1988 digital dash light replacements
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
1988 digital dash light replacements
I did some searching and found that my 88 takes 882’s – 4 of them to light the center dash. The 882’s run too hot I am told. There is some confusion about changing to a different type of bulb since the bulb type was changed in 1989. My question is what is the different bulb and do I need to replace the bulb socket? To change to a different bulb socket I need to pull the entire cluster, right?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
You use the xenon bulbs, don't know the part number though. just take an 882 and match it up with a 5 watt xenon bulb. i got mine at home depot. you don't have to remove the cluster, just the trim around the cluster. then you pry the metal covers at the corners. take a 4 inch piece of 3/8 fuel line and shave it down so it will fit in to the hole to remove the bulb. they pull strait out. don't twist though, if you do it will remove the entire socket. the socket could be brittle and you may have to get new ones. but try just replacing the bulbs they look identical to the 882 in shape just cooler and whiter.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 347
Likes: 25
From: Rockford Illinois
I got mine off of Ebay years ago:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-89-C4-CORVETTE-SPEEDOMETER-CLUSTER-XENON-BULBS-REPLACEMENT-FOR-HALOGEN-LAMPS-/370637466676?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item564bb6ec34&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-89-C4-CORVETTE-SPEEDOMETER-CLUSTER-XENON-BULBS-REPLACEMENT-FOR-HALOGEN-LAMPS-/370637466676?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item564bb6ec34&vxp=mtr
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
found this
sorry dont know how to make a link, new.
the depot has them but there 5 buck a piece.
the depot has them but there 5 buck a piece.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
882 is the part number with the base, 891 is the bulb only if that helps. I usually order Xenon bulbs but I use wedge types because it is cheaper and easier to source the base. In your case you may as well stick with the original 2 prong design seeing as you are trying to replace the bulbs without opening the unit.
-Tyler
-Tyler
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 18
From: Lawrenceville Georgia
This is what I used, works perfectly and has the correct low voltage.
Joel
http://www.pegasuslighting.com/xenon...bs-5w-12v.html
Joel
http://www.pegasuslighting.com/xenon...bs-5w-12v.html
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 462
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
I don't suppose you've considered dropping in LED bulbs as a replacement?
A vendor called Corvette-Craft has a kit for this, though I don't know how reputable they are. Perhaps somebody else can shed some light on it.
Edit:
You can get it in several colour combinations as well as stock.
A vendor called Corvette-Craft has a kit for this, though I don't know how reputable they are. Perhaps somebody else can shed some light on it.
Edit:
You can get it in several colour combinations as well as stock.
Last edited by Axial; Apr 8, 2013 at 10:48 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
I can't speak for those LED's in particular but the one's I have here looked terrible I have tried several different multi SMD wide spread yada yada's they all look like crap to me so I don't use them but maybe it is just the ones I used who knows.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
LED's are great, using them in my C6 interior, but the price for a new lens is too much.
If I use the Xenon 5 watt/12 volt/ T3.25's will I need new bases. Also looking at replacing the 194's that are 14v/3.78 watt/T3.25 to replace with a Xenon 3 watt/ T3.25 also from Pegasus lighting.
Any concerns?
If I use the Xenon 5 watt/12 volt/ T3.25's will I need new bases. Also looking at replacing the 194's that are 14v/3.78 watt/T3.25 to replace with a Xenon 3 watt/ T3.25 also from Pegasus lighting.
Any concerns?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 18
From: Lawrenceville Georgia
Go down to post #15. This gentleman does a great job of explaining the change made in 1989.
Joel
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...ent-guide.html
Joel
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...ent-guide.html
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
Thanks all. I just came back from Lowes and they had the Xenon 5 watt/12 volt wedge lights along with mini blinds, potting soil and cement patio squares. Bought 4 bulbs at $5 ea. Couldn't resist. If they look like the 882's then I will install them. This will be the second time I have done this, used 882's at $20 ea. back in 2001. I pulled the cluster and changed by separation of the panels. Gives me a chance to see what has happened in 12 years. Will put 3 new 74's for the turn signals and hi-beams this time. Now for the paint job. You can see the 88 under my had2hav2 name section. Really looking forward to driving the 88 to work once a week. Just installed a single din dvd/cd player with a 4" screen with bluetooth. Bose was toast, again. Going to install a back-up camera when I replace the carpet.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
My 86 uses the 891 bulb but it's also listed as being used in the 3rd brake light?
882 is the part number with the base, 891 is the bulb only if that helps. I usually order Xenon bulbs but I use wedge types because it is cheaper and easier to source the base. In your case you may as well stick with the original 2 prong design seeing as you are trying to replace the bulbs without opening the unit.
-Tyler
-Tyler
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 2
I replaced mine recently. I bought the kit from Mid America... got the OEM's plus the hose and wood dowel. I tried to go through the front by removing the 4 chrome caps...and ended up braking a bulb, 
so had to take the cluster all the way out. I next purchased the kit from batee.com because they suggest a different set of bulbs that won't crisp the base or surrounding area. Once you have the front bezel off, it doesn't take that much to remove the cluster, then you can replace the base (socket) also. And if a klutz like myself can R&R a cluster... anybody can 
It just takes some time and patience. 
While I was in there, I replaced all the bulbs in the info center as well...
Drive On!!...
Fast Freddie
so had to take the cluster all the way out. I next purchased the kit from batee.com because they suggest a different set of bulbs that won't crisp the base or surrounding area. Once you have the front bezel off, it doesn't take that much to remove the cluster, then you can replace the base (socket) also. And if a klutz like myself can R&R a cluster... anybody can It just takes some time and patience. While I was in there, I replaced all the bulbs in the info center as well...Drive On!!...
Fast Freddie
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
882 is the part number with the base, 891 is the bulb only if that helps. I usually order Xenon bulbs but I use wedge types because it is cheaper and easier to source the base. In your case you may as well stick with the original 2 prong design seeing as you are trying to replace the bulbs without opening the unit.
-Tyler
-Tyler
891 is a 8 watt bulb used for the high mount brake light