<VV> <dim dash lights>

[Lanning14 at aol.com]

Some weeks ago I offered to evaluate LED bulbs in the instrument  cluster for 
improved brightness. After discussing this issue with several  bulb suppliers 
and trying an assortment of LED bulbs, here's the low down.
 
First everyone should know that it's OK to use a dimmer (rheostat) on  LED 
lights. The bulb suppliers will confirm this. The following information  applies 
to LM Monza and Corsa dash lights. I didn't have an EM to  evaluate.
 
Monza and Corsa instrument panels use up to three different bulbs  (1816 in 
the instruments, 1445 in directional signal indicator and headlight  high beam 
indicator and 1895 in temp-oil pressure indicator and  gen-fan indicator. 
 
Based on my evaluation, LEDlight.com supplies a #34442 LED bulb (772  mW) 
with a BA9s base and 6 LED's. Order the bulb in Super White although  the colored 
bulbs could probably be used for effect. This bulb  produces low heat and 
each bulb cost $4.99. This is not a bargain, but at  least this should be the 
last time a bulb will need replacement and the dash  lights will be much 
brighter. The other bulbs I tried were  either inadequate for brightness or too 
expensive. This bulb will fit all  the sockets in question including the Corsa 
tachometer. I would only suggest  using this bulb to replace the 1816 and 1895 
bulbs. The 1445 bulbs produce  enough brightness for the directional and headlight 
indicator. The LED will  fit the 1445 socket and can be used if you so 
choose. I should also point  out that you may not find any 1816 bulbs in your 
instrument cluster to replace.  I checked five instrument panels and found 1895 
bulbs in all the sockets. I did  try using the correct 1816 bulb which is rated at 
3 candlepower compared to the  1895 bulb which is rated at 2 candlepower. No 
significant improvement in  brightness.
 
I am still evaluating 1156 and 1157 tail light bulbs. My  first test was 
worse than the stock bulbs. I would avoid buying some  of the newer LED bulbs 
listed as replacements for 1156 and 1157  applications. Some will not even fit the 
LM sockets. Since the bulb enters  the fixture from the bottom on the LM, 
most of the light is directed in the  wrong direction. One possible solution is 
to drill a new hole in the back  of the LM fixture. I'm not ready to do this 
yet, but it may be the most cost  effective way since some of the LED bulbs with 
all 'side firing' LED's cost  up to $27.00 each.
 
I hope this helps those looking for brighter dash lights. A follow up can  be 
expected on the 1156/1157 matter.
 
John Lanning
Member: CORSA, Derby City Corvair, V-8 Registry
1966 Corsa conv, 140 AC
1965 Corsa 4.5L  coupe        



**************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & 
Finance.      (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolcmp00300000002850)