Instrument lights

[wayne shabaz]

Any suggestions on how to access and change my dim instrument cluster light bulbs without removing the dash? Thanks in advance.

[ronmanfredi]

Remove the drivers seat so you can lay down under the dash and start on replacing them.  There is no need to remove the dash assembly

[John Brissette]

I have not done this in 20plus years, but I'd suggest that you consider removing the tach, and then you'll have access to the other bulbs., provided your hand will fit through the hole. I recall removing the tach years ago to gain access to the tach sender that sits on top of the metal bar running across the bottom of the dash, so I know it can get you the access. If you go this route, I'd suggest you disconnect the battery, as I believe you you can fry the tach sender if the wires cross etc.

 

[wayne shabaz]

19 hours ago, John Brissette said:

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. How do I remove the tach?

 

 

[John Brissette]

There is a "U" shaped bracket, on the back side of the tach, that holds the tach tight to the dash panel. There are two studs that go through two holes in the bracket. Remove the two nuts (5/16 or 3/8,as I recall) and remove the bracket.  From the backside, push the tach  towards the driver's seat. There is a stud on the backside of the tach housing, and as I recall, it's the ground wire for the tach light.You'll need to remove it.

Sounds like you do not have a shop manual, nor a parts book. I'd strongly encourage you to obtain both. It will make your work on an Avanti much easier.

JB

[wayne shabaz]

22 hours ago, John Brissette said:

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. How do I remove the tach? Thanks John. I have the Stude Avanti Workshop Manual but it has nothing about the instrumental cluster. Is there another manual that has the details that you described? Thanks

 

 

[John Brissette]

I'd have to dig my shop manual out to see what is or isn't covered. When I first got my car (1972) I used it frequently. Not so much now, as I've done most everything you can do to an Avanti at least once. The parts book will show you an "exploded" view of the tach and the bracket, nuts etc.

Remove the driver seat, put a blanket on the floor to level the floor out, and get your head under the dash with a flash light and perhaps a mirror. It is not that difficult to remove the tach.