gauge cluster questions

[newoldguy]

This is my first time down this road so am seeking the counsel and wisdom of those of you who have been here before. I have my gauge cluster out and on the bench. I want to accomplish two things:
1) replace bulbs.
2) do the "repair" on the light tunnels
First, I can see about 12 black-backed small bulbs and 3 white-backed larger bulbs. I can remove them by turning 1/4 turn counterclockwise. I thought maybe I could replace just the bulb and keep the base but they don't appear to come apart. Am I correct in assuming that I can easily go find and buy the whole replacement bulb and base?
Second, do you get to the reflective side of the light tunnels by taking out the 9 phillips head screws that appear to hold the circuit side of the back to the cluster? Then it would just separate I guess.
Sorry for being so hesitant but I sure don't want to mess up an expensive part here. And thanks for anyones input in advance.!!
Curtis' '87 944 na

[Sergio]

the bulbs pull out of the base, you replace just the bulb. Try and get three watts instead of the stock two watts. As far as the tunnels that reflect the light. its actually the outside of the plastic elements that has the paint, just flip the guage cluster over. Take some brake cleaner and carefully wipe the old silver paint off. Several of us have tried to use chomepaint to repaint it, but its only chrome on the side that is exposed to air, not the side that dries to the plastic. The cheapest and best bet is to get some aluminum foil and cover the bottom of the guage cluster with it, make sure you get it on the sides of the elements too. Cover it with tape to avoid tearing it when you re install the cluster. note. Masking tape dries out very quickly and becomes weak when used here. Maybe Duct tape would work better. Thats it, if you use 2 watt bulbs you will be happy with the highest setting, If you use 3 watts, you can read a book by the dashlights.


keep us posted.

Sergio

[AFJuvat]

Ok, my 2 cents.

Use all due care in removing the gauge cluster from the car - a static electricity jolt can ruin your whole day (to replace the gauges, you are looking at $1400)

You can get bulbs for the warning lights from Pelican (about $2.50 a bulb if memory serves) The lights for the tunnels are available at any auto parts store.

I redid the light tunnes like this:

1. Remove all of the old coating (sandpaper/brake fluid etc...)
2. Polish the plastic with nevr-dull'
3. Use a mix of white glue and water (you are looking for the consistancy of pancake syrup here)
4. Use above mix to attach aluminum foil to the light tunnels - coat the foil with the glue, and burnish it down with a wet Q-tip

Total cost for this upgrade/fix: $5.00 (for new bulbs)

Any questions, email me, will be happy to help

AFJuvat

[Moneyguy1]

Hey, folks...

Forget trying to glue aluminum foil. Go to Home Depot or any other similar store. In the heating section they sell a reflective aluminum tape which is used for wrapping joints in furnace/water heater ductwork. Better adhesion than duct tape and resistant to heat.

Enjoy!!

Bob S.