Gauge Bulbs - MotorsportAuto's new ones versus discontinued

[Zed Head]

Has anyone tried the new gauge bulbs from MSA? I see that they have discontinued the old, junky ones that would melt the gauge lens and burn out in months. I just got through a whole ordeal replacing an old MSA speedo bulb only to have it burn out the next day, finally replacing them with Wagner BP53's which are 1 watt and dim. Planning my next move.

Here's the link to the new ones from MSA. They got the right size now and the description looks good. But so did the description for the old junk bulbs.

Motorsport! Dashboard Bulb Kit (15), High Luminescent, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

Old junk from MSA -

Motorsport! Dashboard Bulb Kit (15), Higher Watt, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

Edited February 6, 2014 by Zed Head
Changed Sylvania to Wagner

[jfa.series1]

I ordered the MSA bulbs a while back only to later read about the fit problems. I later found these guys and they work perfectly for those not interested in converting to LED.

Eiko 12V 4W G3-1/2 Mini Bayonet Base A-72 * | Motorcycle Snowmobile

[SteveJ]

SuperbrightLEDs.com has a nice selection of BA9 bulbs. They also have dimensions for the bulbs to make sure they fit. I put some in my 260Z and was pleased with the results.

[Zed Head]

jfa, thanks for the info and the link. FastWoman had referenced that bulb (the Eiko bulb) also in another thread.

That's a great price. I assume that the bulb doesn't look like the picture, since they seem to be showing a Sylvania 53 bulb, probably just for shape. How was ordering from Plant Bulb?

SteveJ, where did you use the LED bulbs? Gauge illumination? I used a clear LED although I wanted a diffuse style. They were out of those. And which did you use, they have several options?

From what I've seen, and when i was first looking for bulbs a few years ago, the BA9S options of the right size bulb come and go. The only ones I could find recently were either 1 or 1.25 watts. Many of the online higher wattage options were out of stock. Also, many bulbs that look correct are just low durability, low hour flashlight bulbs. Hard to find a good option that will give the right light and last long.

Edited February 6, 2014 by Zed Head

[SteveJ]

I used them in the tach, clock, and ammeter/fuel gauge so far. I've been too lazy to change out the others.

I'd have to search my garage for the others. Unfortunately I won't be able to do that for a couple of days.

[jfa.series1]

jfa, thanks for the info and the link. FastWoman had referenced that bulb (the Eiko bulb) also in another thread.

That's a great price. I assume that the bulb doesn't look like the picture, since they seem to be showing a Sylvania 53 bulb, probably just for shape. How was ordering from Plant Bulb?

The order process was clean, no problems. Shipping was fast. You have to buy a box of 10. The additional 1W of brightness over stock is noticeable.

[Zed Head]

Just ordered 2 boxes, $14.19 total. Probably should have got three. Shipping was $9.99.

The LEDs look tempting, especially considering the power savings at idle and longevity. But inexpensive wins out today. And the Eikos are rated at 4000 hours. They look good.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Edited February 7, 2014 by Zed Head

[rcb280z]

Hey Zed, are you installing them right away and if so can you post results, likes, dislikes? I am using the old 4 watt bulbs from MS and I have to pull a gauge for repair so I may as well replace mine before they start to burn out.

[Zed Head]

I'll plug one in to a spare tachometer that I have along with a factory bulb and compare. Should be able to get a good idea of fit and a picture. They're shipping ground so it will probably be late next week.

[rcb280z]

Zed, can you give me a link to the "1000 hr" bulbs. I searched the Eikos website and can't locate the 1000 hr bulbs. Probably right in front of me but am over looking it. Thanks.

[Zed Head]

jfa supplied a link in Post #2. The specs are on Planet Bulb's site. I assumed hours, based on other bulb specs, but it might be minutes! That would be a little over a day though, so unlikely.

The model is A 72.

[rcb280z]

See like I said....completely over looked it. Good thing the head is screwed on tight today.