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In regards to LEDs in the dash/cluster lights, they make things significantly brighter. But, you have to use the right sort of bulbs. First, if you want to retain the ability to dim, then you need to make sure the bulbs are actually dimmable ones. 2nd, regular incandescent bulbs are omni-directional. Which means they shine line is a 360 pattern. Individual LED elements are uni-directional, they only shine line in one direction. This is why many LED bulbs have multiple elements. Must dash gauge light illuminate light sideways. So you need LED bulbs with elements on the sides. Otherwise the LEDs will actually look dimmer.

If you look through my '37 project blog, I show examples of the LED bulbs I used and the before and after of how it changed the brightness.