How replace lights for air/heat lever panel on dash?

Jdub · 11-13-2002, 05:36 AM

Dumb one. Do I *really* have to reach up behind the dash, under the ashtray, to replace the bayonet-style lights that illuminate the defrost/footwell glyphs from the backside? Does the panel simply snap off after removing the lever ends so gain backside entrance to these lights?

Sorry if this sounds confusing, but to detail I have a '78SC that uses three separate tiny bayonet-style lights to back-illuminate the defrost/footwell/air symbols on the dash.

Also, for the socket part of the light, does it go into the holes provided only in a certain way? I note a flat on the socket but see no such flat in the holes (this with a mirror and light to see what's going on!).

Thanks mightily for your help,
John

Rot 911 · 11-13-2002, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jdub
Dumb one. Do I *really* have to reach up behind the dash, under the ashtray, to replace the bayonet-style lights that illuminate the defrost/footwell glyphs from the backside? Does the panel simply snap off after removing the lever ends so gain backside entrance to these lights?John

Yes you have to reach up behind the dash and no you can't "snap" the panel off. You try pulling on that panel and you are in for a very expensive repair.

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

JDUB - I will be monitoring this to see if there is an easier way. You have to be a contortionist to get thos bulbs in! I replaced one of them (lower right) and must not have gotten it in all the way and it appears as if the bulbs heat melted the socket? The tension on the wire won't let it go in all way? After putting it back in about six time I just let it float under the dash until it finally burned out!

Jdub · 11-13-2002, 09:47 AM

Well let me share how much of a PIA this is. I went to remove the lower right bulb, and managed to pull the sockets *only* from the two bulbs on the left (which of course remained in the holes)! The bulbs would NOT come out of their respective holes and I finally had to crush the bulbs and blow out the remnants. I know this question is pretty low on the list of important Pcar antics, but I am a stickler for getting all the little things right.

Here is a tip for y'all. If the white covering over the backlit icon/glyphs on this panel has scraped off, mix up Testor's white enamal with a very, very small amount of thinner to replace the old white covering. Then, take some Vaseline and smear it directly across each glyph you will be repainting (in my case, the word 'FAN" and the two upper and lower text bits). Now, carefully, wipe directly across with very little pressure so that only the highest points of the text no longer has Vaseline on it.

Paint the areas as carefully as possible, but you can overpaint knowing that the Vaseline will prevent the paint from adhering to any non-text area. Let this dry for two days min. Then wipe the Vaseline off and see where you are. Paint that is where it should not be can be picked off with a toothpick. Repeat this procedure to get areas you meant to paint.

John