'51 Shoebox Instrument Cluster

[Shoebox]

I have the speedo/gauge cluster out of my'51, actually I have the whole dash out, installing new firewall pad and electric wipers, heater core and such. Anyhow, I read somewhere that in the gauge cluster there are some light diffuser things, intended at the time, to enhance gauge lighting. Some say that now, it is best to remove these (plastic?) parts. I am hesitant to open up this virgin assembly until I know just why or what I am going to do. I have converted to 12V and will at least have the brighter 12V bulbs, can anyone shed some light (I'm sorry) on this subject?


Thanks guys!

[Pat/Ohio]

Shoebox, I know the '50 had the (glass) diffusers. Not certain about the '51. My '50 still has the diffusers and light will hardly penetrate them. It is still 6 volts. Did your dash lights work? Could you see the cluster at night? I know of some folks that used a small punch to break the glass diffusers while they were still in the cluster. The glass would fall to the bottom of the cluster out of the way. I believe there are four diffusers and they broke 2 of them. If you still have the diffusers, I would remove them while you have the dash out. I just purchased a '51 Victoria (12 volts) and haven't had time to check behind the dash yet. The dash cluster on it is bright at night.

Stay Safe,
Pat

[5851a]

The black light diffuser was used to work with radium numbers and markings on the gauges, as they get older the radium doesn't glow so much. When they were newer, they were the coolest dash. Shut the lights off and the dash would continue to glow for a while.

[Dan in MI]

Attached is a picture of the diffusers I removed from my 49 IP. I disassembled the cluster to get at them. To remove you need to straighten the 2 tabs on the chrome ring that holds it in place. The tabs are on the backside next to the light socket, see attached picture. after the ring is off the diffuser will probably be stuck due to the cork gasket. I used a piece of wooden dowel from the backside and tapped them until they came off.

I am still using 6 volts and replaced the bulbs with LED ones. It is bright now. One thing to consider is the glare on the windshield from the bulbs at night. This is a common complaint, maybe using the dimmest bulb that still illuminates the gauges would be best.

[Don T]

/www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303355. Another thread about the same subject. The thread is pretty much self explanatory, I am happy with my conversion to "regular" light bulbs and using the rheostat in the truck switch to control brightness. More than one way to skin a cat!

[Shoebox]

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Most appreciative of the responses, pics and link. This is what I was trying to describe, just wondering if this feature continued into 1951.

[highbeams]

I use a 'bulb that illuminates in color in my '68 Mustang - possibly there are 6v available. You'll never 'go back' to boring illumination. FYI - thank you.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by highbeams

I use a 'bulb that illuminates in color in my '68 Mustang - possibly there are 6v available. You'll never 'go back' to boring illumination. FYI - thank you.

I have converted to 12 volt, but I agree I am looking for "improved" lighting, however that comes about. Thanks.

[paul2748]

I used LED bulbs for the dash in my 54 (12V). Tremendous difference.

[drolston]

Originally Posted by paul2748

I used LED bulbs for the dash in my 54 (12V). Tremendous difference.

Do the LED bulbs fit the existing bulb sockets? If so, I might try some in my '41, which with red needles against gold instrument faces are hard to read, even in daylight. I actually carry little LED flashlight at my side when driving. I believe Ford switched to white needles later in the '41 model year.

[Joe B.]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Most appreciative of the responses, pics and link. This is what I was trying to describe, just wondering if this feature continued into 1951.

According to the 49-51 "green bible" shop manual, the 49 and 50 used the special "black light" filters. "1951 instruments are illuminated by direct light".

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by Joe B.

According to the 49-51 "green bible" shop manual, the 49 and 50 used the special "black light" filters. "1951 instruments are illuminated by direct light".

Joe B, thanks for the response. Closer examination of my gauge cluster showed no sign of these "filters". Kinda hoping that just the use of 12v bulbs will give me a brighter display.

[farmertom]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Joe B, thanks for the response. Closer examination of my gauge cluster showed no sign of these "filters". Kinda hoping that just the use of 12v bulbs will give me a brighter display.

Hey shoebox,i realize this is a older thread,but i jus traded my '37 fordor in for a '51 crestline. the car was restored not too long ago,motor rebuilt new interior, gaskets and more. i will take posesion i a couple days.when i looked and drove the '51 the dash lights did not work and did not try to turn light knob to brighten up. the car has been converted to 12volt with a powergen. to my understanding ford had installed underdash somwhere a elec.device to reduce 12v to 6v even after they at factory switched to 12v in 1958. so im wondering which bulbs to try 6 or 12volt. i will probably have more questions for you as you seem to be a very good resource along with all the build sheet receipts when i get them with car. thanks in advance. Tom.

[Gene1949]

Red LEDs after removing the "defusers"
Lot of light and won't destroy your night vision.

[joe 1950]

My little trick was to bust out the old defueser with a small doll and then I painted the new bulbs with a red krylon because my dash is red and turned out great still 6 volt