Gauge Bulb Reference
 

There was a post on here at one time asking about replacement bulbs for the "red" lights in the gauge cluster of older Formulas that didn't manage to go anywhere. Has anyone got a part number or whatnot for these bulbs? My gauges are getting a little dim. 1989 311 sr-1. Thanks.

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Check Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc. they have them in all kinds of colors including red.

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

I checked with AutoZone ....they had no clue ...I found some on the web ...when I find it will post the site ...


here ........
http://www.egauges.com/vdo_agrp.asp?..._Bulbs_Sockets

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Mine are pretty dim also ('89 311). Just figured thats the way they were. Will new bulbs brighten them up?

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Dave ....get your truck goin ?

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Well Mike,
After $600 bucks worth of new tires and $100 bucks worth of alignment and no less than seven different balance evolutions at two different shops, the friggin' thing still vibrates at highway speed. We think it may have a run-out problem with one of the rear axle shafts. It is totally frustrating trying to fix vibration problems.

Did you make the trailer deal, hope all went well.

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Yea.....got it done ...thanks for being a good guy about it all ..... I'll keep a look out for ya ....

we need to get this bulb issue resolved ..I cant stand these dim Gauges

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

I put 10 new bulbs in yesterday . . . and should know next weekend whether I got anywhere. I believe the retail on the VDO bulbs is like $6.00 each . . . so, let me be the idiot guinea pig before anyone else blow the money. And, according to Glencove Marine, LOTO, you can't get the particular VDO gauges used in this vintage 311 anymore and they (being VDO) only used this bulb in that series of gauges. Sweet.

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

That figures,,,,, I just love owning one-off stuff :mad:

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

You might could use LEDs.

Get a superbright red LED. Take 320 paper and scuff the outer surface (cause otherwise they are designed to "shoot" the light out the end like a lens). You'll need to run a resistor on each one, unless you chain 4 of em in series (they like around 2.3 volts, and will only work "one direction" with negative to the short lead I believe). LEDs last forever. I've been using them to replace things like the backlighting in my hot tub panel, and other stuff like that..

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

An update (as I know everyone has been waiting . . . hehhehehe . . not) on the bulb project. New bulbs did nothing for my gauges- still dim. I believe I will be getting the number for AutoMeter, Livorsi, Gaffrig etc. as I am tired of not being able to see my "small" gauges- like fuel -in the dark.

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Like Wise

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Well, that's a bummer Sea. I was hoping you might have some good luck and then we'd all be able to see our gauges. :mad:

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

Just an aside on VDO---the fuel sender has "bass-ackwards" resistance range so when you change fuel guage you MUST change fuel sender. Livorsi says they have one that will work with VDO sender but it ain't so--

Poorsche

www.boatmat.com

Re: Gauge Bulb Reference
 

what size are the Gauges ?

Reviving an old thread here but wanted to share info with those who may still want to get bulbs for the VDO's.

Went to an elctronics shop (not Radio Shack, they are worthless) and bought miniature bublbs. The ones for the small gauges (temp, volt, oil, fuel) are a 97 bulb (wedge style it's called) and the one for the larger gauges (tach, speedo) is a 1297 bulb. They are only available in clear. You may also find them at some auto parts stores as well.

While speaking with the older gentlemen at the store (great guy and knowledgable) he said they are older style automotive bulbs. As far as color, he said they used to have a kit that was essentially lacquer with a thinner and a cup, you would just dunk the end of the bulb in. He said use any fingernail polish (thin it down to get it opaque) and it should dry quickly. Basically you can make them any color you want.

I just replaced all the bulbs in my VDO's (some were very dim) with the clear and they made a huge difference.

Anyway, just some update info on this old problem of getting the bulbs for these older VDO's. Hope it helps.