I agree with Ray.  As far as I have found, the later TR6s (73+ ?) used a 
sort of circuit board rheostat where earlier ones used a stout wound-wire 
set into a ceramic backing.  These early types must be better at heat 
dissipation because both my later cars had inop rheostats.  The printed 
circuit lines were melted and may be a source of the dreaded under-dash 
fire.
  Anyway, I replaced my fried printed-circuit type with an old TR4 one and 
it works great...which means I leave it set at the zero resistance position 
and the dash lights are just barely adequate.  I haven't thought too much 
about it, but the later-type dimmer switch may somehow  work differently 
than the earlier type.
   Maybe there's a 4-watt bulb out there?
Jeff
CF13816U
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ray Drinkwater" <raydrink@tiscali.co.uk>
To: "6 Pack" <6pack@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 11:35 PM
Subject: Re:Instrument Bulbs
> Mike,
>
> Only two potential issues spring to mind, which would probably stop me
> following the same route, but I hope it works out for you. One is the 
> extra
> heat generated by 8 watts in the confined space of each instrument. 
> Secondly,
> the panel rheostat will be taking almost 4 times the current - and it's 36
> years old. Fire hazard?
>
> Keep us posted,
>
> Ray
 
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