Dashboard bulb replacement.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,148
Likes: 5,783
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
What looks easier? Especially if you have a/c vents to deal with.
Dash bezel/instrument cluster removal walk thru. #1 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14880899
Same "ford truck info and then some" thread post #78 is another walk thru.
Dash bezel/instrument cluster removal walk thru. #1 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14880899
Same "ford truck info and then some" thread post #78 is another walk thru.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
If you still have the original cluster, this would be a good time to look at upgrading it. In the 70s they used a plastic compound that degrades very badly. If it's original, it will likely crumble when you pull it out.
I'm not sure when they switched to the new plastic. I got my replacement from a mid 80s van. The vans used the same instrument cluster as our trucks well into the 80s.
I'm not sure when they switched to the new plastic. I got my replacement from a mid 80s van. The vans used the same instrument cluster as our trucks well into the 80s.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
If you still have the original cluster, this would be a good time to look at upgrading it.
In 1975/79 they used a POS instrument cluster back made of a composition material that degrades very badly. If it's original, it will likely crumble when you pull it out.
I'm not sure when they switched to the new hard plastic cluster back (1981). I got my replacement from a mid 80's Econoline van.
The vans used the same instrument cluster as our trucks well into the 80's.
In 1975/79 they used a POS instrument cluster back made of a composition material that degrades very badly. If it's original, it will likely crumble when you pull it out.
I'm not sure when they switched to the new hard plastic cluster back (1981). I got my replacement from a mid 80's Econoline van.
The vans used the same instrument cluster as our trucks well into the 80's.
1973/74's did not use the same POS instrument cluster backs that could TURN TO DUST (before your very eyes!) that 1975/79's did.
1981: FoMoCo introduced hard plastic cluster backs for Econolines, these were also the "service part replacements" for the original POS backs.
E1PZ-10848-A .. Hard Plastic Cluster Back-Use with Oil/Amp GAUGES / Obsolete ~ Available NOS
1981/91 Econoline. Retrofit: 1975/79 F100/350; 1975/80 Econoline; 1978/79 Bronco.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E1PZ-10848-B .. Hard Plastic Cluster Back-Use with Oil/Amp WARNING LAMPS / Obsolete ~ Available NOS
1981/86 Econoline. Retrofit: 1975/79 F100/350; 1975/80 Econoline; 1978/79 Bronco.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 828
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, WI
led bulbs
Do yourself a favor....while you are replacing the bulbs go to led bulbs. I can actually see my gauges at night now. The pic. below was taken during the daytime. You can get the led bulbs in different colors. I went with green as you can see.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 855
Likes: 56
From: Des Moines, Washington
I too went with LEDs. I used Superbright white and am still impressed with how bright they are and how well I can see the gauges now.
As for installing them, I’m still just flexible enough and stubborn enough to change them out with the cluster still installed. Didn’t even hardly cut myself!
Michael
As for installing them, I’m still just flexible enough and stubborn enough to change them out with the cluster still installed. Didn’t even hardly cut myself!
Michael
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 247
Likes: 2
Columbia1spring I apologize for the highjack but I too am interested in the Dash-light upgrade.
Dekeman and Shortbox4x4, tell us what LED bulbs you used. If you have the brand and/or part number please post. Thank you, highjack over.
Dekeman and Shortbox4x4, tell us what LED bulbs you used. If you have the brand and/or part number please post. Thank you, highjack over.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 67
Likes: 22
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Bought them some time ago, but pretty sure it was
.
, but might be too bright.
Use one for my cab's cargo light also. Good light.
Just remember when installing, if light doesn't work at first, flip it 180 to correct polarity.
, but might be too bright.
Use one for my cab's cargo light also. Good light.
Just remember when installing, if light doesn't work at first, flip it 180 to correct polarity.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 853
Likes: 62
From: Oxnard
JD Q,
I upgraded my dash lights W/LEDs. Problem is I can't recall the company, but I kind of remember is was something like "HIPO". I'm also very happy with the visual improvement the LED bulbs made. Here a link that may help:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehi...=794&year=1977
Regards, Don
I upgraded my dash lights W/LEDs. Problem is I can't recall the company, but I kind of remember is was something like "HIPO". I'm also very happy with the visual improvement the LED bulbs made. Here a link that may help:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehi...=794&year=1977
Regards, Don
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 474
Likes: 11
Surprised it hasn't been said, but it's only about 6-8 screws to remove the gauge cluster. Literally takes 2 minutes to remove. Just be careful about scratching the plastic lens, the corners on the metal dash can really scratch it up.
