Digital Dash Help Please!

[J37]

I've read all the posts I can find, but I'm now REALLY confused!
I had a totally dark cluster...so replaced the bulbs with GE 891 halogen bulbs. Ain't she bright now! However, Nothing works! All of the fileds shine as bright solid squares, lines, ect. The select switches seem to have no effect, but switching from metric does seem to illuminate the first letter of the standard oil press a little more. The previous owner swore the guages work, the bulbs were just bad (they were). None of the posts seem to cover this wierd effect. I just bought this '84 today (trusting soul that I am). Pretty rough, but a project car for me. Runs great, new seats, tranny for $2400. Oh yea, by the way, since I have no owners manual yet...how do you remove the top?
Thanks from an obvious neophite;
Jerry

 

[Ken]

Welcome To The Corvette Action Center J37!

Glad to have you with us. Let's see now if we can help you with your Corvette questions...

I can answer the top removal question pretty easily. There should have been a small ratchet accompanying the car, which you might find in the console, but then you might not find it at all. The ratchet had a T-40 (I believe it was a T-40 ) torx head, which fit into a bolt located at each of the roof's four corners. Simply insert the torx head and loosen the bolt completely (counterclockwise); they should stay in place once clear of the threads, but sometimes they fall out. You do not need to remove them all of the way, just enough to clear the threads.

Once the four bolts are loosened and the roof is free, lift it off and store it someplace safe. I find it easier to have the doors open when I remove mine; it makes it a little closer for better leverage.

As for the dash... Well, there can be any number of things causing the symptoms you describe. It could be a bad connection outside of the cluster; it could be the photocell that dims the dash lights (when ambient lighting changes); it could be a bad connection between the boards in the cluster; it could be that the unit is simply worn out with time and use and is in need of replacement... It could be so many things. :eyerole

You will get more responses, I assure you.

Good luck, and once again, welcome to our family.

 

[MoeJr]

I bought my 84 in October and had the display rebuilt as it worked but wouldn't light. Turned out to be the connection between the boards and ground problem. Cost me 275 bucks to rebuild. Been flawless since.




84's RULE!!!!

 

[JonM]

Let me start you off with a little reading about your dash...

http://www.batee.com/corvette/

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1999/dec99/dash/dashp1.asp

This should keep you busy for a while.

 

[J37]

Thanks for the help. After a lot of reading and testing, the cluster is bad, so it off to find a new one. The LCD's are bad, so just a cheap refurb won't do! (of course). Thanks again;
Jerry