Brighter Dash Lights for 126s and 123s

[Tom Evans]

Does anyone know of a brighter equivalent for the 194 lamps used in the dash of the 126 and 123 models? Is there anything with a really bright white LED instead of the realtively dim incandescent bulbs?

[JackG]

I'm interested too

[winmutt]

Without using LEDs alot of members have said that painting the down path of the dash lights white OR using duct work tape (not dull grey but shiny stuff) does wonders.

[H-townbenzoboy]

It's not the bulb wattage causing problems, but rather the discoloration and dirt on the reflectors and prisms. You need to clean the prisms, and paint the reflectors white. Add new bulbs, and you ought to be able to see the numbers at night.

[retx]

i havent done mine yet. i need to. and i plan on using testors model paint. they have a opalescence reflective white.

[SD Blue]

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

It's not the bulb wattage causing problems, but rather the discoloration and dirt on the reflectors and prisms. You need to clean the prisms, and paint the reflectors white. Add new bulbs, and you ought to be able to see the numbers at night.

And I would highly recommend against using higher wattage bulbs! The PO did this and melted the reflectors in the instrument panel. Guess what......burnt reflectors put out even less light.

[DrewGerhan]

I tried to do he white reflective paint in my car, but the prisms were to far gone (melted by PO) to evern do anything. In the end I have 4 super white LEDs in the cluster and would never go back to stock.

[85chedeng300D]

what is the stock bulb wattage for the intrument cluster lights? is 5W bulb safe and usable?

[Tom Evans]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I now have some LEDs that I'm going to experiment with them.

I took the cluster out and noticed that the prisms have been melted at the very end and have a darkened appearance. It's too late not, but I've got to ask. Is the 194 lamp a 3 watt or 5 watt lamp? I've had 194s in there for years.

Can the prisms be cleaned or even have the melted, opaque end carefully cut off, this exposing clear material to the light?

1983/300CD, When you talk about the bright aluminum tape, do you mean to place it between the prism and the white replective cover?

Finally, does anyone know of a company out there that refurbishes these instrument cluster housings?

[SD Blue]

I did not know, previously, what the wattage rating was for a 194 bulb. After several searches, I finally found the answer.....3W.

As to your dilemna of how to restore the prisms, I would think a Dremel with various grades of polishing compound might be the way to go. Also for the reflectors, some have mentioned painting them with Testors white model paint or as referred to here, bright aluminum tape. I don't know how well the paint will hold up to the bulb heat or how easy it would be to get that aluminum tape to conform to the reflector. The trick might be to find the lightest weight, and probably the cheapest, exhaust tape you can find.

I am in the same quandry, as the PO installed the incorrect bulbs and melted the reflectors. I'm going to try the painting of the needles first with a flourescant paint color and then use a dremel to see if it will take care of some discoloration on the reflectors.

[Tom Evans]

SD Blue,

Are you are saying to use the Dremel tool to "polish" away the melted, slightly brown end of the prisms? In other words, to provide a clear end on the prisms to accept the light from the bulb?

I would think the tape used to seal the exhaust stacks on gas water heaters might do the trick. It certainly can take the heat.

[SD Blue]

Yes, in both circumstances. I am thinking that providing a crystal clear edge on the prism, by removal of the burnt portion, would be a huge benefit and wouldn't require such delicate surgery as to remove, cut, polish and reinstall the prism itself.

That tape you mentioned sounds good too. I believe the affect the bulb heat has on the longevity of the adhesive would be insignificant for that kind of tape. Is it pretty pliable for the small areas in to which it will be fitted?

[mouramen]

Here's my cluster guys! Sorry for the crappy mobile pics!