View Full Version : The gauges don't have sockets for bulbs don't light up
Purchased a used 1965 factory five Shelby cobra...everything in vehicle seems to have been built correctly...problem is no gauge lights....were their gauges used in the kits that didn't have lights in the gauges? Can't see sockets in back of gauges.
edwardb
09-02-2016, 07:05 PM
Welcome to the forum. Hard give a very specific answer without more details about the gauges. But the gauges sold for some years aren't incandescent and there are no bulbs to replace. They have solid state lighting. Just like regular production cars have had for a number of years. If all are not working, it's likely a wiring issue of some kind.
bil1024
09-02-2016, 09:10 PM
Can you post a pic of gauges ? Are they Autometers or donor ?
AC Bill
09-03-2016, 12:50 AM
Found this in the FAQ section. Perhaps give it a shot.
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/faq.php?faq=vb3_user_profile#faq_vb3_albums
Car was built around 2001-2002. My best quess would be from doner mustang. 1997-2003 year mustang. Back of gauges look like the ones pictured on page 74 of 427 factory five racing roadster assembly manual. If I figure out picture post will do so. Thanks
Trouble figuring out if I have illumination in gauges and they don't light or is it possible that there was never any illumination in gauges...car has the Mustangs dimmer switch mounted in same place as directed by assembly instruction...the dimmer will turn on and off the cabin lights mount above left and right foot well.. Should I find a gauge illumination wire be run from dimmer to gauges ? Very confused as how to figure out the no light in gauge problem. Just don't know what to look for. Need advise.
Thanks in advance for any. Help that could be given.
AC Bill
09-05-2016, 12:50 PM
So after a brief search over on the FFCars forum, one fellow who has built 15 FFR roadsters, says this.
"You will not be able to have gauge lighting with the stock gauges... unless you get creative and use the entire gauge pod intact,,,,, which has been done."
So if your gauges have been separated, as was the most common way of placing the donor gauges in the dash, (to look more "original"), it looks like your hooped.
It might not be a huge challenge to install a couple bulbs, to shine down on to the gauges, so at least you can see them when driving at night.
A small hood over them, so they don't blind you. Maybe red bulbs, so they aren't so bright, or at least connected to the dimmer switch.
Thanks for the info. Decided to rig some led lights up behind the dash and shield them so excessive light doesn't shine down into the cabin and illuminate the gauges....thanks for your help