I'm missing some interior light bulbs and holders. So I took the 2 screws out that hold the plastic wood in front of the speedometer and I can't get it out. I'm not sure,but I think it should just tilt towards me and just pull out away from the bottom tabs. It's in there so tight I'm afraid I'm going to break something if I force it out. Is there a little trick to this or are they that tight normally. Barb.

 

Barb

Sometimes the top of the Intrument Cluster Bezel...what you are working on. will be caught behind a slight lip on the underside of the Dash Pad. Just use a small slotted screw driver to gently pry that down just enough to let the Bezel tilt forward, then you are right...it just lifts out. Hope this helps and good luck.

Danny

 

There are four screws that secure that instrument bezel.

 

OK, I'll give it another try. That baby is in there tight.
Also where can I find some bulb holders, I'm missing one for sure that I could see from the bottom looking up. I don't think I can get them out without taking the guages out. Thanks Barb.

 

OH, I missed that four screw reply. Where are the other two, I got the top two. Barb.

 

There aren't 4 there are only the 2 at the top.

 

Try again, Allan. there ARE four.

 

Usually you replace them by removing the pods first. Once you have the socket out it's really easy to wiggle the bulb out. The bulb holder twists out. Here's a source for replacements http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Mini-Bulb-Socket-5RKP1

 

According to the AM you are 100% correct. I don't remember having to take those out to get the gage trim out though. Barb, this is what is being discussed - see if removing the light diffuser screws helps.

 

You will also need to release the speedo cable to get it out. If its a column shift very carefull of the indicator. They break easy. Best to take the adjustment screw out. You can see it by taking the bottom column cover and shifting down to 1st on second for easy access.

 

Yes there are 4 and it came very easy when I got the bottom 2 out.
the missing bulb sockets are on the left ( fuel gauge side).
So I think I can just unscrew that guage and it should "I Hope" come out to get at the bulbs, Does that sound right.
I'll get at this tomorrow, I have to go down to my local pub for friday fish fry and a beer or two.
Thanks for the help, Barb.

 

That cluster is often called the 'idiot gages' because it just has lights. There's a pin connector on the back. You should be able to wiggle the cluster out far enough to gently release that pin connector with a small flatblade and then you're fine.

Take a look at these listings just to get an idea of what you're taking off the back and what the pins look like
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-1972-Ol...sories&vxp=mtr

This one has a really nice zoom feature on the pics:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/70-72-OLDSMO...sories&vxp=mtr

 

Thanks! Pictures really help, I'm amazed that you find just the right pictures and help all of use amateurs. Barb.

 

Before you twist in your new bulb holders, you might want to gently polish off any light surface corrosion/discoloration that might be on the pc board where it meets the contacts on the holders you are installing.

 

Joe's right. You can also spray it with electrical contact cleaner (nothing else). If you do that you can also spray the inside of the harness where the pins make contact. Just make sure the labelling identifies it as 'electrical contact cleaner'. Do NOT use carb cleaners or throttle body cleaners.
There are many different brands of E.C.C.'s and they are totally safe to spray even on circuit boards

 

Thanks! Good idea, I have electrical cleaner and I will do as you say.
Barb.

 

Found this on ebay if you're interested
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/130463714640?...#ht_804wt_1024

 

Now that I look at the back, Which lights are the night lights.
Some are black and some white is there a difference.
Barb.

 

I don't know for sure. Far as I know they all have the same bulb (194). Maybe the electrical contact is in a different position on the white ones? Take one of each and compare them.

 

Thanks! Allan you are so helpful to all of use beginners.
We need you're help. Barb.

 

Wich bulb holders ? The plastic ones that screw into back of gauge pod. I.e. No wires on them? I have some spares if you need them

 

Thanks to you all, but I'm getting some from Scott Winn.
If you ever need cutlass parts he is the man to see.