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Anyone know how to install a map light bulb in the rearview mirror of a 73? I have tried different sizes of needle nose pliers, stood on my head, while balancing a trouble light. I would just remove the mirror, but a po siliconed the wiring to the mirror, and it had no bulb in it. Also instructions on mirror are worn off.
Hmmmm - didn't know the map light was a 73 option.
I am pretty sure you need to remove the glass from the rubber
surround. The glass is currently out of my 75 w/map light.
I'll try to take a look at it tonight. As I recall, the bulb
is held up by two pieces of springy contacts that hook the loop-
contact at each end of the bulb.
Hmmmm - didn't know the map light was a 73 option.
I am pretty sure you need to remove the glass from the rubber
surround. The glass is currently out of my 75 w/map light.
I'll try to take a look at it tonight. As I recall, the bulb
is held up by two pieces of springy contacts that hook the loop-
contact at each end of the bulb.
I was wondering, I tried to kind of peel the rubber back, but didn't want 7 years bad luck. Although the glue is showing through in the mirror, and should be replaced, I have not seen just the glass, or the whole mirror with map light in catalogs. I saw the lens, and the bulb, got both.
I was wondering, I tried to kind of peel the rubber back, but didn't want 7 years bad luck. Although the glue is showing through in the mirror, and should be replaced, I have not seen just the glass, or the whole mirror with map light in catalogs. I saw the lens, and the bulb, got both.
New mirror glass is easy - just take the old piece or the frame to a
reputable glass shop ... and they should be able to cut/grind you out a
brandy new one. I thought I have seen new mirror glass - but perhaps
that was for outside mirrors.
Just checked ... ZIP has replacement day/night mirror glass for C3s.
How do you remove the glass from the frame? This is on my list of projects as well.
My 75 with map light ... just pull back the edge of the rubber surround
and the glass comes right out.
I checked the light this morning. The bulb suspended between two
copper strips as described above. The bulb also has a stainless steel
reflector/shield that clips onto the bulb before installing. This is the trouble.
With the shield clipped on, the bulb will not fit through the lense
openning. Without the shield, it barely fits through, However, good
luck getting the bulb in place - even if you do get it through.
I would highly suggest removing the glass (carefully - $50 to replace)
to change the bulb. I think you HAVE to - to replace the lense.
BTW - I have no lense - and didn't know there was one 'til now.
While it's apart, take the time to carefully clean the contacts
before buttoning it back up.
My 75 with map light ... just pull back the edge of the rubber surround
and the glass comes right out.
I checked the light this morning. The bulb suspended between two
copper strips as described above. The bulb also has a stainless steel
reflector/shield that clips onto the bulb before installing. This is the trouble.
With the shield clipped on, the bulb will not fit through the lense
openning. Without the shield, it barely fits through, However, good
luck getting the bulb in place - even if you do get it through.
I would highly suggest removing the glass (carefully - $50 to replace)
to change the bulb. I think you HAVE to - to replace the lense.
BTW - I have no lense - and didn't know there was one 'til now.
While it's apart, take the time to carefully clean the contacts
before buttoning it back up.
Good Luck
I will try taking the glass out. I figured that was why it has a rubber suround, but I assumed the glass was glued in, and didn't want to break it. Fifty bucks just for the glass, wow.
per Chev instructions:
to replace bulb, first remove clear lens.Then squeeze side rails and remove lamp body.
squeeze the black plastic piece that holds the light bulb in the middle of the opening that the light comes through. on each rail there is a small tab that secures the housing in to the mirror. Once you squeeze the side rails the light assembly will pull out of the mirror.
Here are some pictures for the 73 vet map light mirror. Take out the lense, it has clips on the 2 short sides. Push gently on the middle of the 2 long sides of the black plastic housing and the whole assembly will come out. mirror with light removed light assembly
Last edited by 73-454VET; Mar 4, 2025 at 12:11 PM.
73 map light
