Dash Bulb Candlepower Chart?
 

With my '66 Coupe's dash cluster out I started replacing the various bulbs and found that someone before me had replaced the stock #1816 illumination bulbs with #1893s. One reference showed the candlepower to be the same for both while another showed the #1893s to be only 2 candlepower and the #1816s to be 3 candlepower. Also, one source did indicate the #1893s had greater longevity. I definitely don't want to reduce the illumination of the gauges but if they are equally bright it seems I might consider the longer lasting bulbs. I also saw that later year Corvettes, like 1969, went to #1895 bulbs.

Is there a link to a chart showing the various automotive bulbs and their specs? Thanks

You are correct that 1816's are rated @ 3 mscd, while the 1893 is rated @ 2 mscd. Also, the 1816 gets it's rating at 13 volts, while the 1893 is @ 14 (which means for the same voltage, the 1893 will be weaker still). Both of these bulbs are rated @ .33amp. The 1816 is rated for 1000 hours, while the 1893 is for 2500.

Click on the following link, then to "Miniature Incandescent Lamps", and then go to T-3-1/4:

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...ting/ECatalog/

You might be able to use the G-4-1/2 #6253 (if the globe will fit), which is rated at 4.2 mscd @ 12 volts, but only has a 200 hour life @ 12 volts, and would be even less at a normal vehicle voltage of 13.5+ volts.

Plasticman

try Lamptech.com

BTW I have a note that say's 1816 = 4.2 watts
1893 = 4.6 watt

Looks Like the Factory Bulbs Will Do the Job
 

Thanks to both for the quick responses. Looks like I'll be putting back in the original #1816s even if they have a briefer lifespan. I've only put about 3500 miles on the car since we overhauled it in '94 and the majority of that was daytime driving but there are occasions for an early morning start so it would be nice to have decent gauge illumination. :D

If you want to really light up your dash use 64111 OSRAM 5w halogen bulbs. You will be amazed at how bright your cluster is, especially the heater and a/c control bezels.

Halogen Replacements
 

Is there any issue with heat buildup using these halogens? I've always felt that the stock arrangements did a poor job of illuminating the clusters but on the flip side don't want to overtax the wiring or create too much heat in there. In my case, it seems one of the PO's grabbed whatever was available which happened to be #1893 bulbs to replace the #1816s and that coupled with dusty/grimey gauge lenses made the cluster very dim at night.

the OSRAM bulb might need a bigger fuse, and if you did all of them I think you might be getting on the edge of the wire capacity. The other thing is they only have a 240 hour life, at 12 volts, probably less with 13+ if you have good wiring...for me that seems a bit short but if you seldom run the lights then I guess it is ok. I'm looking for some LED replacements myself.

After what I learned in my epic search for the root of a blowing fuse in my new wiring of my 65, I had to REDUCE the candlepower of some of the dash bulbs in order to have a servicable car.

I'd never consider putting in brighter bulbs that would pull more amps.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...985&highlight=

Jeff

I just read a previous post showing how the earlier midyear clusters (can't remember if it was only '63 or '63/'64) has two less dash lights. Not a big deal but still something that they 'slooooowly' got around to improving. In the case of my '66, I think the poor illumination was a combination of the incorrect #1893 bulbs instead of the slightly brighter #1816s and the dusty film on the inside of the gauge lenses.
Clean lenses and new #1816 bulbs will hopefully make it brighter at night. After reading about your extensive cluster testing due to repetitive blown fuses, I think I'll pass on using any bulbs that draw more amperage.

I have installed these in a dozen or so c2s with no issue at all.

I followed that post closely and do not blame you for not deviating from stock. You went through a lot to solve your problem.:thumbs:

Yeah, a 63/64 had 2 fewer bulbs than a 65 in the main dash. Plus a car with A/C had 2 more bulbs as well. Yet, the circuit is a 4 amp circuit in all of those years.

So a 63 or 64 without A/C had 4 fewer bulbs than my 65 with factory A/C. Those 4 extra bulbs pull a total of 1.32 Amps if they get 12 volts to them. If I remember correctly, my circuit was about 1.30 Amps overdrawn before I put lower rated bulbs and a 5 amp fuse in place.

Good luck with whatever you do!