I agree with Rockwell's post. While I typically try to find an OEM or better solution to my problems, -or at least try to stay within the manufactuer's specs, I had the hardest time trying to find Volvo replacement bulbs for my instrument cluster. The Volvo part number that's listed in the owners manual did not cross reference with anything that I could find, -short of a 1 hour drive to the closest dealership.

Recently, while I had my instrument cluster apart, I replaced the bulbs with some generic off-the-shelf bulbs from NAPA. The replacement bulbs seemed to be a significant amount brighter. I would guess that they are either a higher wattage bulb, or the prior bulbs were aproaching the end of their service life. (they hadn't started to 'silver' the inside of the glass yet but they were dim enough that I was running the dimmer at almost full power). For safety, I don't run them at full power to avoid potentially warping the plastic housings. I also only turn them up about 65% of the way for comfortable night driving.

As a precaution when installing new bulbs, try to avoid getting your hand oils on them. A quick cleaning of the new bulb with rubbing alcohol and installing it using a clean rag will help the bulb run cooler, brighter, and have a significantly longer service life. -I'm not kidding, it really works. By running them at a lower intensity or reducing the amount of heat in a bulb you gain exponential growth to the life of a bulb.

For a few months after acquiring the car, I pondered and thought of a way to backlight the gauges. I have since given up after determining that this could not be done without a LOT of time and fabricating many custom parts at home. If it were possible, I'd install a set of white faced gauges from a mid-90s Nissan Maxima with the white backlit numbers. If you've ever driven on a set of these gauges at night, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Very easy on the eyes, and very cool to look at.

God bless, and may His light shine upon you.
Fitz Fitzgerald.
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'87 Blue 245, NA 214K