I feel silly posting this but since my parts store can't help much, I figure I'd come to the experts.

1955 F100 - converted from 6v to 12v by P.O.

I have a turn signal indicator bulb burned out in the instrument panel. When I pull the bulb, it is a G.E. 51. I go to get the bulb and the only thing the people at the counter want to do is walk me through the auto make, model, etc instead of listening to me. When I tell them it's converted from stock 6v to 12v they tell me computer doesn't have that option. I wish there were a parts store like I remember as a kid where the guy knew everything. I guess that's this forum now. :-) And while, I could stick another type 51 bulb in there, I don't want to be replacing it all the time if it's incorrect for my wiring.

Am I looking for a Type 51 bulb (even though specs show me it's rated at 7.5 volts or should I look for a different type bulb to be sure it's rated for 12 volts. If a different bulb, what's the number so I can tell them to bypass their computer and just get me bulb _______.

Sorry for the newbie question, just trying to sort out all the info and not having the truck at the stock 6volt is probably better in the long run, but it makes me have to sort through what applies to my truck and what doesn't in the service manual. And quite frankly, I'm not smart enough for that yet.

Thanks.

 

Courtesy of Butch over on the Flathead Forum:

Try this shoebox conversion chart.

Lamp___________________6v #__________12v #
Headlights_____________6006__________6014
Front turn signal______1154__________1157
Rear stop & turn_______1154__________1157
Interior courtesy______63____________97
License plate__________63____________97
Clock__________________55____________57
Heater control_________55____________57
Dash instruments_______55____________57
Inst. turn indicators__51____________53
Hi beam indicator______51____________53

 

If you have the situation at the parts store again and you don't have this list, tell them to look it up for a 56 truck.

 

Thanks for the point in the right direction. That table will help in the future and I've tucked it away for reference. I replaced with the 53 and I now can safely turn right (well, I could always safely turn right, but now I know I am turning right before I actually turn right since my instrument light blinks). Sorry about the lame humor there, sometimes it's the little things I want fixed right away. :-)

Also, great idea on the 1956 truck comment. That makes total sense. I will keep that in mind as well. Simple fix to the parts counter dilemna when it comes to electrical.

 

#1034 bulb can be substituted for #1157 bulb.

#1893 bulb can be substituted for #53 or #57 bulb.

53/57 bulbs basically the same, both have 2 candlepower.