I have a few bulbs out in the dash. Can I access then by reaching up or must I remove the dash?

 

I have always just taken out gauges and just rested it on steering wheel, but you could probably reach it from backside. It would require a small hand and be difficult.

 

Lower pic: 13711 plastic bulb sockets twist into cluster thru 10K843 printed circuit board, bulbs are 13466

 

I just replaced the one bulb on the drivers side cluster if I had many to do I would pull the the whole thing... It was a PITA

 

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.

 

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.

 

OP's "About Me" profile: 1974 F100.

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Couldn't agree more on the LEDs, just make sure they're good quality ones.
Went from being barely able to see to whoaaaa!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

I also endorse the change to LEDs. Try to get one that is dimable just in case it's "too" bright.