Switch Panel Lighting On My 1990 Bayliner Capri 1800

[Derrick Fronckowiak]

I own a 90 Bayliner Capri 1800 Bowrider that I'm doing a little electrical restoration work on. I'm installing replacement gages and additional gages on my dash (no problems with that), but I also want to add switch lighting. The original rocker switches on the dash (there are three on each side) appear to have light receptacles for each switch in the back of each switch panel so you can identify each switch's purpose while in the dark. But evidently this boat model wasn't wired for the lights. I tried to attached a few pics that show what the light receptacles look like, but I get an upload error message when I try. Does anyone know what these lights for these kinds of receptacles look like? Further, (and more important) anybody have any part numbers for these kinds of lights? Appreciate the help.

 

[Derrick Fronckowiak]

Here's the pics of the rocker switch lighting receptacles on the back.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I believe you'll find the sockets are called "Twist-lock" bases,....
'n I also believe they use the wedge base bulbs, the most common of which is the #194 bulbs,....
Look here,....

 

[Silvertip]

Bondo's link gives you an idea what the lamp "sockets" look like but there are a couple different types. The lamp holders (sockets) will have either two metal tabs and no wires, or it will have two wires. You cannot use the two metal tab design because those tabs carry current to the lamps. The area in the back of your panel does not have the negative and positive current paths on it so you will need to use the lamp holders with two wires. These are usually white rubber, are very common for decades on GM cars and can be found at nearly any auto store. Buy just one to make sure they fit properly. If those work, then bundle one lead from each lamp holder and connect them to the hot gauge light circuit. Bundle the other wire from each lamp holder and connect those to ground. Those lights will then be on any time the instrument lights are on. Those lamp holders as indicated above accept 194 lamps.

 

[Derrick Fronckowiak]

Thanks Bondo and Silvertip. I foolishly bought T3 lights and they were very small, way too small. Looks like T5 is the right size. 194 lamps...got it. OK. We'll give this a shot. Thank you both!!