> For those running alternators, they should burn at 14 volts, no?
Same as for those running generators : maybe.
When the alternator/generator is keeping up with the load (ie engine above
idle) and has fully charged the battery, the battery voltage will be roughly
14 volts. The actual voltage supplied to the instrument lights may be less
though, due to wiring drops, bad grounds, and potentially even a dimmer.
All other factors being exactly the same, a bulb rated at 14v should be
dimmer than a bulb rated for the same power and light output at 12v (when
both are supplied with the same voltage).
But, that doesn't necessarily mean that the #52 bulb Tom mentions is
necessarily dimmer (or brighter) than the standard Lucas 982 bulb. Too many
other unknown variables; for example I have never seen a light output rating
for the Lucas bulbs. Modern bulbs are frequently more efficient at making
light than those made 50 years ago.
There is also the fact that incandescent bulbs almost always lose brightness
as they get older. I've taken out working dash light bulbs that are so
black they can just barely be seen to be lit ! A new almost anything would
be brighter; even those "grain of wheat" bulbs they use in dollhouses.
Randall
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