HELLO ALL
Today I opened up the dash on my 64. I took off both the top and the cover plate under the steering column. I did this because several of the LED bulbs I had previously installed had burned out, so I replaced them with others from another manufacturer.
Here's my dilemma: I cannot reach the bulb socket that sits behind the word "Defrost" on the HVAC control panel. I even took out the headlight switch to gain more access, but I can't reach the socket firmly enough to twist it off.
Other than growing longer fingers, what's the secret? I tried using a piece of heater hose to clamp on to it, but I am afraid of jarring the wire loose in the process. Has anyone done this? Is there a tool/technique that you have found to be successful?
All replies appreciated.
Norm
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Norm, I have the luxury of approaching them dead on with the complete dash laying on my garage floor and always use a very long needle nose pliers to reach in, twist and turn. These may be too long to reach with dash in placed, but I also have some very long needle nose pliers with both a 45 degree and 90 degree angle. Those different angled needed nose pliers, with a long extended mirror and good light would probably give you access.
Hi Norm,
Jason's idea is excellent. I also replaced some dash bulbs and only removed the cover plate underneath. They are difficult to say the least. I recently purchased a pair of pliers that he mentioned and they may do the trick! Glad you kept your 64 Caddy!!!!!
Dennis DiBari
I finally did it! It took about four hours total.
I was unable to get a remote look with either a mirror or my TV probe: a combination of too little space and too little dexterity. Plus it hurts to be upside down for that length of time!
But I had worked out a strategy.
With the dash cover removed, the under dash cover removed, the headlight switch removed I was able to place the bulb socket loosely in the cut out, actually I did it from underneath. I then experimented with a small piece of heater hose that I cut slits in the end to fit the socket (I tested the fit on a spare socket I had lying around), but that didn't work because the hose did not have the strength to stay together for the "twist" in to the socket. After thinking about it for a while, I placed the bulb socket in the hole, then took a small 1/2 open end wrench and managed to position it (after numerous tries) with the forks of the wrench straddling the raised portion of the socket, then I twisted it in. Voila! I NEVER want to have to do that again!!!!!
Norm,
Necessity is the mother of invention - unequivocally!! Manipulation and perseverance is the key; just as you did! Excellent work.
Dennis DiBari
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