Removing bulb from RH Ash Tray

[Jason Edge]

I'm answering Norm's question on a separate forum thread so we can link to it later if we like.

First, the light only works when the instrument panel lights are on (i.e. headlight control knob is pulled back to the 1st or 2nd detent position). 

To remove light, remove the ash tray receptacle by pulling it out and looking for the light over on the right. Take a long flat screwdriver and press in on the left side of the casing at the tab and it will release.  Pull the light forward thru opening to access it, pull the top casing off the light fixture and you will have access to the bulb. Once bulb is installed and casing back on you will have to work the tab back inside the opening so it will lock on place. That is about it. It gives off very little light because the slot in ashtray is small and back facing. If you cut out some of the opening in the ash tray receptacle it will should give off much more light.  I've just never done that on my 64 CDV, but might try it one day. Get in a dark place, and just turn your inside instrument panel lights on, and and pop open the RH ash tray and remove the receptacle and you will see the potential by opening up the side. Still not a lot but at least it would be useful. The only more useless light in these cars is the ignition swich light. Not to be crude but a dwarf piss ant staring right down the little hole couldn't see that light! Ha Ha

OK, so here are a couple of more pictures for reference with the dash off shoing the light with casing on, and casing off, and one with the light showing with receptacle pulled out:

 

[Norman Silverman]

All noted with grateful appreciation. I have already purchased the required 1445 bulb. I also pulled the whole assembly out by releasing the clip, which I at first thought was overkill. Seems I was on the right track. Small space to work in, though-especially with the amount of effort required to snap the clip back in.

I'll be doing it later today. (yesterday I inserted one of the springs I got from you in to the lower radiator hose-thanks)

[Norman Silverman]

Update. I finally got the right bulb (specified 1445 bulb would not fit in to the base so I used a radio illumination bulb 1893 from an extra Mopar radio I had, and it fit perfectly, and sheds lots more light. It took 2 hours to reinsert the clip in to the holder-had to take the ash tray face off to reach it. Note to those inclined to replace ash tray light: Pull the bulb base back out of the tube to reach the bulb. DO NOT release the clip that holds the bulb cover on, unless you have two hours to waste. 

[Jason Edge]

Thanks for the update. Good to have an alternate bulb number.