In a 77 how do you replace the bulbs in the dash. I have a few that are burnt out. Thank you guys

 

had a few that were burned out when i first got my '79, and replaced them all when i got in there. i'd recommend that. our dash panels are different so i can't offer help on access, but maybe try you tube?

 

You tube or a repair manual like the chilton or hayes... Honestly on my c3 its a matter of removing the dash srews and pulling the panels outs. its not a fun job. thats why I put in some cheap led bulbs 7-8 years ago when I did it.

 

I have a 77. Not fun at all. Good to replace them all and repair all the sockets when you have the dash apart.

 

I agree. Take it apart, inventory the broken sockets, fix any Bubba issues and then order the sockets (if needed) and full bulb kit from one of the vendors.

cheers,
Richard

 

First, you have to buy a small monkey. Then you need to train the monkey to change bayonet style dash bulbs......

This is not an easy task. If you have a car with A/C, you will need to remove a few things under the driver's dash area to gain ANY access to those dash bulbs. AND, you will need to remove the center gauge cluster so that you can change those bulbs. Of course, you will need to do this carefully so that you don't disturb wiring placement (or you will have difficulty with re-assembly) and possible damage to wires/connectors/old hard plastic parts while doing this work. Then there is the issue of proper re-assembly of the gauge cluster.

It can be done....but not in a few hours. It is a tedious task which requires patience and careful work. Good luck. [It has to be done.....}

P.S. Change them ALL and use good quality bulbs (not the cheapo cr@p from the internet).

 

I accessed my drivers dash bulbs from the top myself... and replaced the dash speakers and stereo while I was at it. and for bulbs I Guess I used the same "cheapo crap" most others are using only I didnt go through a middleman reseller who takes the 75 cent led bulb and marks it up to $3-4 each... Ive never seen a thread here where someone had failures with these bulbs. There are a few cases where the wiring was incorrect as far as polarity in the car ive read of but unless your cars dash wiring has been tampered with they are plug and play. Some people want dimmable bulbs which do cost more.

Its been 8 years and over 7k miles later this summer and all of these bulbs still work as new and they are not overly bright YMMV. If you prefer to have the rebranding and "Support" that comes with a middleman theres nothing wrong with that either, and im not going to mock with derogatory comments. But be aware, the majority of these repackaged and resold chinese made bulbs are no different from the bulk counterparts purchased direct from the source for much less. Its an led dash light bulb, not an ECM were talking about here.

I use similiar 12v "cheap" led lighting in both my campers for years as well as they work great with solar. When it comes to the more complex circuitry/ design setups like headlights, or even some marker lights the differences between the cheaper and more expensive options start to yield a tangible return.

 

auggiedoggy...

Can you provide specific info on the bulbs you purchased. There are hundreds of choices on the web and MOST of them are junk. Any detail you could provide on GOOD choices is appreciated.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27276753242...wAAOSwfR1ZbneE.
I actually purchased a few sets from different vendors because I kept adding more as I went through the car like for the center console and under dash floor lights. I found whether they were in individual retail packaging or in a bulk bubblewrap bag, that they were all virtually the same design and used the same leds. I have some familiarity with LEDs from both work and my hobbies which include led lighting for my reef tank where Ive purchased several different color temp leds from the internet and soldered my own higher end pwm lighting for the corals as well as repairing LED flat screen tvs before they became completely disposable like they are now. (The lifespan of many LEDtvs can be dramatically increased by reducing the backlighting setting to 80% or less BTW) .. There are areas where brand and quality really make a difference for lumen and color output but as far as reliability, that usually has more to do with overdriving vs underdriving and adequate heat sinking or active cooling.

 

another interesting tidbit is most cheaper leds are often made on the same assy lines as the top end leds. They are made and tested and those that test better go into one bin and and those that dont have as accurate a color output or lumens go into another, The differences of course would no be realized in this application.

 

So, you took the top dash off? And if so, was it hard to do that? I see the screws that hold it in but then does it just lift out? I want just to replace the stock old bulbs and not do the led thing. I'm trying to keep everything almost stock if I can.

 

yes its kinda hard to get in and out due to fitment. it was 8 years ago.. Id look for a you tube video on c3 dash removal or speaker replacement.