64 Avanti speedometer bulb burn't out

[steve remick]

How hard is it to replace the bulb on the speedometer only? The rest of lights are ok

[Gunslinger]

You need hands the size of a five-year old to reach up, pop the old bulb out and install the new. Maybe it's not that bad but you still need smallish hands and a good measure of dexterity.

While you're under there you might as well replace all the bulbs...if they're the same age you'll be crawling under there again so go ahead and get it done and out of the way.

[steve remick]

Thanks Gunslinger, just what I thought. Nothing comes easy. I guess I will do my driving during the day unless I find a five year old to put them in!!

[avantifred]

While I was "under there" I vowed never to do this again! Just replace all the bulbs with red LED's. Also, be aware that even though the shop book says that there is only one bulb in the spedo my car, #5255, had 2 bulbs in the speedo. It seems Studebaker wanted you to see the spedo even if one bulb went out ! The clock is not bad, the temp is not bad, the speedo is do-able, the tach is tuff, the gas is not bad, the vacuum is really bad & you may (will)need to remove the radio ! Even with the radio out.....it's a bear !! GOOD LUCK

Fred

[steve remick]

Thanks Fred. I was under there and replaced one bulb in the speedometer, didn't help. Mine also has 2 bulbs, I guess I replaced the wrong one.

Fred, do you have small hands?

[avantifred]

Steve......No such luck. I'm #10 ring size with a palm like a catcher's mit. If my fingers were a little longer it might have been a little easier though. Rest assure there will be a little blood shed, some aching bones the next morning BUT wait till you see the results at night and knowing that you won't ever have to do that again !! Interesting to note that both the owners manual & the shop manual list only one bulb for the speedo !

Fred

Edited July 9, 2015 by avantifred

[steve remick]

Fred. Are these LED bulbs a separate bulb and where did you purchase them?

[avantifred]

Steve,

I bought these on E-bay. These are a direct replacement from the original style (#57) incandescent bulb. Just be sure to order the "super bright" LED.

Just as a side note you will find that the dash light dimmer on the overhead switch panel will no longer have any affect on brightness when you hit the switch. Like I said before you'll be soooo happy that you won't have to ever do this replacement again !!

Fred