ONE RELUCTANT DASH BULB-CANNOT GET TO IT-THE ONE ON THE HVAC CONTROL BEHIND THE WORD DEFROST.WHAT'S THE SECRET?

[Norman Silverman]

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

[Jason Edge]

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. 

[Dennis P. DiBari]

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

[Norman Silverman]

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!!!!!

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Norm,

     Necessity is the mother of invention - unequivocally!!  Manipulation and perseverance is the key; just as you did!  Excellent work.

Dennis DiBari