I have a burned out light bulb in the 2" round sail panel light, but can't get the lens out to replace it. Anyone ever removed one. I know there are 3 tabs on the lens but it fits so tight I'm afraid I'll damage the lens or bezel trying to remove it. I know I can get a new one for $12.

Higgins

 

You need a small, thin flatblade screwdriver to pry it out AT THE TABS. Usually once you get one out the other two follow pretty easy. The trick is getting 47 year old plastic to flex enough to get a tab out of its slot without disintegrating.

Seems I remember one of those tabs is a little longer than the other two. Mine came out fine. They cracked all to pieces when I put them back in.

 

Thanks Rocketraider. I tried again and of course the lenses cracked and disintegrated taking them out. I had already ordered some new ones just in case, so I took them both out. I hope the new bulbs last another 47 years so I don't have to do it again, but they are all made in china now. Just a side note, I had to replace a console bulb too, at least that lens had visible screws, but a NAPA bulb would not fit because the metal shoulder kept the bulb from seating in the socket.

 

And people wonder why I scour swap meets and old parts stores for NOS bulbs! I especially like to find GM Guide lamps, but about any name brand works for me.

I found a box of 8 old-style Guide 211's at All-GM Carlisle this year- the fat-middle ones that fit our door courtesy lamps.

Guy with a 66 Caprice wagon was lamenting that I had got to them first, so what the hell, I gave him the two he needed for his car. I still came out to the good.