Isn't the dash illumination on the same circuit as the parklamps?

I have heard of people adding a relay to the parklamp circuits, similar to the headlamp relay upgrade. This would improve current flow (brightness) to your dash lights as well as parklamps.

Sorry if this is already common knowledge.

Well, I have a 78 and the meter illumination bulbs are listed as 57X in the 78 FSM. Could it be that a 72 uses different bulbs than a 78? Looking the the 72 FSM, there's no SAE trade number listed; all it says there is 3.4 watts.

All I know is that because of a couple light bulbs my car is in peices in the garage. Im still amazed that no one with a 70-72 has ever had to change instrument bulbs, I must have the only ones that burn out. cool

So I just tried Sylvania 1891.... too long. More money thrown away.

I offered the guy a 50$ bill to find the bulbs.....he was sad to not be able to take my cash. I dont want to upgrade to any LED or nuclear illuminesent bio wave g shock or anything, I just want a few light bulbs.:ogre:

xcyter, here is a link to MSA higher watt bulbs. Singly or in a set. 4 watt up from 2.8-3.2 OEM according to them. Good luck.

PS- I take cash, credit cards or Datsun wagons in payment.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SIC09E01/45-4329

QUOTE-

Description:

Tired of straining to see your gauges when the lighting situation isn't perfect? Here is the solution! These 4 watt bulbs directly replace your original dash bulbs which ranged from 2.8-3.2 watts. They will provide a clearer, brighter, and more distinct backlight for your gauges in all lighting situations. Fourteen dash bulbs can be replaced (it is always best to replace them all together). See Related Items below for a discounted kit of 15 bulbs! END QUOTE

xcyter, here is a link to MSA higher watt bulbs. Singly or in a set. 4 watt up from 2.8-3.2 OEM according to them. Good luck.

PS- I take cash, credit cards or Datsun wagons in payment.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SIC09E01/45-4329

QUOTE-

Description:

Tired of straining to see your gauges when the lighting situation isn't perfect? Here is the solution! These 4 watt bulbs directly replace your original dash bulbs which ranged from 2.8-3.2 watts. They will provide a clearer, brighter, and more distinct backlight for your gauges in all lighting situations. Fourteen dash bulbs can be replaced (it is always best to replace them all together). See Related Items below for a discounted kit of 15 bulbs! END QUOTE

Thank you. Ill order first thing in the morn.

---do you take food stamps?

Glad to be able to help. I'd much rather have help replacing my own bulbs!

Actually I cleaned up the existing dimmer rheostat and mine are bright enough. At least I can see the gauges now.

Im just curious, but how hard is it to change the bulbs out once the dash is removed? I ask because my dash is currently out, and the thought of having to remove it again to change some dash bulbs is horrifying :nervous:

My dash lights are also a subtle greenish hue (at night) and I figure some new bulbs might be better for lighting at night...

Fairly easy on a 280 once the gauges are out. (I can't speak for a 240-one day I'll learn that) The sockets just snap out and the bulbs twist out and in. The greenish tint comes from the green lens that's in the some of the bulb openings in the gauges.

Stay clear of the MSA bulbs. The bulb shape is too long for OEM application and they're pricey at that. You can us an Eiko A-72 bulb. It has the correct G3 1/2 bulb shape as the OEM bulb and you can find them as low as $1.32 @ piece on the internet (Http://bulbster.com/lightbulbs/a72-p-3002.html). The Eiko A-72 is a 4 watt bulb.

It's interesting that the Sylvania 53 is only a 1.68 watt bulb. It use to be a 4 watt, G3 1/2 bulb some time ago. Sylvania must have change the bulb wattage. That would make the Eiko the only proper OEM bulb shape in 4 watts.

Stay clear of the MSA bulbs. The bulb shape is too long for OEM application and they're pricey at that. You can us an Eiko A-72 bulb. It has the correct G3 1/2 bulb shape as the OEM bulb and you can find them as low as $1.32 @ piece on the internet (Http://bulbster.com/lightbulbs/a72-p-3002.html). The Eiko A-72 is a 4 watt bulb.

It's interesting that the Sylvania 53 is only a 1.68 watt bulb. It use to be a 4 watt, G3 1/2 bulb some time ago. Sylvania must have change the bulb wattage. That would make the Eiko the only proper OEM bulb shape in 4 watts.

I just ordered 15 of them 3 minutes ago. Shipping from Portland,OR.

Thanks geoyam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@xcyter- please come back and let us know how this turns out. I'd go the same way. Are you going to spray the insides of the gauge cups white to make them reflect better?

Wrapping my knuckles and getting Bandaids, Bactine and Excedrin ready in anticipation.

Im holding a Sylvania 57 right now and Im also holding my fuel gauge/ there is NO way in a thousand years that this bulb will work. It wont even fit into the gauge.

I cant believe no one has had to replace their dash bulbs without running into this same issue.

Dash out, car still apart, '72-Z owner sad.

Stay clear of the MSA bulbs. The bulb shape is too long for OEM application and they're pricey at that. You can us an Eiko A-72 bulb. It has the correct G3 1/2 bulb shape as the OEM bulb and you can find them as low as $1.32 @ piece on the internet (Http://bulbster.com/lightbulbs/a72-p-3002.html). The Eiko A-72 is a 4 watt bulb.

It's interesting that the Sylvania 53 is only a 1.68 watt bulb. It use to be a 4 watt, G3 1/2 bulb some time ago. Sylvania must have change the bulb wattage. That would make the Eiko the only proper OEM bulb shape in 4 watts.

Oddly enough, that looks just like the 57 bulb I mentioned in my post earlier. Referring to the picture in the link, not the video. But I never said 'Sylvania'. Perhaps they (Sylvania) changed the style of their version of that bulb also.

Complete LED conversion. Dave's (Zsondabrain) approach was different than mine. He replaced the light bulbs only and painted the housing. I painted the housings as well but placed LEDs around the perimeter of the faces. The two gauges next to the clock are slightly dimmer because the car is off. When on and the alternator running, all of the gauges have the same intensity.