Changing Cluster Blubs

Can anyone tell me how big of a job it is to change these ? Any little tricks that would help with it. Is it a 10 minute job or 2 hrs for a car guy. I was coming from a cruise the other night and could not see the gauges at all so it has to be done. Just wondering Thanks Rick

 

The first time you take one apart it will take a while the second time it is a 10 minute job.

This should help
http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=39013&highlight=cluster+removal

 

PS , Take you time!

 

I just reach behind the dash and twist the socket out and replace the bulb. No need to remove the cluster to change bulbs. This does involve standing on your head with you feet sticking out the passengers side door.

 

Do I change all the bulbs or just the 3 cluster blubs ? also are there any color caps that should come off ?

 

if you have small hands

 

The hardest part is knowing how to squeeze the speedo cable to remove it. Took me about half an hour to replace the bulbs,clean the cluster and tighten the connections on the cluster harness. Its a good open a beer after dinner job. Its not a difficult job just be careful so you dont scratch anything. Keep in mind I do it for a living and dont have a column shifter to deal with.
Some good info on here about brightening up the clusters if you search it.

 

Change all the bulbs with good quality long life bulbs. You get what you pay for with light bulbs.

 

Tip: Take the speedo cable loose at the transmission. Then just pull it back with the cluster. Much easier on the hands.

 

X2 that,makes it a lot easier and gives you abit more space To disconnect it

 

pm Spork101 and get the brighter bulbs!

 

X3 and I wud suggest painting the interior of the green cluster housing white; it makes a huge difference in the visibility issue.
I took mine out last year and did a white face upgrade but that did'nt really get me where I wanted to be.
I took it out again, 2 weeks ago, removed the innards and painted the housing.
Now Im where I want to be. I wish I had did it on the first removal - there was a post on here suggesting painting the housing. I did'nt follow-up on the suggestion - I shud have. It was worth the effort.

 

Wow I did it this morning, I wish I would have known about painting the housing. Now I can see the light when it's on in the day time so I know it's better. But this fall the faces will become white and then I will paint. Thanks for the info Rick

 

i looked for the thread on that, could not find. Do you have a picture of that? My steering column is out right now so this would be an ideal time to perform this. Any info would be great thanks.

 

Here is what it looks like after painting. I used Rust-O-Leum primer and paint from spray cans. I used Gloss on one side and semi-gloss on the other. I really can't tell the difference in brilliance - maybe some folks can.
As I said, It's was worth the effort - huge improvement.
Once u remove the cluster handle the innards w/ care. U don't want to damage any of the parts.
Also, I put some white lithum grease on the speedo cable since I had it out. If u can't find the thread on gauge cluster removal. I'll see if I can foward it tommorrow. Gud Luck