changing dash bulbs

Doug Watson

Doug Watson

Changing dash bulbs, told to remove dash pad....with this wiring for the siren box, etc, is there an easier way to get to bulbs without undoing all these wires? Just had new windshield put in, but will I have to remove it to get to bulbs so I don't have to touch wiring to box? If I have to remove wires, how do I tag it all so I can put it back?
 

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You can get letter and number tags that are adhesive backed at an electrical supply store, or possibly Lowe's or Home Depot. Wrap a wire around each wire, and then tie off each group of wires that supply each switch. Take a picture of each switch showing the group of wires and the corresponding number and letter tags. When it comes time to put everything back, then refer to the pictures. I usually remove each switch and then put the wires back where they belong on the switch if I have to remove them. Usually you can remove the threaded ring on the face of the switch and just push it through the mounting hole without disturbing the wires. Tagging the wires and photographing them is just a precautionary procedure in case one of the wires becomes loose while you perform this surgery.
In your picture, you show push on pins, so marking each one is even more important than if they were screw terminals. The push pin type of wire connectors fall off if you just look at them for more than a second. Manila tags with wire "strings" work best to bundle and hold these groupings. Make sure to remove the battery connections prior to doing any servicing.
Paul
 
genius. Why didn't you tell me to unhook the battery FIRST. I had sparks a flyin when all those switches touched metal or each other. Just sayin. By the way, the fuses for spotlights say 30 amp, i think. They worked briefly then the fuses blew...does it take a special fuse or larger one? The dash was a breeze to remove, lots of dust under there and a hose or two off. Hope it goes back as easy.
 
by the way that panel is wired hot, best to unhook the battery when disturbing hot wires. but Would have thought you could pull the instrument cluster out the face with out removing the top of the dash. tell me it ain't so. I have to do that on this 63 yet.
 
How foolish of me to think that you might read the instructions fully to the end. :poster_oops: :wwpics::rofl1:


The spotlights should have a fuse no larger than 15 amps. If you are blowing out 30 amp fuses, then there is a wiring problem with the spotlights or the wiring to the spotlights is defective.
 
I been waiting for this moment I have a fuse chart that may be some help.
 

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Dimmer Switch

Can anyone help me remember, what year did (GM) moved the dimmer switch for headlights, from floor board to turn signal control. Thanks Tom
 
I know that my 1978 has it on the floor, and from memory, I think that my 1982 Buick had it on the turn signal lever.
 
I once had a 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight, and remember that it was the first year for a dimmer switch in the turn signal lever. This may not have been an across the board change for GM, but it was at least for Oldsmobile.

Tom Pinner said:
Can anyone help me remember, what year did (GM) moved the dimmer switch for headlights, from floor board to turn signal control. Thanks Tom
Click to expand...
 
I've heard of a .22 cal bullet works too!:alc::1062::boom::4_11_9: I've even see one of those reversable screw driver bits thats phillips on one end and flat headed used once before too for a fuse!:pat::rolleyes:

BTW, DON'T USE EATHER ONE FOR A FUSE, EVER!!!!!
 
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