'81 instrument cluster light replacement

[ladams]

Okay, how the heck do I remove the instrument cluster to replace the left signal light bulb?!?! I have all the screws out but still cannot remove it.

 

[ladams]

Oops, never mind. I just figured out that you have to release the speedo cable on the back of the cluster.

 

[agildawg]

I would love to hear how you went about doing this, and what you ran into because I have this same repair coming up in the very near future. I plan to replace all of the bulbs with new ones when I go into it to avoid having to do it again for a while. Good luck with the repair.

Dawg

 

[kdlp]

I think Rare81 (who moderates the L-81 forum - http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=165 )
has the number of a replacement bulb that is brighter than the stock number bulb.

You might drop a note into the forum at the link above.

kdlp

 

[ladams]

How I did it.

I would love to hear how you went about doing this, and what you ran into because I have this same repair coming up in the very near future. I plan to replace all of the bulbs with new ones when I go into it to avoid having to do it again for a while. Good luck with the repair.

Dawg

I removed all the screws from the front face of the cluster (I think there are 3 on top, 2 on sides), then you have to remove the lower steering column cover (2 screws) but be careful because the headlight vacuum valve is attached. You can just let it hang there. Now the part where you need yoga.lol. There are 2 screws on the bottom of the cluster to remove, as well as the speedo cable. It is pretty simple to release, it's just hard to reach. There is just a little metal clip on it that has to be depressed and then the whole cluster pops out.
Hope I helped.
ladams

 

[agildawg]

That sounds simple enough. I may try to get that done this weekend. I just put in a new center instrument bezel, radio, and got all of those gauges working/lighted. Now on to my right turn signal indicator. I hope it is just a bulb. Thanks for explaining how you went about it. I appreciate it.

Dawg