Speedo Lights

[1strodeo]

Hi, quick question are the MPH numbers supposed to be illuminated? My Oil, Temp and ALT gauges are well illuminated, FUEL is fair (doesn't work anyway) odometer is well lit as well as the MPH needle (probably from odometer light) but MPH numbers have no light whatsoever.

From what I've read I know the cluster lighting in general is poor but it seems like I would at least be able to see the MPH.

For the record I have a jumper wire on my dimmer switch connector...no switch. Had the same problem with my old Mustang, tried 3 new dimmer switches and nothing worked but a jumper wire.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, yes the same circuit illuminates all the gauge faces, 3 bulbs, blue wire with red stripe, the one under the high beam indicator is out on you Bronco, right behind the 50 on the speedo. Good luck

 

[sykanr0ng]

An option worth looking at is the Luminescent Instrument Panel sold by http://classygauges.com/ see vendor info here: Gauge cluster refurbishing and Wild Horses

 

[1strodeo]

Hi, yes the same circuit illuminates all the gauge faces, 3 bulbs, blue wire with red stripe, the one under the high beam indicator is out on you Bronco, right behind the 50 on the speedo. Good luck

Thank you Sir, I thought for sure I checked them all, but it's only 4 screws so I'll check again

 

[1strodeo]

An option worth looking at is the Luminescent Instrument Panel sold by http://classygauges.com/ see vendor info here: Gauge cluster refurbishing and Wild Horses

I thought about something like that, or the guy that refurbishes them on here for like $100, but I think mine is in good shape if it only had the numbers lit up it would be fine. Not sure how bad of condition they need to be before the other options

 

[sykanr0ng]

I thought about something like that, or the guy that refurbishes them on here for like $100, but I think mine is in good shape if it only had the numbers lit up it would be fine. Not sure how bad of condition they need to be before the other options

Email him, he may have some ideas, he does more than strict restorations, though he does those too.

 

[Steve83]

It's not difficult to disassemble the instrument cluster, & clean it. If it's bad inside, repaint it silver or white so it reflects more light.

 

[1strodeo]

It's not difficult to disassemble the instrument cluster, & clean it. If it's bad inside, repaint it silver or white so it reflects more light.

That'll be my next step, like most others on here I love to take shit apart.

I'll post some pics...hey how do you post those full size pics vs thumbnails?

 

[Steve83]

http://www.supermotors.net/forums/thid-5972-how-do-i-post-pictures-sounds-and-or-videos

This shows how to take that cluster apart:

 

[1strodeo]

So yes I'm a dumbass, which I already knew, but I was reading another thread about courtesy lights and I thought "did I ever twist the light switch all the way over to fully illuminate the gauges?" Sure enough I didn't, but still the problem remains...0-40 MPH in the dark, yet the left turn signal indicator (on the 0-40 side) is unusually bright when not flashing, which seems like it would illuminate the left side of speedometer, but doesn't. Definitely need to disassemble thanks for step by step steve83

 

[Brent13]

There are three cardboard tubes inside the cluster, think they seal the light. You might be missing one on the left turn bulb, and the cluster background light on that left side is "leaking thru". Might be the problem. Either way, I tear into that cluster and rebuild it, it is stupid easy. Buy one of the cluster sticker kits, or paint it. Get some hi-viz orange model paint and paint all the indicator needles. You will love that cluster after freshened up. It is huge upgrade for not a lot of time and money.

 

[72Sport]

I went shopping at the local yards and got light sockets and wiring out of everything old Ford that had the same wire colors. I added two sockets for lights on the upper right side and left side near the corners of the housing. From the front side the new sockets are under the metal rib between the oil and water gauge. On the right side the new socket is between the gas and volt meter. This change fixed the dim lit speedo. Also replace the original bulbs with the higher wattage or brighter bulbs.

You might be wondering what I did on the back side. I replaced the stock gauges except the gas gauge with VDO gauges. I would not recommend changing the gauges unless you are a machinist. The gauge graphics are off a little but usable. None will fit in the upper right because of clearance issues with the cowl/windshield frame. VDO gauges stick out beyond the back of the housing about 5/8" and require spacers to mount them.

 

[sykanr0ng]

I went shopping at the local yards and got light sockets and wiring out of everything old Ford that had the same wire colors. I added two sockets for lights on the upper right side and left side near the corners of the housing. From the front side the new sockets are under the metal rib between the oil and water gauge. On the right side the new socket is between the gas and volt meter. This change fixed the dim lit speedo. Also replace the original bulbs with the higher wattage or brighter bulbs.

You might be wondering what I did on the back side. I replaced the stock gauges except the gas gauge with VDO gauges. I would not recommend changing the gauges unless you are a machinist. The gauge graphics are off a little but usable. None will fit in the upper right because of clearance issues with the cowl/windshield frame. VDO gauges stick out beyond the back of the housing about 5/8" and require spacers to mount them.

Kevin (http://classygauges.com/) does installing 'modern' gauges also, I think he uses Autometer gauges.
So if you want it done, but don't think you can DIY there are other options.

 

[.94 OR]

Are the LED conversions worth it in the dash? The lights in mine seem pretty dim so if I do anything to it I'm curious if LED's would help.

 

[DirtDonk]

They "can" be well worth it in the brightness department. But if your wiring is sketchy at best, your results may vary. And you might not get quite as much benefit as some others.
All the ones I've been involved in swapping though, turned out really well and made a BIG difference in readability of the gauges.

One definite downside (for me at least) is that most LED's are not dimmable with the stock switch. This really was not a concern for all the guys I know that have done it, but it was something I wasn't too sure I'd like myself.
As with most, that part is up to the individual. Most just appreciate the added brightness.

Paul

 

[sykanr0ng]

Are the LED conversions worth it in the dash? The lights in mine seem pretty dim so if I do anything to it I'm curious if LED's would help.

If you are buying the LED lights yourself instead of a kit from one of the vendors pay attention to the direction the LED's point.
Some of them have a narrow focus angle, others spread the light wide.

 

[1strodeo]

So got this done today, L turn bulb is missing (hence the brightness) I'll replace it tomorrow (ever heard that before?) still not 100% satisfied but I can definitely see the MPH better now

 

[1strodeo]

...added the old pic for effect...while I like the more visibility part, I still much prefer the original look, so I'm thinking this is yet another 'temporary fix' ;D