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Steering column is removed, dash cluster screws out, 1/4 x 20 threaded rod in place. Yup, bit the bullet and am in the middle of making sure all my dash lights are plugged in....in the right sockets. Gonna' fix that freegin left turn signal that flashes in my gas guage!! :crazy:
I know this has been brought up before but in reviewing the archives did not see a specific answer to this:
1. Since I'm in there and even though my bulbs are only 5 years old, is there an upgrade bulb, read this a brighter bulb, that is compatible with the wiring harness and lens covers (HEAT issue)?? I figue if there is now is the time to switch 'em. Anybody out there have any experience if there is.
2. Another "electrical" question...Am I setting myelf up for shorting something out if, after pulling the cluster away from the dash to do this bulb change, I reconnect the battery while the cluster is away from the dash to check my work?
I replaced all my bulbs when I pulled the dash out, but I only used the standard replacement bulbs offered by the vendors. None of the vendors offered upgraded bulbs that I was aware of.
However, I did test the dash lights and electrical guages with the dash slid out on the 1/4 x 20 rods. Had no problem, except for the high beam light was not properly secured. Glad I found that before I secured the dash. Everything still works! Good luck.... :smash: :smash: :smash:
1/4 by 20 threaded rods? What are those for? I haven't pulled a C2 dash in over a decade, so maybe I forgot about these. I sounds like they somehow are used to support the dash when out. :confused:
On another Forum, I remember someone cross referenced these 3-5 candle power bulbs with aircraft dash lights. I do not know if heat was a problem, I would suspect so. But they did find brighter bulbs. Maybe we are getting so old that we are having trouble seeing the gauges?!! :lol:
Louie
The 1/4x20x6 lets you pull the dash out a bit and work on it instead of setting on your lap!
I could only find regular bulbs and yup mine seem dull but then I don't have all the brain cells I had 30 years ago either. :smash: :smash:
6T5Rush, hey man, how are you doing, (my formum mentor)
I would go with the stock type bulbs. They will most likely last longer and thus avoinding this surgical type procedure again. I know those little aircraft bulbs get hotter then ^%$*. They will burn you if you touch them.
Hey guys, thanks for the responses. Love this forum!!!
Andy thanks for the vote of confidence on testing the cluster while it's away from the dash. Got to be a hell of a lot easier to see what still needs connecting.
Hey Ghostrider20, I figured that heat issue would nullify any brightness improvement. Maybe this whole dimming issue is based on the fact that I was just born to early!!! :D Good to see you hangin' in here.
If the bulbs are dim there are three possible problems: a. dirty contacts at the bulb socket b. poor ground at the socket or the dash poorly grounded c. the reostat on the headlamp switch may be dirty or defective. (you do have the lights turned all the way up, don't you?)
There are a couple of other possible problems, but 99% of the time it will be one or more of the above.