What is the difference between 168 and 194 bulbs for the instrument panel? And by the way, where do you guys buy your bulbs?
Thanks again!
AL

 

194 bulb has 2 candle power and 168 has 3 candle power basically brighter, I have been digging into this subject, thinking of either silverstar or LED's
compared to todays cars it's seems that they are very dim!

Regards, Pat

 

Yep, 168 has 1 more candlepower and about 500 hours less life than the 194. A 161 bulb is only 1 CP.

I get the bulbs at the local auto parts store. If you need a lot for a complete resto, try a local electronics supply.

Make sure the inner gauge or light housing is clean and the reflective surfaces are bright and shiny. Over time, they fade or loose they glossiness. A repaint can work wonders...

 

I like how a guy named "shimmer" is asking about light bulbs.

 

His lights have lost their shimmer...

 

Thanks. I read one of your earlier post on the subject.
AL

 

GE NightHawk bulbs are 20% brighter than regular bulbs.

 

Well you've already got your answer to what the difference is. They are not expensive parts so I guess it doesn't matter too much where you get them. There are 2 economical suggestions I could offer:
1. Rockauto http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php they are .21 each
2. Go to a wrecker and pull them from some old cars. You can also get the twist in holders. Don't know how long they will last, but most yards up here just let me have them.

If you want to increase the illumination of your lights (I'm guessing that you wanted to find out if it was worth putting in a brighter light to make it easier to see?) Rob has an excellent thread that shows how to do that with minimal work or mod. He addresses the issues of 168 and 194 lighting; but ends up basically brightening the reflective surfaces inside the pods. Have a look: https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post130178

 

I might as well join in .With a name like Shimmer he must be a PRETTY BRIGHT GUY.In Football they call that PILING ON.Thats a 15 yard infraction..

 

Guess I'm in a punting situation on the 38. 4th QT 1:12:34 to go
AL (Shimmer, my dogs name)

 

Thanks for the info Allan-I'm going to paint the insides white as suggested and just use 168's. Of course one fellow painted them back the sky blue and he as very happy.

 

That could have been me...
After the cleaning and repainting of Lady's gauges, and using 168 bulbs, I have to dim them down during the night, as they are too bright on high...

 

Last year, Jeff from Certified Auto Electric was able to sell me every single lightbulb for my '73 Delta convertible, including the oddballs that nobody has, for very good prices.

I pasted a copy of an order sheet showing a few of the bulbs that I ordered below - I have no idea how his stock is or what his prices are now, so please don't quote me on any of these.



- Eric

 

To brighten up your instruments, go to Home Depot and buy the 4 watt low voltage bulbs for the Malibu system. They are a perfect fit and help a lot. Do not use the 7 watt - too much heat!