BULB BASE FOR VDO GAUGES MADE IN INDIA

Yup...   BA7s is the basic bulb/base on VDO gauges.

@Gordon Nichols, we are waiting with bated breath for you to try the bulbs.

Yeah, Me, too!

VDO India use BA9 base bulbs.  Honestly I can't say I know if there is a huge difference between BA7 and BA9, but BA9 is the correct answer.

After a search, it looks like the 9 and 7 may refer to the diameter in mm.

The sauce thickens....   Or was it the Plot?  BA7s and BA9s are different bulbs.

Older VW (I checked my 1969 VW Speedo), and my Chinese 356 gauges from VS in 1996, both use the same bulbs and they are BA7s or 12829

According to Bulbs America, the BA9s has a 9mm base with parallel pin lugs 180º apart.  You can google Phillips 12929 for more info, or:

https://www.bulbamerica.com/pa...-base-and-bax9s-base

The BA7s is similar, but has longer side tabs, 180º apart, rather than pin lugs.  You can google Phillips 12829 for more info.  

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13442...7e_ulLBoC1v4QAvD_BwE

Base dimensions:  BA7 = .280"   BA9 = .350"

So between the bigger base and different socket retention method, they don't appear to be interchangeable.

To be sure, just pull one of your existing bulbs and compare to the photos linked so you'll know what you need.

@Gordon Nichols posted:

To be sure, just pull one of your existing bulbs and compare to the photos linked so you'll know what you need.

Indeed that would be the sensible thing to do.

But I went ahead and purchased BA7S bulbs from Super Bright LEDs.  I'll keep folks apprised of their fit and performance.

Jason

I designed those gauges (along with Henry from IM) directly with VDO, so you can trust me, you have BA9 bulbs.

Not disputing your design, Carey.  Just pointing out that different bulbs may be used in different (Brazilian vs Chinese vs Indian VDO) gauges that we use in our hodge-podge of different cars.

The bottom line is that it’s always safest to pull what you have and check it out before you go order the wrong stuff.  

@chines1 posted:

I designed those gauges (along with Henry from IM) directly with VDO, so you can trust me, you have BA9 bulbs.

Well, I guess that means I need to order BA9 bulbs.

Does anyone have ideas regarding what to do with the BA7S bulbs when I get them?

Jason