The dash lights on my 1974 F-250 are so dim I can hardly read the gages at night. I've replaced the bulbs but it didn't make much of a differance. Does anyone have any ideas for solving this? Thanks in advance.

 

Bugs, this is going to sound stupid but did you turn the rheostat control on the switch to see if that helped? Sometimes it is something as simple as that.


Jim

 

I understand about tripping over simple things. In this case I have tried adjusting the brightness. I'm wondering if a corroded ground for the lights would cause this, and if so, where the ground wire is located to the chassis. Could an "old" light switch cause this problem? Is it difficult to install a new light switch in the dash board? Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Bugs, You just got me to thinking, if I remember correctly to remove the light switch you have to pull the **** off, look at the shaft of the **** ( where it ataches to the shaft of the switch ) there should be a clip that holds the **** to the switch. Then if you turn the decreative ring at the dash counterclockwise the switch should pull out from under the dash. Check the contacts and the plug for corrosion and deteariating plastic. I had a '72 F-100 that was leaking water from the windshield onto the switch and shorted it out. Hope this helps.

Jim

PS Sorry about the spelling, spell checker isn't working.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 02-Feb-01 AT 08:04 AM (EST)[/font][p]Check if you're getting 12v to the light and maybe replace the light switch.
By the way, I upgraded my stock lights to the brighter ones. Sylvania #882 BP instrument panel Halogen bulbs. I paid about $12 each from Kragen and they fit the stock holders.

 

Thanks for the tips. I'll see about getting a new switch and\or brighter bulbs this weekend time permitting. Thanks again.

 

Changing the light switch can be frustrating the first time around. The switch has a release button built in to it. You have to either reach under the dash or pull the instrument panel(much easier the first time). Depress this button and pull the **** out of the switch. The headlight switch will now be in the on position so you might want to disconnect the battery before you start. Remove the retainer bezel(nut) on the front of the switch. Once the bezel is off, the switch comes out the backside of the dash.

1977 F-100
300 I-6 / C-4
Offy intake w/holley390
Hedman headers w/duals
MSD6
Whiter whites/Brighter brights

 

[font color=red size=3]I had the same dim dash lights on my '73 and I found an easy fix that made a HUGE difference. I pulled the guage cluster out to clean it up some. As I pulled each of the bulbs out I noticed that there is a green plastic 'bubble' that covers the bulb when it is in place - it gives the lights a green tint. I took apart the cluster and removed the green 'bubbles'. Now the guages are nice and bright, and the light is white (which I like better than the green). If you are serious about seeing the guages, I would do this, it will make a HUGE difference.;-)

Marty

"Cleverly Disguised as a Resposible Adult"[/font]

 

Thanks, Marty. I'll take a look at that.

 

i like the green tint on my 75 and they glow nice and bright dome light also works but only with the headlight **** door switchs are all seized up

 

i'm with you with the "alien illumination" otto!! :-) i liked the green so much that i pulled the bulb from my autometer tach i have mounted to the column and treated it to a greenover. i used green model airplane paint that was thinned slightly first. after twice dunking with dry time in between it has the exact same hue as the dash lights. haven't noticed any problems with heat on the bulb yet. sort of makes everything come full circle. my door jamb pin switches are shot too - except for the passenger door which periodically will work at bad times...can you say jumper cables? good luck with the lighting ventures

 

I just did a full autometer dash into a 78 brand x truck Pro-Comp ultra lites to be exact, and they came with little red and green covers I put the green covers and the gauges look awesome ! The dash does to, brushed stainless with 6 Autometer gauges, I wish i had a pic i could post