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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Instrument light bulb replacement

Posted by: Trevorg7 Dec 28 2005, 11:27 PM

I bought new bulbs for my instrument cluster and before I take it appart to replace the bulbs I am wondering if anyone has done this and has advice.

Do you have to disconnect all the gauges?

Thanks

T

Posted by: dinomium Dec 28 2005, 11:38 PM

It is hard, but it can be done... All of the bulbs are in thier own sockets in the back of the gauge, indicators as well. Trouble is the cluster in wired with lengths of cable that is just enuff to reach. I always end up tugging to hard and disconecting something!
SO if you undo the four screws you can see and the two on the underside of the cluster, you can do a combination of tilting the panel back and pushing the gauges one at a time forward. They are just held in by rubber gaskets... The lighting connections are Blue with Black or Black with white depending on year... black is older I *THINK*
Good luck and go slow

Posted by: pfierb Dec 29 2005, 04:42 AM

QUOTE (dinomium @ Dec 29 2005, 01:38 AM)
It is hard, but it can be done... All of the bulbs are in thier own sockets in the back of the gauge, indicators as well. Trouble is the cluster in wired with lengths of cable that is just enuff to reach. I always end up tugging to hard and disconecting something!
SO if you undo the four screws you can see and the two on the underside of the cluster, you can do a combination of tilting the panel back and pushing the gauges one at a time forward. They are just held in by rubber gaskets... The lighting connections are Blue with Black or Black with white depending on year... black is older I *THINK*
Good luck and go slow

Just replaced some of my instrument bulbs,1973 2.0, was very easy.... pull the guages out of the rubber rings just be gentle seemed to have plenty extra wire.Didn't disconnect any guages ...be careful not to scratch the painted instrument bezel.

Posted by: Trevorg7 Dec 29 2005, 10:01 AM

Thanks guys.

Are there 5 lights total? 2 each on the tach and speedo and 1 on the gas/idiot light gauge?

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 29 2005, 11:56 AM

you can also take off the steering wheel for easier access. just takes a minute but makes working on them gauges easier ...

Andy

Posted by: dinomium Dec 29 2005, 12:54 PM

QUOTE (SirAndy @ Dec 29 2005, 10:56 AM)
you can also take off the steering wheel for easier access. just takes a minute but makes working on them gauges easier ...

Andy

Great excuse to buy impact tools and compressor if you dont have them already!
Is that nut 22mm? I can't remember....

Posted by: Bertus Dec 29 2005, 01:00 PM

Can you get those bulbs from your local auto part store, or do you need to order?

Thanks!

Posted by: pfierb Dec 29 2005, 01:24 PM

QUOTE (Bertus @ Dec 29 2005, 03:00 PM)
Can you get those bulbs from your local auto part store, or do you need to order?

Thanks!

Bought mine from Zims in Texas local flaps didn't have them.

Had to get them from Zims in Texas local flaps didn't have them.

Sorry for the double posting

Posted by: Trevorg7 Dec 29 2005, 01:56 PM

Oh good idea (excuse to use) I have a 33gal compressor and impact tools!!

I bought the bulbs from pelican.

T

Posted by: McMark Dec 29 2005, 02:04 PM

I've had to unclip the speedo cable from above the pedal cluster. There's a clip that keeps it from dangling. Otherwise it's completely doable without disconnecting anything. Sorry Andy, I'm against removing the steering wheel, because sometimes it can be a PITA to reattach straight.

Posted by: dinomium Dec 29 2005, 02:37 PM

I found em at NAPA of all places!

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 29 2005, 05:45 PM

QUOTE (McMark @ Dec 29 2005, 12:04 PM)
Sorry Andy, I'm against removing the steering wheel, because sometimes it can be a PITA to reattach straight.

well, i have an easy solution for you then!

remove the nut, slide wheel out just enough to have it sit flush with the column part, take a good marker and draw a line over both parts.

when you put the wheel back on, simply align it back with the line.

has worked many, many times for me ...
Andy

Posted by: tracks914 Dec 29 2005, 06:09 PM

I replaced mine with the new LED lights bought on this site. They aren't much brighter but the colours are cool. I tried the red and the white but the white looks a bit blueish. They do run cooler though.