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I never know what information will be hard to find but I didn't think it would ever be about light bulbs. My '48 GMC has been converted to 12V and I'm looking to replace the instrument lights with the same light output as the originals, 1 candlepower and 2 candlepower. The closest I've come so far is a #57 bulb rated at 8amps but it sure seems bright! The rheostat on my original switch is non functional so I can't adjust the brightness. I'm sure part of the problem is asking for candlepower and getting amps but the local parts stores have been unable to help. Does anyone have bulb numbers or access to a chart where I could see what's available?

Thanks, Jim

#57 is used in the 12 volt systems. #53 is a smaller bulb used in the high-beam indicator. You might try that for the gauges.

hi Jim,
a #57 Ba9S mini bayonet bulb should be about 1/4 Amp,
and will likely be a bit brighter than it's equivalent 6V counterpart, the #55
if you want a dimmer bulb you could try a #53

when going to 12V, the equivalent bulb are historically listed as:
#57 12V 3.4W close enough to #55 6V 2.9W
#53 12V 2W close enough to #51 6V 1.5W

6V Ba9S mini bayonet base:
cluster and ignition sw. 2 candle power #55 ~2.9W
high beam indicator 1 candle power #51 ~1.5W

it's important to use the #51 for the high beam indicator
A 55 is a bit too hot for such a small space and the color plastic dot will burn and melt
-s

Jim Carter lists 12V 1 CP (their PN LG 289) and 2 CP (LG 288). Unfortunately they don't list the trade number so you could get them locally. They say the 2 CP is for dash lights and the 1 CP is for High beam indicator, Ignition Switch and glovebox. Cheap enough that you could buy a few to try.
I once saw a crossover listing, but couldn't find it again.
Dang, I was beat to the punch. Good info that 2MT posted

Thanks for that! The Phillips 57B2 draws 3.36 Watts and has 2 candle power output; Phillips 53, 1.7 Watts, 1 candle power. Also GE 53 & 57. The #57 bulb, brand unknown, I got from NAPA draws 8 Watts---no wonder it is so bright! Case Closed!

yes, order a bunch and try them all to find the one you like, shipping is usually more than the bulb.
standard bulb numbers for 6 and 12 volt applications bellow, all these bulbs should fit physically.

BA9S miniature bayonet base bulbs:
#53 14.4 Volt 0.12 Amp 1.728 Watt G3-1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base 1,000 Hour
#57 14.0 Volt .24 Amp 3.36 Watt G4-1/2 Ba9S Base, 500 Hour
#1895 14 Volt .27 Amp 3.78 Watt G4-1/2 Ba9S Base, 2,000 Hour
#363 14 Volt 0.2 Amp 2.8 Watt G3-1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base, 250 Hour
#182 14.4 Volt 0.18 Amp 2.592 Watt G3-1/2 Ba9S Base, 2,000 Hour
#1445 14.4 Volt 0.135 Am 1.872 Watt G3-1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base,  2000 Hour
#293 14 Volt .33 Amp 4.62 Watt G4-1/2 Ba9S Base, 5,000 Hour

#51 7.5 Volt 0.22 Amp, G3-1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base, 1,000 Hour
#55 7.0 Volt .41 Amp 2.87 Watt G4-1/2 Ba9S Base, 500 Hour
#755 6.30 Volt 0.15 Amp 0.945 Watt T3-1/4, Miniature Bayonet Base, 20,000 Hour
#130 6.3 Volt 0.15 Amp 0.945 Watt G3-1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base, 5,000 Hour
#6251 6.0 Volt 0.833 Amp 5 Watt G-4 1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base, 100 Hour
#219 6.3 Volt 0.25 Amp, G3-1/2 Miniature Bayonet Base, 5,000 Hour

Thanks for all the information! While I was typing you guys provided a lot more info. By the way, it's Philips with one "L" not two. Many thanks for the chart 2ManyTrucks!