Can some one tell me how to get at the light bulbs for the heater and air controls ?

|UPDATED|7/23/2014 8:48:02 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

You mean to replace the bulbs??  You have to get into the center console!!


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Yep, what Dan said.  You'll have to remove one or maybe both(if you can't reach) side panels along the shifter console.  Those would be the ones covered in carpet.  There may be 1, 2 or 3 screws attaching them to brackets under the shifter console.  This will depend on who may have installed them previously.  One of the screws might not be accessible unless you remove the seat.  Soon you will learn that nothing in interior of these cars can be done without removing a seat or the dash... 

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Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!!      Long and short term leases available.

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

Exactly correct Sarge. My 1980 only has a bulb for shifter lens under the console. Some also had a bulb for the ashtray. Every socket that I have seen for the bulb to shine down On A/C heater control are melted. I have original parts if you need to replace anything sockets,wires etc. be very careful not to crack the dash when removing the gauge gauge cluster.

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Mine is a automatic,l so I will remove the console side panels. Thanks for the advice.

Why?  I thought you wanted to replace the HVAC illumination bulb.


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Mine is an automatic also. I think we are trying to figure out exactly what is the bulb you are trying to replace. if it is the bulb that shines down from above on the heater a/c control panel. Then you don't need to remove the side panels from console. You need to remove the gauge cluster above the radio is where that bulb is located. If you are trying yo change the bulb the illuminates your shift indicator then you need to remove side panels. But I believe your original question was how to change the bulb for heater a/c control panel. That bulb does not shine from BELOW it shines from ABOVE.

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Yeppers, I was thinking of the bulb for the shifter indicator sorry about that...I say screw the whole thing and get glow in the dark paint!

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Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!!      Long and short term leases available.

Sorry misunderstood

The particular bulb Sarge refers to has a special tip that acts similar to a magnifying glass and pinpoints the light directly to the AC controls. I found all of my local parts stores did not carry the bulb with the special tip, so I had to order from Ecklers.(I believe)

Sorry swany not trying to steal your post. I am trying to provide information. I wish I was born smart instead of handsome so I would know how to post pictures and links to the forum. LOL! The 558 bulb was actually made by GE from 1966-2000 specifically for Corvette. The original bulb that looks like a crystal ball on top has been discontinued. Eckler's site shows a picture of the original bulb but the bulb then send you is just a common 558 bulb. At least that is what the sent me and when I called them to question it they said it was a generic picture and not of the actual bulb they send you. I checked with other vendors and they also have just the common bulb. You know the old saying when you point your two thumbs at yourself and say " you know who has two thumbs and original 558 bulbs" THIS GUY" If Somebody can tell me how to post a picture of an original bulb I will if you want to see one. I clicked on the help tab on the site but that didn't help either. Again I was born handsome instead of smart. That generic silhouette for a profile picture has hair. Not me bald has a fart! So Swany I was trying to clarify earlier exactly which bulb it was you needed. I have an original bulb if you are into keeping your car original. Hopefully I made a few people laugh today!!!!

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When you are replying to a post (or creating a new one), click the  button just above the message box and you can upload and insert a picture into your post.

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-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

Right from the big boss!! Thanks now I feel important to. Add it to the list : Handsome Smart now I know how to post picture Important. Can't wait to meet you guys in Carlisle.

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GE part number:

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My first time posting pictures sorry if they are messed up.

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The 558 bulb from Eckler's has a dimple on top but it is not round on top and doesn't look like you are looking in to a crystal ball.

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Ok guys thanks a million and by the way I think I got screwed out of looks and brains. Oh well I do have big feet

The thing that I would add to this post from last month is that no matter what, new bulb or not, it is still nearly impossible to see the temp controls with the down-fire light.  So, I drilled my downfire hole out about 25% larger than the current hole and could not be happier.  I can see the switch/levers now without being obtrusive.  I just fixed what the engineers had intended to do, and there is not a NCRS judge on the planet that would see it as the downfire hole size is not a judgable item.

Dave

   

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Lakeside 49

hi  pic  how did you get light box and buld stuck to the roof   dwa

For anyone interested. There is a guy on ebay selling a box of 10 original GE 558 bulbs. 

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

I got them this morning for the $20 + $2.50 shipping.

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Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!!      Long and short term leases available.

______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

Correct!!  I have a 1981.  Be carefull when you take the center part out.  I is connected to the center consul by two very small screws at the base of the center consul !!!

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how did you get the box and bulb to stick to roof

He's our resident magician.  

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.