abrasv

My dash lights in my 69 Cutlass are very dim or I'm older then I pretend. Installed a new head light switch and rheostat works fine but even when it is the brightest still hard to see.
Has anyone replaced the standard 194 bulbs with anything brighter?

My442

168 bulbs are brighter.

Allan R

Have you checked your battery voltage and alternator? When did you first notice the problem? It could also be a weak ground somewhere in your lighting circuit.

oldspackrat

LED bulbs really brighten things up. They are inexpensive on ebay. I offer them on my gauge restorations. If you do get them be aware they are not dimable, at least not with the factory headlight switch, & they will only work one way in the socket. If they don't work, turn the socket 180 degrees & reinstall.

joe_padavano

Brighter incandescent bulbs are also hotter. Using a higher wattage than the 194 bulb can overheat the instrument panel and potentially melt plastic parts. LEDs avoid that problem.

Koda

The old lights can be as bright as they were new, but certain things can affect it, like any resistance in the circuits.

My442

https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/apps/vlrg-us/Vlrg/