montehyler

I have a problem with the instrument panel lights on my '81 F150. They are much too dim. Difficult to see at night. Any thoughts/suggestions? I read somewhere that I should just replace all of the bulbs! Thoughts? Thanks for your help!

Braggs

Yes, this happened to me also. I've replaced all the bulbs with only minimal help. I can see the gauges now, but it's not like it should be. It seems to me the green plastic they used to filter the light has aged and become less translucent. You could possibly replace this plastic coating on the back of the instrument cluster.

Another thing to test is the dimmer switch. Maybe it is not functioning correctly?

montehyler

Thanks. I will try replacing the bulbs over the weekend. The dimmer switch appears to be working ok but I don't know what the resistance the dimmer section should be. I have a Haynes manual for the truck but the wiring diagram doesn't show that level of detail.

1967 Tempest

I pulled my dash out and replaced them with the Nighthawk bulbs which are supposed to be brighter. My 86 is BARELY visible unless it is pitch black out side and even then isnt the greatest. I might go to an LED. The ones that have 360* output.

If you try any new bulbs, please update.

montehyler

I sure will. Thanks!

84Red

I put some led bulbs in my cluster. It looks really good! I put white bulbs in so when the blue filter hits it it is blue, unlike the old bulbs that when the yellow hits the blue you get green. If you still want the green you can always get yellow/amber leds

montehyler

Did the led lamps improve the brightness quite a bit?

84Red

Here is the cluster lit with white leds

84Red

It looks blue because it is blue, I left the blue filters in.

Braggs

Wow, that's pretty bright. A lot brighter than mine with incandescent bulbs.