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I've was working an issue with the charging system on my '38 for some time. When I'd put the car under load the ammeter would go to full discharge. To save a long story I finally determined the ammeter is lying to me since when it's showing a full (20 amp) discharge my multimeter is showing a 7.5 +/- volt charge. I decided to look for a 6v voltmeter to hang under the dash to back up the ammeter. Little did I know that 6v voltmeters are a tad scarce. I finally found one and had to pay way too much for it but it's mine. The next problem was that it's not lit with it's own bulb so I had to figure out a way to illuminate it at night. Below you'll see the solution. The first is a flash pic showing it working (ignition on) but unlit and the second is without flash with the ignition off but the headlights on to show it illuminated.

Flash pic headlights off.

No flash, headlights on.

The light I used is one of these stuck in the hole where the cigarette lighter would go.

Cool. I like that the gauge looks old. And the light sets it off. I think I'd try a red lens if it were mine. The bright white might give you a blind spot at night. My old eyes are that way.

That concerned me too but it doesn't have a lens. It's just an opening in the housing. I did put a #63 bulb in it. That's the lowest output BA15 base 6v bulb I could find. I also made sure the light is pointed down and away from the driver. I haven't actually had the chance do use it at night yet. If necessary I can probably put a piece of red mylar over the opening to dim it a bit. Time will tell.

Might sound cheesy, but try coloring the bulb with a red sharpie if you want it dimmer.

Try a 12v bulb with the same base and glass. It will burn much dimmer on 6v. Maybe too dim(?)

That's a great idea Lonnie. I'll pick up a #67 & try that.

Excellent idea. I put a #67 bulb in the socket and it's just about perfect.