7 replies to this topic

[starlifter]

well, i'm prepping the 74 for paint and taking the time to remove all the chrome trim. I figured as long as I'm popping out lenses, might as well replace all the bulbs. sooooo, the tail lights and back-up lamp. near as I can tell I have to remove the housing, pull it out to get to the screws which are back mounted to remove the bezel, lenses and finally get to the 3 bulbs which are twist and pull out. Of course, there's not much extra wire so I can barely clear the frame and it's quite difficult to get a screwdriver in there to release the screws. I also think I need to remove the housings so I can get to what appears to be 2 screws holding on the chrome trim around each lamp.

For the life of me, I don't think there's a way to replace bulbs from inside the trunk without all this work BUT this is so time-consuming I have to wonder if I'm totally missing something.

go ahead - it's OK. call me stupid. I'll take the shame if it will save me some work....

[scatpack01]

why can't you get to them from the trunk?

[starlifter]

all that goes into the back of the housing are the wires. It appears to be a solid piece in that I can't twist and remove. Tonight I bit the bullet and took one completely apart. there were 6 hex bolts inside the trunk and when removed the housing slid forward so that I could get to 6 screws that were holding on the bezel and lense. after that came off I could remove the 3 bulbs. the bulbs are the push and twist to remove type. Because of the shortness of the wires into the housing it's a heckuva lotta work to get at those bulbs. That's why I was asking if there's a better way before I move on to the next.

[Ghostbluesman]

Here's what the manual says....






Rob

[scatpack01]

hmmm, mine must be missing the cover. I was able to replace all my bulbs just by pulling the sockets.

[AZ Blues]

The bulb sockets have rounded tangs where they go into the housing. Just lean them to one side and they should release with no problem. They snap back in.

-AZB

[ChiTownJohn]

I thinkin there just really stuck.

john

[starlifter]

AZ Blues said:

The bulb sockets have rounded tangs where they go into the housing. Just lean them to one side and they should release with no problem. They snap back in.

-AZB

Winner winner chicken dinner!!!! I'm sure I'm not the only one who tries to be delicate when removing things. Some of these parts are difficult to replace so forcing or prying ANYTHING is a scary proposition. Glad they're out though and I'm still removing the taillight assembly to prep for painting.

I just KNEW there had to be an easier way to get to those bulbs.....:D:D