Replacing Instrument Bulbs

911SC Pilot · 09-15-2003, 01:43 PM

I would like to replace my Instrument bulbs in my 76, to make them brighter. On my 76, are the intruments held into the dash using a U shaped bracket, or will I be able to just push them out of the dash ?

CamB · CamB's Garage

Just push them out - last year of u shaped brackets is '69.

911SC Pilot · 09-15-2003, 02:25 PM

Thanks.

Eugene at Pelican Parts · 09-15-2003, 03:00 PM

i was planning on doing this too. can somebody post the type of bulbs needed? thanks.

DJD · 10-28-2003, 04:53 PM

I'm trying to replace the bulbs on my '86. I can't get the instruments to pull out - it's like they're glued in! If I had any finger nails I'd have broken them off by now.

Anybody have any suggestions? I thought about spraying soap/water solution or maybe WD-40, but don't want to screw up the dash covering or risk getting something inside the glass.

mtburman · mtburman's Garage

do search on subject, found suggestion/pulled by getting one to come out then reaching behind and pushing the rest.

BobS · 10-28-2003, 05:11 PM

I have a 77 and my wrench tells me that in order to get my tach fully out (it's dead), after pushing/pulling the guage I have to pull the steering wheel (factory wheel). Can anyone confirm? Thanks.

targa80 · targa80's Garage

I don't think changing the bulbs will improve the quality of light output unless the bulbs are dead. I have replaced burned out bulbs and that helped but they are low wattage incadescent bulbs with minimal light output.

Pulling the steering wheel to remove the tach is not hard if you have the right socket to reach the nut. It would definately give you more room to play around with the guages. If my memory serves me right I have removed the tach two times and I don't think I removed the wheel both times.

1982911sc · 10-28-2003, 05:32 PM

I recently pulled my speedometer. It was a b!itch. I actually was able to push it out from behind the dash through the trunk! I had to remove a few climate control hoses that were in the way, however this was the only way I was able to do it. I had my wife sit in the car and help it out as I pushed (sounds gross!). I had North Hollywood Speedometer send me all new bulbs when the converted my speedo from 85 to 160 MPH. To get the bulb housings out you have to pry the tiny metal lips up that secure the bulb holders (colored-red or orange) in. I believe Pelican sells these bulbs as well. If not call North Hollywood Speedometer, they were great to work with.

I am not sure if you have to remove your steering wheel to get your tach out, I would try the push from behind method first. I bet you can get it out without having to pull the wheel, that in itself would be a pain in the @#%.

stealthn · 10-28-2003, 06:43 PM

I did mine, and it did make them brighter, but they were 24 years old.... Pelican does sell them, get spares too.
Don't use WD40! Just GENTLY pry the front rubber with a screw driver or something else, like opening a delicate paint can. Or you can go in from the trunk and push. Once you get the first one out you can reach behind and push the others.
I had to remove my stock wheel to get the tack out, but some have done it without it. I was replacing my wheel anyway.

Just take your time...

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

Did all my guages when I first got my car. Didn't have to take off the steering wheel to remove the guages, just had to be patient and 'fiddle' a bit. Bought all new bulbs from the local NAPA store for a few bucks, made a big difference - can actually see the guages at night.

caliber60 · 09:16 AM

I can not pull out any gauges by any mean of force. It's impossible. I found a great way eventaully. I have a Snap-On 90 degree hook screwdriver. Stick the hook under the rubber seal and the instrument can be pulled out (from front) with ease. I have pulled both the small an large gauges. I will post the screwdriver picture later. I try to pry with the screwdriver and dented the rubber dash. Do not believe you can pull it out by inserting a credit card. No way. I estimate it's at least 7 to 10 lbs of pulling force. When inserting the instrument with new seal, apply soap water around the new rubber ring, it will slide back in.

MIK911 · 10-29-2003, 08:42 AM

Where exactly are the bulbs/housing located in relation to the instruments? Are the bulb IN the gauge?
Anyone put in colored bulbs? eg orange tinted bulbs like on BMW's?

thanks
mike

steve911 · steve911's Garage

BobS--
To remove the steering wheel, you'll need a 27MM socket. Just pry the cover off the horn pad and the 27MM bolt is right there.

There are 2 different types of bulbs for the instruments - one has bayonet mounts and the other has no base - there is a built-in base in the instrument(s) itself. I can't remember which gauges use which bulbs, though I seem to recall that the speedo and tach use some of each.

the bulbs themselves are available from our host and also any auto parts store (pep boys, autozone, kragen, etc). the bayonet bulb is (I think) 2721; don't recall the base-less bulbs number, but you can just check the bulb book.

I don't know if colored bulbs are available, but I'd be leery of using them in any case - the level of illumination is low as it is, so colored bulbs could make it worse.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Yes, you must remove the steering wheel to remove the tach...but it is not difficult. If you have small hands and are talented you can pull out the speedo and reach behind the tach to change the bulb. They are easier to push than pull out. Once you get any one gauge out, just reach behind the next to push it out....so take out the easiest one first, not necessarily the one you need out. All except the clock...have to reach behind from speedo hole to disconnect. The bulbs are 3898 (12v, 2w) for indicator lamps (1966-89) and 2721 (12v, 1.2 w) for illumination (1969-89).

GoodMojo · 10-29-2003, 06:30 PM

To ask a silly question, does anyone have any pics of an instrument cluster with all lights functioning? Not sure if any of mine are burned out but it does seems a tad dark with the brightness cranked all the way up.

real550A · real550A's Garage

I just replaced some 2watt bulbs in my speedometer on Tuesday.
Using the flat blade on an offset screwdriver, with a credit card to protect the dash at the fulcrum, the gauge slid out easily.
Two of the three were burned out. Bright as could be, now.
Mike

DJD · 10-30-2003, 01:42 AM

Wow! You guys are great. Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll work on it this weekend.
Thanks.
Dennis

Hetmann · 10-30-2003, 01:37 PM

I got my tach out when my wheel was off. I was able to get the illumination bulb sockets out fairly easily. I had a problem with the "Brights" indicator bulb. The one that lights up the little blue spot on the front of the tach. I could not get that thing out of there. Any secrets for that one?

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

If you are having trouble getting the socket and bulb out of the housing, you should be able to gently pry them out with a small screwdriver. To get the bulb out of the socket, push the bulb in slightly and rotate it about a quarter turn counterclockwise. You should feel it loosen, then pull it out.