Replacement for #55 Bulb

[Friartuck]

Does anyone have a suggested brighter replacement for a #55 6 volt instrument bulb? #55 has a 9 mm bayonet base with a 2 Mean Spherical Candle Power (MSCP)  output. Its used mainly in gauges, clocks, or radio to illuminate them at night.

[Spinneyhill]

The #55 is 25 Lumens apparently.

 

This one is a BA9S base and is said to put out 3.4 MSCP. It is a #316.

http://www.bulbtown.com/316_MINIATURE_BULB_BA9S_BASE_p/cec316.htm

 

What about LEDs? this one is supposed to give up to 135 Lumens output!

https://www.ledlight.com/55-miniature-bulb-ba9s-base-6-volt-smd.aspx

Edited September 19, 2018 by Spinneyhill (see edit history)

[Frank DuVal]

I brought up the non-availability several years ago on the Studebakers Drivers Club forum, and was promptly  told I was imagining a problem. ?

 

I first heard the problem on Antique Radio Forum.

 

So, it seems the major manufacturers have discontinued them, but they are still available, like this hit on a Google search:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Eiko-Mini-Indicator-Miniature-Bayonet/dp/B001DPTSI6/ref=pd_cp_263_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001DPTSI6&pd_rd_r=7ffaf99f-bc80-11e8-9d90-8b493ea953ed&pd_rd_w=8rVGA&pd_rd_wg=Q43ib&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3f5155f5-5438-4fc3-ab83-bf013cfc8883&pf_rd_r=R3PJM85W7JPNY0VCX27P&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=R3PJM85W7JPNY0VCX27P

 

I also bought packs of 10 at Hershey several years ago. A very commonly needed bulb for instrument panels in 6 volt cars. Also in some radios, but they mostly use 53 and 47, which are less candepower, candela, lumens, whatever.....

Edited September 20, 2018 by Frank DuVal (see edit history)

[Friartuck]

Spinneyhill's link revealed this version, one with five side LED instead of surface version: https://www.ledlight.com/ba9s-6-volt-ac-5-led-360-degree.aspx

 

Thanks Spinney!

[Friartuck]

While I'm asking, anyone know of a source for 9mm Bayonet sockets with the spring fingers to insert into the back of gauges/instruments like pictured. Also called snap in sockets.

 

 

Edited September 20, 2018 by Friartuck (see edit history)

[Friartuck]

Sockets are available from Rhode Island Wiring Service.

 

Comparison of 6 volt gauge/instrument bulbs: left to right: #55, #51, #316, #6251, BA9S LED (5 LEDs), and BA9S Short LED.  The 316 and the 6251 seem to be equal and brighter than the original #55. Clearly the #51 is quite dim. The BA9S LED (fifth in the comparison) does produce ample light at a warm color (3000K) and draws less current. The last is also an LED with a lens on top. Its only available in the bright white color (6000K) and even looking straight into the lens isn't that bright. Conclusion: #316 or 6251 from Bulbtown seem better than the original #55.

Edited September 28, 2018 by Friartuck
Updated pic (see edit history)

[Spinneyhill]

Goodness! for an instrument light you might have to dim it! Nice comparison. Thank you for that.