Need a little help. I want to replace my dash lights, can I get to them from underneath the dash or do I have to remove it. If I have to remove it what is the best way to get it out.

thanks

Steve

I'd guess that it would be possible however pretty difficult to replace the lights with the dash in place. I just did this over the winter and the dash isn't that hard to get out. If you take the dash out make sure you unsnap your wire loom from the back of your cluster... I about ripped my dash in two because I couldn't figure out what was keeping the dang thing in place!

David

You have to remove the instrument panel. It is held on with about 7 philips head screws. But first you will have to drop the column, possibly not with a factory column, I installed a ididit tilt. If so you first have to remove the plastic trim under the column ( 4 screws) then use a 9/16" socket and losen off the two rear nuts and remove the one inner nut. If this does not give you enough room , you will have to remove the other two nuts. There may be a tapered shim on the rear stud, make not to miss on installation. Depending how much speedo cable slack you have you may have to reach in behind and unscrew the cable. Then unplug the the wire connector , then pop the light socket out from the high beam indicator. Once you have it out, light bulb replacement is easy.

here's a pic that might help. The illumination lamps are the top 4, in pretty much of a straight row across. btw, if you can find the number, they do make 7 watt bulbs that will fit, be much brighter.
http://www.camaros.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=249&d=1136695877

Factory steering column is only a few bolts to drop it down so you can get the cluster out. Then remove the screws in the cluster. Look at the pic Jim linked, the 2 grey sockets are turn signals, and the rest are idiot light bulbs(not including the 4 Jim already mentioned were illumination lamps). They remove from the cluster with a 1/4 turn counter clockwise. I believe JimM also said at one time the 7 watt bulbs he purchased were 197 bulbs where as the normal ones are 194 bulbs. Here's also a link to a company that makes LED bulbs (http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR).

I said that, but was wrong, so erase it from your memory!

There is no 197 numbered buld, but there is a 7 watt bayonet mount bulb that fits. I just can't remember the right number!
:clonk:

heh Jim, as many times as you answer these cluster bulb questions, I think one of us is going to have to take a trip to the parts store to figure out the correct part number. Sorry I misquoted your error :D

Does the speedo cable come off and re-attach easy?

Anyone know of a company that fixes the Tic Tock Tach for a reasonable price? I know that Classic Industries is selling new repro tachs, but it only seems right to have the vintage part repaired.

Speedo cable just screws in. I'm not sure about the company to repair the tach, but I think I remember someone listing a few companies that can do it. Try doing a search here for gauge repair or something like that.

I just replaced all the bulbs in my dash while it was still in, wasnt to bad took about half an hour.
hope that helps

Shane

the original bulbs were 194.
If you look at Jim's cluster and the circle on the RIGHT.
There is a removable tab at 7:00
This is the brake light and is a different bulb. It is a 1816.
I think another one is also not a 194. Does anyone else remember.
I could not find my notes.

I also know that there are some lights you can replace them with that will be brighter. Can not remember those either. Sorry I can only be a little help here.

Steve a lot of good infor for you here already. Just want to add the socket in the middle of the instrument carrier at the top and forward of the instruments is for the bright headlamp indicator I believe, not sure of that bulb number, but all the bulb part numbers are in the owners manual if you still have one with your car. I can check mine tomorrow when I go back out to the shop. Just closed it up tonight.

Also the square hole in the bottom of the carrier is for a convertible top power switch or on a coupe it's for the rear window defogger switch if you have that option. I can't remember but I think those switches are mounted on the back side of the metal frame work that stays in the car as part of the dash. Also if your carrier is original be very careful not to let it move while you are removing the screws and when you put them back in don't over tighten them. These carriers become very brittle with age and can crack rather easily if you move it too far before all the screws are out or over tighten them.

I'd also change all the bulbs while you are in there. They're inexpensive and you'll only have to do it once while you own the vehicle.

heh Jim, as many times as you answer these cluster bulb questions, I think one of us is going to have to take a trip to the parts store to figure out the correct part number. Sorry I misquoted your error :D

Been there done that. Take a look at the last post in this thread:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=99143

This is a TWO year old post guys.... ;)

But still good info. :beers:

Well I guess I should've taken a look at the date before I jumped in. Yes it's an old post. The list of all the bulbs used in the car for a 68 are on page 69 of the owners manual. Regarding the instrument cluster they call out

Generator 1816
Oil 1445
Tem 194
Brake 1816
Turn signal 194
High beam indicator 1445
Instruments 194

Also
Radio 1893
Glove box 1893
Console 1445
Gage package 1895
Glove box 1895
Dome 211

Thanks for the link to the LED site! Which of the three 194 replacements is the best fit for replacing the illumination bulbs in 68 cluster? Are these much brighter?

I tried one of the LED clusters for the dome light and I was not impressed. Lots of hype, but not much illumination. I don't know if the instrument panel LEDs are any better. I used the 175L incandescent bulb from NAPA as a replacement for the 194's and they are quite a bit brighter. Easy plug in - no muss, no fuss.

No matter what, I would use the long life version of any bulb. (suffix L, LL or XL, can't remember) Twice the price, but hopefully, you'll never have to change them again.