Need brighter light for auto shift indicator

[fatherdoug]

Has anyone found a bulb that gives off more light than the 1445(for tilt column)? I am having trouble seeing where the shift indicator is at night.

The same bulb is used in the wiper/headlight indication and is a lot brighter.

The bulb for the shift indication has been replaced but is just not bright enough to see at night. Is placement an issue, or, or, or........?

 

[m78]

Doug, have you checked to see what voltage your getting from it compared to the wiper or headlight ?

 

[fatherdoug]

No, I haven't, Mark. I will have to measure the voltage if I can get a probe up in there. Are you thinking a poor ground to the bulb housing?

 

[Austin]

Not sure what the board looks like, but maybe you could check on any cracked solder points..

 

[fatherdoug]

I'm not sure what the electrical source for that light is. I guess it's research time.

 

[m78]

I was thinking more of a reduced voltage so that the shift light doesn't over power the dash. But it could be a grounding issue.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Doug, you might want to consider an LED replacement...I have dealt with "Superbright LED's" and been very happy:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/ba9s-ba7s/

The comments about checking the sonnections, socket etc are valid....here is a copy of the 1979 wiring diagram, which I am sure will be the the same for the most part.
I haven't posted them yet partially due to not being able to stictch them as they are nearly 36'' wide....in any case...here you go:

 

[fatherdoug]

Thanks so much for the info, Duncan. Just ordered some red LED's from Superbright, since the dash lights are red (easier for my peepers to see at night.). I ordered the 32* dispersion AND the 90* degree dispersion, since I'm not sure what kind of shield(if any) covers the bulb.

I'll start perusing the prints tonight at work, since I can print them out on 11 X 14, or bigger paper.

Much appreciated!

 

[DNFXDLI]

Anytime Doug....if they won't enlarge good enough just tell me and I can rescan at a higher resolution.

 

[kiwi f150]

Thanks so much for the info, Duncan. Just ordered some red LED's from Superbright, since the dash lights are red (easier for my peepers to see at night.). I ordered the 32* dispersion AND the 90* degree dispersion, since I'm not sure what kind of shield(if any) covers the bulb.

I'll start perusing the prints tonight at work, since I can print them out on 11 X 14, or bigger paper.

Much appreciated!

Red is actually a good colour to use Doug as you can get away with a brighter light - when i used to be out on the fishing boats with my friends they used to use a red light in the wheelhouse when they were travelling at night because it doesn't affect your night vision as much as other colours ..... something to do with dilation of the pupils.
It also worked really well to put a red filter on the spotlight lens when shooting pigs at night ..... if you were quiet they never noticed you until it was too late.

 

[m78]

Red is actually a good colour to use Doug as you can get away with a brighter light - when i used to be out on the fishing boats with my friends they used to use a red light in the wheelhouse when they were travelling at night because it doesn't affect your night vision as much as other colours ..... something to do with dilation of the pupils.
It also worked really well to put a red filter on the spotlight lens when shooting pigs at night ..... if you were quiet they never noticed you until it was too late.

I was just playing around with an old LED trailer break light , thinking it would work as "wheel house" light. So many switches for various things I can't remember which is which with out reading the labels.

 

[fatherdoug]

I agree, Mark. The red doesn't seem to bother my vision, but it is still bright.

 

[Mil1ion]

Remember HIPOParts ?
http://www.hipoparts.com/1961-79-ford-truck-bronco-led-gauge-light-conversion-kits/
They have the LED dash lighting kit which includes the shift light

http://www.hipoparts.com/ultra-bright-wide-angle-inverted-lens-led-bulb-ba9s-base/

 

[fatherdoug]

Thank You, Dennis. I guess I forgot about them.

 

[fatherdoug]

Anytime Doug....if they won't enlarge good enough just tell me and I can rescan at a higher resolution.

Duncan, the prints look VERY nice on 24" paper. Thanks again!

 

[m78]

Doug , can you take before and after pictures ?

 

[fatherdoug]

I can do that. Might be a while, though. The weather isn't as balmy here as it is there.

 

[m78]

I can do that. Might be a while, though. The weather isn't as balmy here as it is there.

Temps are supposed to be dropping soon, but we have mild weather here.

 

[fatherdoug]

Replaced the shift indicator light yesterday. I pulled the incandescent bulb(1445) and checked it out. The bulb was still working. I then replaced the incandescent bulb with a superbright(brand) red LED. I tried out the LED before I inserted the bulb in place and the red LED was VERY bright. I then inserted the bulb in place, and I can just barely see a red tint along the shift indicator, but there is not enough light to see the indication while sitting in the seat. This is using an LED with 90* dispersion.

I'm wondering if there is something obstructing the bulb?????

 

[DNFXDLI]

That is odd..sounds like there is something blocking it.