Has anyone figured out a way to get brighter dash lights?

I installed the white face gauges, not much better, Used LED bulbs, painted the inside surfaces bright silver and they are still super dim, I even jumped the switch (Temporary test) because I know the old switches make more resistance at times. Gotta hand it to those Ford Engineers to only put 2 bulbs for dash illumination!!!!

Next step, Tuner style neon rope around the inside of the cluster.


Dave

 

Dave, Did you replace the bulbs? The LEDs may not be any brighter.

John

 

I make it a habit (from my Mustang background) to change all the bulbs I can get to when I have the dash apart. I also tried amber, red and blue bulbs. The LED's I have plug into the original 2 prong sockets and consist of a cluster of 4 LED's. I recall a 72 I had 10 years ago with dim lights too.

I tried the neon rope last night and with the LED's it looks like an improvement, still not the brightness I would like though.

Dave

 

I personally don't like really bright dash lights, exept for the warning lights then the brighter the better!! Bright dash lights tend to blind me from glare off of my glasses. and not only that but really bright dash lights also make it harder for your eyes...when you look down at the dash, your eyes contract to filter out the bright light, then when you look at the road, your eyes need to re-adjust to the darkness. add window tint to that equasion, and you are really beginning to live life dangerously!!

 

I am not looking for spot lights, These dash lights are so dim I would need to strain just to read the speedo. a dangerous situation as well. The LED's with the neon rope give it a nice orange glow but not too bright that it is distracting.

Dave

 

Have you checked your voltage at the bulbs? Do the lights get dimmer when you turn the high beams on, or the heater blower? It may be a problem with the harness or the body ground.

 

Never thought of a weak ground, Thanks, I will investigate next time I am at it, At this point I am re-assembling the dash and engine, trans and suspension,and checking electrical as I go,,,, I still havent even driven it, So far everything works as it should with the exception of the dim dash lights.

Dave

 

Had a friend with a 59 ford he installed 6 volt lights in the dash with a resistor that let only 7 volts get to the lights brightest dash lights I ever saw