What at these metal components on gauge cluster?

[88suburbanoverlan]

Hey guys, I’m replacing the printed circuit on the back of my gauge cluster and I noticed one of those metal things with the tabs is missing and I’m wondering what they are called and where I can get them?

I was hoping this is some kind of general electric component. I can grab at Home Depot, but I probably won’t be that lucky. I was hoping to have this together right away to pick up my interior if anyone has any suggestions.

I’m also having trouble pulling those black bulb sockets out which will be necessary to install the new circuit if anyone has any suggestions I know they should just twist and pull right out, but a few of them are being stubborn.

I also have three empty holes where those bulb sockets go and two of them were retained within the dash so I’m wondering if I may be lost a third one? Taking a second picture for a reference you can see the empty socket holes along the bottom.

 

[Hilllbilly]

Light bulbs goz there

 

[fast 99]

Gauge that goes in that area may not have 3 pins.

Some light sockets may not be used. Shine a flashlight from the rear what does it illuminate? If the sockets are hard to twist try it with a small pliers. It's possible the area around the bulb has deformed or melted.

 

[88suburbanoverlan]

Thanks! I was able to get the lights out and I’ll assume that is supposed to be like that (fingers crossed)

It looks like I need to remove those middle square pieces with the tabs in order to get the circuit off of here and I was gonna give everything a good clean while it’s apart. Do you have any suggestions on popping these metal fittings out of here? Looks like they are holding the circuit in.

 

[88suburbanoverlan]

Light bulbs goz there

Yeah, there’s three sets of lights that are retained behind the dash that go in those three places each with their different wire color combination so I’m just trying to figure out which one goes on the left right hand center at this point if you have any ideas

 

[fast 99]

Pinch clips together on the gauge side with fingers, then small flat screwdriver underneath on the back side. They will pop right out.

 

[75gmck25]

Gauge with the missing metal tab is the voltmeter, and IIRC it only needs power and ground.

All the illumination light bulbs are the same, and then there are also bulbs for left and right turn signal, brake warning light, and the high beam indicator. I replaced all of mine with dimmable LEDs and it made a big difference. Some folks also remove the light blue metal plate behind the gauges and paint it bright white or silver to brighten the cluster.

 

[88suburbanoverlan]

Pinch clips together on the gauge side with fingers, then small flat screwdriver underneath on the back side. They will pop right out.

Thank you! This worked perfectly without breaking anything

 

[88suburbanoverlan]

Gauge with the missing metal tab is the voltmeter, and IIRC it only needs power and ground.

All the illumination light bulbs are the same, and then there are also bulbs for left and right turn signal, brake warning light, and the high beam indicator. I replaced all of mine with dimmable LEDs and it made a big difference. Some folks also remove the light blue metal plate behind the gauges and paint it bright white or silver to brighten the cluster.

Thank you- I saw a guy on Reddit that painted the frame around the gauges and was wondering about that. I might give it a try, but I might tape off where the blank space is in the lower left. I think that was an option for a clock. Although I Might just paint it white and not worry about doing a black stripe. Still thinking on it while I wait for my led bulbs.

I may have a few bad connection points on my black bulb housings if you have any suggestions on where I can find them for a reasonable price.

 

[hey mister]

I painted that blue area with silver and then found green bulbs (not LED).
I also cut a sheet of red gel film for the turn indicators.
Green dash lights and red turn indicators...so kewl..

 

[Fitz]

I order most of my parts from Classic Parts on line. They have the spring clips for the instrument circuit. They will have anything you might need for your truck. if, you do not have a shop manual and service manual for your truck to chase down the wiring. At least order on of the 1979 Light Duty Truck Wiring Diagrams from Classic Parts. Hope this helps. Semper Fi. OUT!!!!!

 

[Sierra_Grande]

My light sockets twisted out and in very easy until I replaced the gauge backing plate. Then I had to reinstall them with pliers. Made me nervous.

LMC sells those clips too. I found mine challenging to remove and bent a couple.

Soft white LED 194s with no repainting. I'm ecstatic. Never seen it so bright.

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