http://s263.photobucket.com/albums/ii139/gdiwicker/

Hey All,
Just thought I would post something cool. I replaced the instrument cluster lights with red LEDs and they turned out great. They are super bright and I can only imagine how bright white LEDs would be. The first photo is to show that I used a 194 replacement with nine diodes. The second is to show how bright they are in comparison. Yes, the right side bezel is on! The third is to show the final results. Keep in mind that these photos were not taken at night. I closed the garage door, turned off the lights and pulled the car cover over but there was still enough light to read by.

Here are some links...
http://4statetrucks.com/index.aspx?sNode=C_718&Exp=Y&iABSP=M_1 This is for the clock light which I have not received yet, but if you all are interested, I will post afterwards.

http://www.martekindustriesinc.com/led_retro.htm

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_auto?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=led+194

http://www.sylvania.com/

thx for this info ... thats exactly how i want to do it in my rivi. much appreciated!

I did install the four diode LED in the clock. I think with the combination of not as many diodes in the clock as the other two gauges and the clock's housing blocks some of the light; the red light is not as bright. It still loooks great and I'd rather have more light in the two large gauges anyways. I modified the cigar light that is attached to the lighter's sleeve and put the 4 diode LED inside. It's pretty cool. I just ordered four more from 4statetrucks and am going to replace the four A/C control panel bulbs.

I don't know if I'm going to keep it but I also wired a LED strip inside the middle A/C vent. It operates just like the other instrument bulbs. Fades, only turns on when the light knob is pulled, etc.

As soon as I get all the effects going, I'll post the pictures.

How hard was it to replace the bulbs? Other than getting to them, which I imagine was no piece of cake. I have thought about doing this to my 62 Electra, so I am curious.

All of the instrument panel bulbs are designed to be replaced from under the dash by reaching up through the access holes (remove small panels). But I will tell you that the EASIEST way is to remove the padded dash and reach down there to remove/replace each bulb.

Taking off the dash pad isn't a problem...I have done that trying to get to my fuel gauge. Do those 194 replacement bulbs use the same style base as the factory bulbs?

YES, but sometimes they are polarized, so make sure they work before putting the dash back together. You may have to remove the bulb and rotate 180 degrees.

Thanks! Sounds like it shouldn't be too complicated.