Hi all,
The numerals and increment lines in my '51 Commander's instrument cluster has lost its ability to retain it's 'glow'. (I'd expect many of us are in the the same boat). I had an idea of installing a small light behind the gear selector block (it's and auto), so rigged up some lights and a motorcycle battery, it lit up the dash OK but also reflected off the inside of the windscreen, so have discounted it. It did have an interesting effect on the gauges - when I turned off the light (a bright LED), the gauges glowed really well for about 30 seconds then went back to nothing.
So, my question is - has anyone had success with using different lamps to replace the existing 2 watt lamps? (my Commander has been converted to 12 volts)
If not my next idea is to remove the coloured inserts that the lamps go into, that was designed to 'excite' the luminosity of the markings, (which now doesn't work as they have lost the light retaining ability). I'd really prefer not to remove the instrument panel - done it before to fit a 12 volt Runtz for the fuel gauge, what a bugger of a job !
Does anyone have any 'bright' ideas ;-)
The numerals and increment lines in my '51 Commander's instrument cluster has lost its ability to retain it's 'glow'. (I'd expect many of us are in the the same boat). I had an idea of installing a small light behind the gear selector block (it's and auto), so rigged up some lights and a motorcycle battery, it lit up the dash OK but also reflected off the inside of the windscreen, so have discounted it. It did have an interesting effect on the gauges - when I turned off the light (a bright LED), the gauges glowed really well for about 30 seconds then went back to nothing.
So, my question is - has anyone had success with using different lamps to replace the existing 2 watt lamps? (my Commander has been converted to 12 volts)
If not my next idea is to remove the coloured inserts that the lamps go into, that was designed to 'excite' the luminosity of the markings, (which now doesn't work as they have lost the light retaining ability). I'd really prefer not to remove the instrument panel - done it before to fit a 12 volt Runtz for the fuel gauge, what a bugger of a job !
Does anyone have any 'bright' ideas ;-)
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