Hello, all. I have just bought a 1993 945 to replace my totaled 1993 945. This seems to be a very good car so far. Low miles (128K) is what made me go for it. It has some need for TLC, but other than that seems good. One item on the list is the dash lights. You know, the ones that are permanently attached to a plastic base and go behind the switch panel and climate control panel. Also, the cigarette lighter bulb is out and so are the shifter bulbs. I think I can live without the shifter and cigarette lighter (it's blue!), but the others would be nice to replace. I pulled the bulbs and they are definitely bad as indicated by an ohmmeter. The dimmer switch works (radio lights work fine and dim down as do instrument lights). I was shocked to find out that these little lamps cost upwards of $8 each at FCP (Genuine Volvo!). I think I need 4 or 5 of them, which makes the cost a bit ridiculous for what it is. I am wondering if anyone out the figured out an alternative for a relatively handy person to do. LEDs, perhaps or the Radio Shack #272-1141 bulb that can be soldered into the base? Any better ideas? Surely, this has been an issue for people. Not sure $40 for light bulb replacement is okay with most RWD Volvo owners. Any thoughts? I am going to see if some LEDs can be used. Those simply will not burn out and are relatively cheap to buy. Will need some resistors to drop the voltage from 14.5V down to about 4V, but that's easy enough...

Any thoughts?
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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers