TR6 Instrument & other bulbs for TR6

[2wrench]

Thanks to Brosky and Tinster for replies regarding
my question of where to find replacement bulbs for
the TR6.

I found that The Roadster Factory, aka TRF, is the choice
between Moss and TRF because their stock is thorough and
well displayed (bulbs pictured). I freaked out when
I saw what Moss offered, which was only a few bulbs;
although those few could cover a number of things.

I am still learning the ropes. Hope this helps some
other newbie from having the "freakout" experience.
Dennis.

 

[Brosky]

Dennis, bulbs are the easy parts. Save your freak outs for the fun stuff, like clutches and exhaust systems. Plenty of time ahead you for those little items.

 

[2wrench]

Paul: It's just because I'm maturing into this. I've
owned the car a short time. You know how it is ....

I want this and this and this and...

Finally conceded what I've dreaded ... tore into the
dash this afternoon.

You got more than a chuckle out of me with the oxymoron
joke. Good stuff. Help from the group empowered me to
remove the rheostat knob, then the...etc.

Moving slowly because I want to minimize mistakes. I am rather impatient, but trying to control myself.

Hope all is well with your stuff.
Take care,
Dennis.

 

[Brosky]

Dennis,

Unless you find that all of your bulbs are blackened, you may not gain a lot of additional glow from the new bulbs. If you remove any of the gauges, you will see the little green tinted lenses inside of where the bulb sits. Or at least they should be green. They may have become very dirty and are part of the problem. Now if you take the time to clean those and replace the bulbs, then you'll have better results.

Taking the gauges apart to clean the entire assembly may be more that you're will to take on at this time. Just replace the bulbs, clean the lenses if possible and enjoy the "glow".

Good luck,

 

[Tinster]

Dennis,

Listen to Paul about the gauges. Leave them for
a future project. I'll walk you thru the gauge
refurbish process. I'm fairly good at rehabbing things.

The lights in the dash NEVER were bright. We are
used to modern age high intensity dash lighting.
The older Brit cars had what we now call "mood"
lighting. All the Smith gauges are back-lit. No
direct light path thru the gauge. They will never
be bright so don't be tempted to install higher
watt bulbs.

Your gauge lighting WILL brighten up once you refurbish
them and the insides are clean and white. But leave that
for another day.

The breen and blue tinted lens Paul speaks of will
be brittle and cloudy. You can gently poke them with
a screwdriver and they will shatter. That will make
your gauges a small bit brighter. I took them out
completely in mine.

Most of the dash bulbs are torpedo tube bulb holders.
Get a bag of 00 or 000 steel wool and polish everything
to brilliant, including the bulb stems. You might have
some dirty connections.

Here's some "been there done that" advice. Go purchase
a 12 motorcycly battery, about $40 here on the island.
Use it check all your bulbs and bulb holders. Sometimes
the bulb is good but the holder is corroded.

You will find many uses for the 12v battery.

hope this helped ya,

Tinster in 82* Puerto Rico

 

[Brosky]

Or buy a 12V power supply that you can turn on and off at will. Not as portable, but never needs charging.