Okay, I got the 1981 245 wagon through smog check successfully and registered today.
Out after dark and the instrumentation/dash lighting is not bright enough. Perhaps this is how it is but I would like it brighter.
Is this the norm? Are there any options?

Thanks

 

Have you tried to adjust the brightness via the **** next to the fog light switch?

 

Yes, actually I cycled it a number of times to be sure the potentiometer was not oxidized.
I have it at it's brightest.

I'm curious if there are aftermarket instrament bulbs that others may have used with success.

Thanks for your reply I appreciate it.

 

If all the lights in the instrument cluster AND the center console are dim then the potentiometer is what I would suspect. If it is just the cluster you could try these:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/ins...ht-bulb-2721mf

Not sure about the lights in the center console.

 

From the Volvo parts catalog The 1981 uses 2, 3 watt incandescent bulbs without a base to illuminate the gauge cluster (yes the are 3 other bulbs in the center console, one over the rear ashtray and probably the shifter that are on that same circuit - but those are little 1.2 watt bulbs)
Later 240s use halogen bulbs with a base that are still only 3 watts but are slightly brighter. Don't think they are interchangeable - but don't have access to a instrument cluster to test.

Neither bulb type is as bright as we are used to seeing in instrument clusters today.
Simply bypass the rheostat if you want to make sure you are getting full voltage to the bulbs.

Incandescent bulb in a 1981 989794

and a halogen bulb with built in base for a later car 989809

 

Try to also wipe some residue off cluster, that's also helps with better illumination.

 

Thanks for all the replies!