Dashboard Replacement question on 81
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 307
Likes: 4
From: Thousand Oaks Calif.
Dashboard Replacement question on 81
Getting ready to replace my dashboard on my 81 and while having it opened figured I would replace all the bulbs.
1) How many bulbs are there?
2) What type of bulbs are they?
3) Should I replace them with the same ones or are there other options
that I might like?
4) I’m planning on replacing the clear lens covers for the speedometer,
tachometer and gauge's.
Anything else I should replace while I have it all open?
Thanks.
1) How many bulbs are there?
2) What type of bulbs are they?
3) Should I replace them with the same ones or are there other options
that I might like?
4) I’m planning on replacing the clear lens covers for the speedometer,
tachometer and gauge's.
Anything else I should replace while I have it all open?
Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 408
Likes: 1
From: Ormond Beach Florida
Getting ready to replace my dashboard on my 81 and while having it opened figured I would replace all the bulbs.
1) How many bulbs are there?
2) What type of bulbs are they?
3) Should I replace them with the same ones or are there other options
that I might like?
4) I’m planning on replacing the clear lens covers for the speedometer,
tachometer and gauge's.
Anything else I should replace while I have it all open?
Thanks.
1) How many bulbs are there?
2) What type of bulbs are they?
3) Should I replace them with the same ones or are there other options
that I might like?
4) I’m planning on replacing the clear lens covers for the speedometer,
tachometer and gauge's.
Anything else I should replace while I have it all open?
Thanks.
2. Check hot water control vacuum switch.
3. Check all HVAC acuators for proper operations.
4. Seal all HVAC duct connections with appropriate material.
5. Check wiper switch for operation.
6. Check headlight switch and all vacuum hoses.
7. Check circuit board for instruments.
8. Check speakers and wiring connections.
9. Check all fuses and replace if in doubt to condition.
10. Replace all bulbs so you never have to go back in there again.
11. Test everything you have done before re-assembly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I just did this job on my '81.
scorpion18z has given you some excellent things to check. I'd change the wiper switch and headlight switch while your in there. There is a reproduction wiper switch that just came out. I didn't want to do this job again. Willcox Corvette's website has instructions on how to access the switch and clean it, if you decide to reuse your old one.
There are roughly 20 or so bulbs. The owner's manual calls for 194 bulbs although you can use the 168 as it is slightly brighter. Others have replaced the bulbs with plugin led bulbs. Many posts on what type to purchase. I didn't like the blue look of the led bulbs on the gauge faces. I think I purchased the wrong type of led bulb. I am very happy with the way mine turned out. You can actually see the gauges at night now.
The bulb in the dash above the ac control is a special bulb available at Willcox Corvette.
Good luck!
scorpion18z has given you some excellent things to check. I'd change the wiper switch and headlight switch while your in there. There is a reproduction wiper switch that just came out. I didn't want to do this job again. Willcox Corvette's website has instructions on how to access the switch and clean it, if you decide to reuse your old one.
There are roughly 20 or so bulbs. The owner's manual calls for 194 bulbs although you can use the 168 as it is slightly brighter. Others have replaced the bulbs with plugin led bulbs. Many posts on what type to purchase. I didn't like the blue look of the led bulbs on the gauge faces. I think I purchased the wrong type of led bulb. I am very happy with the way mine turned out. You can actually see the gauges at night now.
The bulb in the dash above the ac control is a special bulb available at Willcox Corvette.
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Count them.
The owner's manual lists them.
What do you like?
Do you have the 81 assembly instruction manual (AIM)? It can help getting things apart and putting everything back in.
...What type of bulbs are they?...
...Should I replace them with the same ones or are there other options that I might like?...
Do you have the 81 assembly instruction manual (AIM)? It can help getting things apart and putting everything back in.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 18, 2013 at 08:44 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
Buy a complete bulb kit, they're available from all of the Corvette vendors for about $30.
The 81 kit contains 49 bulbs, and does the dash, courtesy, and all of the exterior lights except the headlamps. Also included are instructions telling you where every bulb goes. It's a lot easier than going to the parts store, and trying to identify 30 or 40 different bulbs.
If you still want to go to the local parts store and pick out your own bulbs, the 81 owners manual lists the part numbers for all of the bulbs in the back of it. Though you may have a hard time finding the special projector bulb locally, that goes in the center gauge bezel, to light the console. The bulb is still available, but I think they only come from Delco.
The 81 kit contains 49 bulbs, and does the dash, courtesy, and all of the exterior lights except the headlamps. Also included are instructions telling you where every bulb goes. It's a lot easier than going to the parts store, and trying to identify 30 or 40 different bulbs.
If you still want to go to the local parts store and pick out your own bulbs, the 81 owners manual lists the part numbers for all of the bulbs in the back of it. Though you may have a hard time finding the special projector bulb locally, that goes in the center gauge bezel, to light the console. The bulb is still available, but I think they only come from Delco.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
just did this on the 82.....go with the LED's, you won't be sorry, they really light up the gauges.....and you can get a "white bulb" that I think you would be happy with.....if you need any info, I'll look up my receipt.....Tom
and the same LED spec bulb will work with either the 168 or 194 designations......
and the same LED spec bulb will work with either the 168 or 194 designations......
Last edited by 74 LS4-454; Jan 18, 2013 at 08:01 PM.
