<VV> <dim dash lights>
Lanning14 at aol.com
Lanning14 at aol.com
Sun Apr 13 17:06:57 EDT 2008
Some weeks ago I offered to evaluate LED bulbs in the instrument cluster for
improved brightness. After discussing this issue with several bulb suppliers
and trying an assortment of LED bulbs, here's the low down.
First everyone should know that it's OK to use a dimmer (rheostat) on LED
lights. The bulb suppliers will confirm this. The following information applies
to LM Monza and Corsa dash lights. I didn't have an EM to evaluate.
Monza and Corsa instrument panels use up to three different bulbs (1816 in
the instruments, 1445 in directional signal indicator and headlight high beam
indicator and 1895 in temp-oil pressure indicator and gen-fan indicator.
Based on my evaluation, LEDlight.com supplies a #34442 LED bulb (772 mW)
with a BA9s base and 6 LED's. Order the bulb in Super White although the colored
bulbs could probably be used for effect. This bulb produces low heat and
each bulb cost $4.99. This is not a bargain, but at least this should be the
last time a bulb will need replacement and the dash lights will be much
brighter. The other bulbs I tried were either inadequate for brightness or too
expensive. This bulb will fit all the sockets in question including the Corsa
tachometer. I would only suggest using this bulb to replace the 1816 and 1895
bulbs. The 1445 bulbs produce enough brightness for the directional and headlight
indicator. The LED will fit the 1445 socket and can be used if you so
choose. I should also point out that you may not find any 1816 bulbs in your
instrument cluster to replace. I checked five instrument panels and found 1895
bulbs in all the sockets. I did try using the correct 1816 bulb which is rated at
3 candlepower compared to the 1895 bulb which is rated at 2 candlepower. No
significant improvement in brightness.
I am still evaluating 1156 and 1157 tail light bulbs. My first test was
worse than the stock bulbs. I would avoid buying some of the newer LED bulbs
listed as replacements for 1156 and 1157 applications. Some will not even fit the
LM sockets. Since the bulb enters the fixture from the bottom on the LM,
most of the light is directed in the wrong direction. One possible solution is
to drill a new hole in the back of the LM fixture. I'm not ready to do this
yet, but it may be the most cost effective way since some of the LED bulbs with
all 'side firing' LED's cost up to $27.00 each.
I hope this helps those looking for brighter dash lights. A follow up can be
expected on the 1156/1157 matter.
John Lanning
Member: CORSA, Derby City Corvair, V-8 Registry
1966 Corsa conv, 140 AC
1965 Corsa 4.5L coupe
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