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Necoa #: 11238
Location: 13(TX)
Joined: Mar 10, 2008
Posts: 51
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue
May 06, 2008 9:35
am Post subject: changing dash bulbs?
first i want to start with a simple THANK YOU to everyone on this site as you have all been very kind and helpful!
now for the problem ..my car failed inspection because the light doesn't come on inside the dash when i turn the left turnsignal on. now this should be a simple bulb replacement. My question however is, is there a easy way to change it without ripping out the entire cluster?
Necoa #: 4481
Location: 6(FL)
Joined: Dec 13, 2004
Posts: 241
Year: 1981
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue
May 06, 2008 1:07
pm Post subject:
You will need to take the cluster cover off then take off the black trim around the guages off the clear plastic peice attaches to it. Then pull the green plastic off and the foam behind it and you will be able to see the turnsignal bulbs. you may have to take the plastic peice off around the bulbs. It's very simple i can do it in 20 minutes easy. _________________ Steven Martin
Red 1947 chevy Fleetmaster coupe
Blue 1981 El Camino
Purple 1983 El Camino
Pearl White 1980 malibu wagon
Necoa #: 11238
Location: 13(TX)
Joined: Mar 10, 2008
Posts: 51
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue
May 06, 2008 7:54
pm Post subject:
blue81elcamino wrote:
You will need to take the cluster cover off then take off the black trim around the guages off the clear plastic peice attaches to it. Then pull the green plastic off and the foam behind it and you will be able to see the turnsignal bulbs. you may have to take the plastic peice off around the bulbs. It's very simple i can do it in 20 minutes easy.
thanks for the reply ..i got pissed so i just removed the five nuts that hold the entire gauge pod/housing on and slid my hand in just enough to reach the bulb and finally got it out haha ugh what a pain. oh well as long as it doesnt burn out for a while ill be ok.
Posted: Thu
May 15, 2008 4:07
pm Post subject: removing entire cluster??
How about the steps to remove the entire cluster to replace w/a console shift cluster? Does the entire dash pad have to come out as well or just the instrument cluster insert?
Posted: Fri
May 16, 2008 9:59
pm Post subject: Re: removing entire cluster??
hawaii1984 wrote:
How about the steps to remove the entire cluster to replace w/a console shift cluster? Does the entire dash pad have to come out as well or just the instrument cluster insert?
When I changed mine from column to floor shift, I didn't change the instrument cluster. It sounds wierd, but the column shift linkage stays connected to the transmission and is moved by the floor shifter ('84 El Camino). That way the neutral safety switch and reverse light switch in the steering column still work as stock -- plus the gear indicator needle in the instrument cluster. I pulled out the column shift lever and let the ring that held the lever rotate with the shifter.
Posted: Sat
May 17, 2008 3:01
am Post subject: Re: removing entire cluster??
hawaii1984 wrote:
How about the steps to remove the entire cluster to replace w/a console shift cluster? Does the entire dash pad have to come out as well or just the instrument cluster insert?
If you need to get at the gear indicator in the dash you will only need to pull the gauge cluster out. The rest of the dash can stay in place. _________________ My "Hell Camino" Homepage
1981 Chevy El Camino
1991 Chevy S10
"Attitude is everything"
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