Dropped Tach Light Bulb

[Michael C.]

While attempting to replace all of the light bulbs for the tach and speedo in my 69 one of the glass "envelopes" separated from the base and fell into the tach housing. I said a little prayer and decided to not attempt to remove the tach to retrieve the glass. A few minutes later when installing a new bulb in another location the entire bulb fell into the tach housing. Will these pieces and parts interfere with the operation of the tach?

I haven't tackled the speedo yet, but will a stray bulb interfere here if one falls in?

The left dash panel is "completely" loose and the AC duct removed. But both cables are still attached and I've only lowered the steering column. Someone suggested disconnecting the cables at distributor and trans to allow more room, but that won't help with the steering column in the way. I really don't want to go through the process of further lowering or removing the column. If the stray bulbs must be removed, and the column removed, can someone point me to a "good" YouTube video?

Other suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

Mike,

What a bummer about the bulbs falling into the tach. I don't think they will interfere with its operation. But there's a good chance they will rattle, so I recommend removing them. Remove the steering wheel (which is super easy in these cars- no puller needed) to provide more clearance for the column to drop. Reaching in from above and below, disconnect the tach and speedo cables, unplug the light switch and lights in the tach and speedo.

You'll then have enough room to carefully wiggle out the LH dash without removing the column. Not a fun job but not hard. Just go slow and be careful. Place a towel or clean shop rag on the column to prevent scratching. If you have a tilt column, tilt it down and unscrew its levers to get them out of the way.

There's probably a good YouTube video. I haven't looked extensively but did once see a misguided video advocating unscrewing the tach and speedo with the dash pad still around the steering column. So be careful which video you follow.

[Michael C.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

Thanks for the reply Mark. I already have the upper dash pad out, so I do think I need to remove the steering wheel...just all of the other pieces and parts you listed. I removed the upper pad because I'm applying peel and stick everywhere I can reach. Started down the peel and stick path, because I removed the 54 year old heater core. I removed the heater core because I didn't want the old one leaking on the new carpet scheduled to arrive today. Started down that path because I've fallen victim to project creep. New seat covers and foam on the way soon. Never ends.

Wasn't planning to cover everything behind the tach area with the peel and stick, but looks like that'll be doable if I continue with attempting to resolve the bulb issue.

Of the steps you listed I expect removing and reattaching the cables will be the biggest challenges.

[Kent S.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

I think Mark meant the dash pod (not pad since the dash pad is not really be in the way). I've found, as many have, that screwing 1/4" all-threads into a couple of the screw holes and sliding the dash back helps since it frees up both your hands for working behind - the dash itself is supported on the all-threads.

[Michael C.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

Perhaps you’re right, Kent. At least with the entire pad out of the way I’ll be able to do a better job with the peel and stick.

[Mike E.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

I think Mark meant the dash pod (not pad since the dash pad is not really be in the way). I've found, as many have, that screwing 1/4" all-threads into a couple of the screw holes and sliding the dash back helps since it frees up both your hands for working behind - the dash itself is supported on the all-threads.

[Michael C.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have removed the entire left side dash pad. With the upper dash pad already out, the left side came out "easily" after removing cables, wires, etc. The stray bulbs have now been removed from the tach and speedo. Rather than deal with the factory style single wire setup on most of the bulbs, I've decided to replace all connectors with two wire connectors and run a common ground to each. I've read about this approach used by others. This will eliminate the uncertainty of poor grounding with the single wire style. Besides some of the metal rings in the plastic holders had broken and would result in a slim chance of connecting properly. Now I'm off to AutoZone to buy one of the two wire connectors to be sure it'll fit in the hole.

[Kent S.]

Re: Dropped Tach Light Bulb

Sorry about that