So I need a little direction here please. I have a 1988 that is once again reminding me that just like people, these Vettes need a little fine-tuning now and then. I went to take off my instrument clusters plastic facing that I thought would be a breeze. I figured those 5-8 bolts would be about it so I could pull the plastic facing off the cluster, pry off the stainless steal tabs that block the light bulb, pull the old bulb and replace, but no. I had to be a lazy jack **** and not either be patient enough to delicately remove the tabs and replace the bulbs or I should have done the 17 step task of I guess removing the entire instrument panel and pad according to the Chilton Guide. It included removing the radio and the entire carrier assembly too!

I thought my initial approach at unscrewing 5-8 screws may take 20 minutes at most, but to my chagrin my dumbass couldn't maneuver the task of bending the hell out off the plastic facing with one hand while pulling the stainless steal tabs with the other and attempting to replace the bulbs. I failed miserably, but did replace one of the two bulbs that are on the right side-the two left side bulbs are fine. The instrument panel is bright as can be on the right side and the left side remains the same, but due to the age of the bulbs, the lefties show their agw because the new bulb alone on the right side out does them. I did lose one of the stainless steal tabs down the steering column paneling though . Its retrievable I 'm sure.

So, what should I do here fellas and gals? Should I:

a) Remove the entire instrument panel, pad and carrier assembly to gain access to instrument cluster and if so how long does disassembly take?

b) Live with the much improved instrument cluster for the time being.

c) Take it to my local shop guy who does good work and have him do it for a couple hours of labor and consider it done and finished with for $180 since I have four bulbs.

Watch say ?

 

Throw the Chiltons in the trash or use as door stop, get the proper FSM if your going to work a vette, remove and replace correctly...

if you haven't used the search, archives function, learn to, great info, but in the mean time, go to:

http://www.batee.com/corvette/

read and follow the directions to complete your task correctly. A little research will save you time and money...

 

So I went and checked out batee.com and the before mentioned was their suggestion. My question is how do you remove the "trim" as they say. I already did a search on the forum and already read this. I used the Chilton as a reference guide. There was a lot more involved than just "removing the trim". I already pried off the metal tabs used the needle nose pliers as they said, but the whole problem is access. I can’t get the entire " trim" off so I can access the instrument panel-the darned light switch is in the way and the **** won't come off so the "trim can come entirely lose. Thanks though. Keep'em coming, I need help if it isn't already apparent.

 

go here they have a good step by step
www. corvettedashclusterservice.com

 

Prying off the headlight **** did it! I removed I think 8 screws, the steering wheel tilt bar then the headlight **** and shizzam, the plastic trim came off and I had full access to the instrument cluster. Took me 10 minutes to replace the 4 bulbs and screw the trim back on and I had new 1988 factory quality brightness to my dash.

Now on to the headlight motor and I'm ready to hit the streets at night!!! Thanks Denvervet! Chilton and batee.com were worthless for this particular job. batee.com looks like a good site though.