1968 Trick to getting brighter dash lights

[Born1968]

The trick to getting brighter dash lights 1st you need a motorcraft 1967 cougar headlight switch You also need a motorcraft electronic voltage regulator please understand those are the stock bulbs not LEDs
Check all grounds
this should make your dash lights brighter

 

[franklinair]

What voltage do you read as the alternator output? (It should read 13.3 to 13.7 max)

Neil

 

[Born1968]

What voltage do you read as the alternator output? (It should read 13.3 to 13.7 max)

Neil

I believe its in that range my alternator is a power master

 

[1968Cally]

A new Motorcraft cougar swith or a NOS or used one?

 

[franklinair]

IIRC, the Cougar H/L switch has higher internal fusing value due to operating 4 headlights when on Hi-Beam as opposed to a Mustang with only 2 headlights on Hi-Beam. The Instrument Light rheostat should be the same resistance on either type of switch.
The only way I see the Instrument Lights being brighter would be the V/R allowing the Alternator to put out higher voltage. That's why I asked about the Alternator output voltage level. (Should be 13.3 to 13.7 volts)
Someone @ WCCC should know for sure.

Neil

 

[wallace]

Hi which voltage regulator, the instrument voltage regulator or the one on the radiator support? Wally

 

[Mosesatm]

I don’t think the dash lights go through the gauge regulator.

 

[franklinair]

Correct, Only the instruments are powered by the IVR. The instrument lights are 12V powered by the Alternator & Voltage Regulator.
LEDs and clean diffusers (the blue light bulb covers) would brighten the dash lights.

 

[wallace]

I did what was reported. Definitely a little brighter but I think I need to clean the diffusers and do LEDs

 

[franklinair]

You might want to replace the old blue diffusers. They become cloudy over the years. and fresh ones are much better.

Neil

 

[franklinair]

LED's & NEW blue diffusers will make a world of difference. WCCC has a video on this.

Neil

 

[wallace]

Neil,

Thank you as always! Wallace