Cornering Lights - Bulb replacement

[Michael Vogler]

It appears the only way to replace the Cornering Lights bulbs is to remove the entire bulb housing (in front of the front wheel wells).  Is this correct?  Or is there a better way?

Mike Vogler

[Michael Vogler]

This is great info.  I think I have a "spanner" that will fit (or maybe even a socket that will ft over the end of the screwdriver)!   LOL.  

[2o93f8rdftyzj]

Yep, a socket would work fine.

Old mechanics trick. 

[Jason Edge]

I would be careful with those manual impact driver sets. They are designed to put a lot of force to the tip of the bit.  While I have a nice set I have never tried to or had to use them on any cornering light. Those cornering light lens are old and brittle and will crack if they receive any undue stress or flexing.  The metal light fixture itself is brittle pot metal and can also crack.  I prefer to soak overnight with something like PB Blaster, use a new or like new Phillips bit that will really grip the bolt head, and use any of the different methods mentioned to apply turning torque. I try to concentrate 99% of my effort to pushing in on the Screwdriver so it will not slip. I like the square shank screwdrivers as it is easy to set the large adjustable wrench on them. I have a couple of sets that included all the way up to the really big #3 and #4 Phillips heads needed for removing the door lock striker plates and door hinges.  I guess it is what ever works.

I've removed 110 and counting cornering lights from parts cars and have had some with screws pretty well frozen up with my technique.  Back in the early days I would try and get the box end wrench on the Phillips screwdriver grip handle, but after a few goes the metal shaft/shank would often strip out of the glued on or pressed on plastic handle. I would then try 1 to 3 Vice Grips (1 on handle and 1 or 2 on metal shank) and that worked OK but things got chewed up. I finally started using square shank Phillips (and regular) Screwdrivers.   When it comes down to it, you use any and all tools you have on hand.  Over the years you learn what works. I remember really struggling with those flat bevel door hinge screws and door lock striker plate screws early on, but at this point with the big square shank #3 and #4 Phillips Screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench, and a light tap with the hammer they almost always come right out and is one of the easier things I do when dismantling the cars.
 

[Karl Schwarz]

In case it helps, you can see some photos of when I replaced my cornering light bulbs with LEDs here: 
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=8381066%40N05&sort=date-...

[Patrick Westphal]

Karl,  Where did you get those LED bulbs for the corning lamps and how much?  I need to replace both of mine.  

[Karl Schwarz]

I got them on Amazon.I've replaced a bunch of bulbs with LEDs in the past few years, but I think these are the ones I used here: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M6M7MMT/

I used these same bulbs in a few places on the car. Including for the backup lights.

[Karl Schwarz]

Also $10 for 2 bulbs, $22 for 10 bulbs.

I used them for my white backup lights too. Here is how they look:

[Michael Vogler]

Jason,

I share your concerns. I have a DeWalt impact driver (battery powered) which I considered, but decided against because of the risk of cracking the lens, trim, or housing.  My plan is to spray the screws and around the housing there the crews insert with BP Blaster Friday night, and attempt to hand remove them using a spanner :D on my screwdriver on Saturday.  Wish me luck!

Mike

[Jason Edge]

Eat your Wheaties that morning and really push into those screws! :-) 

[Michael Vogler]

Hey Karl,

Do you know if there are LEDs replacement for instrument cluster bulbs. Even with new replacement bulbs, with my aging eyes, some areas can be rather dim, particularly the clock (and I've replaced all the bulbs with new bulbs in the past 6 months.) 

[1bt7pektvt387]

Just to add my two cents worth, I bought a set of Craftsman diamond tipped screwdrivers a while back. The tips are rough to grab rather than slip and they work great. They get a bite unlike any other screwdrivers I have and have become my go to every time. Hers a link for a single Phillips #2 but you can get a whole set for a reasonable price.

One more tip is to use a screwdriver with as long of a shaft as possible. The torque seems to build up better as you are twisting.

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Extreme-Grip-Screwdriver-PH2/dp/B0...

Also, note to Kevin: These are American cars and are worked on with wrenches, not spanners ; )

[Michael Vogler]

Technically, it's 14 screws.  ;-)