird Base Hardtop 2-Door 6.4L 6391CC 390Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated.
MN63Tbird
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Location: Minnesota

Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by MN63Tbird »

The dash lights are 1895 units. If you search for LED 1895 lights there are a number of sources. There are dozens on Amazon. The ones listed are 12 V with the same pin setup as the originals and draw less current. Based on that I would assume that they are just plug and play into the original sockets and wiring. That is what I did on my Mustang. The Mustang set i bought was specifically for a 65-66 Mustang. This was at least 5 yrs ago. You can get white or different colors if desired.

Check the reviews. Some have been used in 1960s Fords. The main issues appear to be a focused light instead of 360 like the original bulbs and quality of some vendors seems suspect. The positives are a much brighter light and more of a white light. The ability to dim varies with manufacturer.

MN63
1963 Thunderbird Hardtop
1966 Mustang Coupe A code
1962birdlover
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Re: Brighter Dash Lights

Post by 1962birdlover »

These will work? I don't see the 1895 number you referred too???
From Amaon.Ca


12V T11 BA9S 5050 5 SMD LED White Light Bulb Car Lamp T4W 3886X H6W 363, 40 PCS
Sold by: Tpfocus Supplies
CDN$ 15.11
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