Converting Old Light Bulb Number Help

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by BuddyBrad, Jun 24, 2008.

  1. BuddyBrad

    BuddyBrad Keep Your Holster Greased

    My '71 GS Convertible owner's manual specifies for the rear courtesy lights, a 212 bulb rated at 6 candlepower. Neither Pep Boys or AutoZone know what I'm talking about.

    Does anyone know what this might convert to in modern bulb model numbers? Or, where can I buy 2 old numbered 212 bulbs?

    Thanks,
    BuddyBrad
     
  2. Topless64-455

    Topless64-455 Well-Known Member

  3. BuddyBrad

    BuddyBrad Keep Your Holster Greased

    The 212-2 bulb is the tube type with contacts at either end. The 212 bulb I need is the type that goes into a spring loaded socket just like the taillights except there is only 1 filament like a backup light. It has to be physically smaller than a backup light though.

    NAPA is a good idea. Thanks!
     
  4. kevin mcculloug

    kevin mcculloug 72 GS 455 Convertible

    NAPA did have a bulb that I made work . It was the right diameter , but had two small protrusions that hold in a slot after you press it in and turn. Problem is , they are offset and the originals were straight across from each other. I simply filed one off . It works fine. But now that I think back to doing it , the socket appeared to have been changed at one time with something real close . Maybe the original socket will line up fine . Give it a try .
     
  5. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Put 212 bulb into Google and got this place, K.A.R. AUTO GROUP (800) 341-5949 Part # ELE-212 Does this look like the bulb you need?
     

    Attached Files:

  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    It's a Mustang site, but hey, if they sell the bulb you need.

    http://www.karmustang.com/

    Click on Mustang Parts and Kits, then click to shop securely, then put in the part number ELE-212, and click go
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  8. BuddyBrad

    BuddyBrad Keep Your Holster Greased

    Larry,

    The ELE-212 is the winner! That's what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, when I go to www.karmustang.com and search for it - I can't find it. Guess I can call them tomorrow.

    I wouldn't be afraid to try the 631 either. The voltage and size are right. I'm not sure what a few of the other codes are, but maybe one of them means 6 candlepower which is what the book calls for.

    Thanks for the valuable assistance.

    Brad
     
  9. monkeyy337

    monkeyy337 monkeyy337

    I ordered some bulbs for a 1970 Opel Gt last month from www.bulbtronics.com and they have a toll free number as well. There system will convert the number over to there new number.
     
  10. BuddyBrad

    BuddyBrad Keep Your Holster Greased

    Thanks Monkey - I'll try bulbtronics.

    Just checking Napa's site, I see two very possible bulbs that might work.

    BK5421445 is for the clock and rated at 14.4V. Candlepower N/A

    BK5820089 is for underhood and trunk rated at 13V and 6 candelpower.

    I'm guessing the the 89 is closer to what I want. The 2 bulbs both have the same base, but a different shape. For $1.19 each - I can splurge and buy 2 of each!
     
  11. BuddyBrad

    BuddyBrad Keep Your Holster Greased

    I thought my problem was solved, but apparently not. After doing some more bulb research, I bought a set of #89 bulbs at the auto parts store. This bulb is specified for the under-hood & trunk light and puts out 7.54 watts. As soon as I plugged one of them in - POP, the fuse blew. Obviously, this must be too much wattage. The 212 bulb must be around 2 or 3 watts. ??? Who knows?

    The only other bulb that looks to be the right size is #97, but that's 9.32 watts.

    I'll have to see what # the front courtesy lights are. They may be #89, but the rear ones in the sail panels can't be.

    By the way, the base is referred to as a S.C Bayonet (single contact).
     
  12. Jim Cannon

    Jim Cannon Loves that Dynaflow hum!

    Here is a handy reference page for ALL of your lamp and bulb cross-reference needs:

    http://www.donsbulbs.com/

    You do not need to buy bulbs from him, just look up alternate numbers or bulbs of slightly different candlepower. I used this site to find numbers for slightly brighter bulbs for the instruments on my '63 Riv. It helped find bulbs with correct base.

    Jim
     
  13. IDOXLR8

    IDOXLR8 Senior Member

    Is this the bulb that fits in the arm rests in a drop top? I think that is a daul contact on the lower base and does not use the base as a ground. If this is the case DO NOT use a single base #89 bulb this will burn up your harness! The bulb number you listed I think is still current, If you can't find it let me know I may have a few, AL.
     
  14. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The site I linked sells them. All he needs to do is order them.
     
  15. BuddyBrad

    BuddyBrad Keep Your Holster Greased

    Al you're right. The 89 is a single contact bulb and I needed a dual contact. Thank goodness for fuses! I popped a couple of them until I spoke to someone that showed me what to get. The TA90 or just plain 90 bulb works perfectly. They are redily available on any auto part's store shelf.

    The web site www.donsbulbs.com is an excellent site for light bulb info. The guy must have spent years putting all that data on the Internet. Too bad his minimum order is $40.


    Thank you all for your support.

    BuddyBrad
     
  16. IDOXLR8

    IDOXLR8 Senior Member

    Cool! I've seen the wrong bulb in that socket burn up the wire at the fuse box, you my friend are very lucky, AL.
     
  17. IDOXLR8

    IDOXLR8 Senior Member

    You should have seen the many bulbs used in my 68 Corvette restoration. I used the assembely manual and converted the GM part numbers. My under dash lights are dual filament single contact bulbs like your 212 bulb. The only incorrect bulbs on the car are the headlights, I like seeing at night (BTW I do have the 4 T3s that came with it, AL.
     
  18. thepartsman

    thepartsman Back Ordered Again ?

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