So just some action tonight as I ended up in search of bulbs and screws/nuts for the rear license plate lamps. I wanted new screws because the originals were rusty and didn’t look good to go with the re-chromed bumpers and over-riders and new over rider rubber inserts.
Bulbs & Dash Wiring
Well I did have some luck finding bulbs and they were the newer style as mentioned in my forum post. I found the Sylvania 914 style and also AutoZone (AZ) 2835 ones which were 5W. The Sylvania’s weren’t noted with a W rating but I guess they must be 3W because the AZ ones are noticeably brighter. Only issue I had is there were only 2 of the AZ ones and I needed 5. Now I’ve seen the brightness difference though I may need to go back and look for some more of the AZ ones so the gauges are consistent.
I did also spend a lot of time sitting double checking the wires and what goes where in the dash. I’ve tried to group things logically that seem to go together and right now have it set with the brighter bulbs destined for the tach and speedo. Not sure whether I will change them all for 5w bulbs but probably now is the time rather than after the dash is back – ho hum.
I started to work with the dash and have it supported with just the first few wires attached. Not sure of the best approach to this so will post for some advice. Trying to decide whether to re-attach wires working from the top or whether its better for the dash to be back more and hook up wires from underneath.
Rear Bumper
Since I was getting a slight headache and not really feeling up to the dash I decided to put on the “new” re-chromed rear bumper. This was pretty straight forward but I did learn to put the overriders on twice. Once they were nicely installed but without the rubber insert. Realized after they were both on and everything polished that I couldn’t lock into place the rubber protector. Duh! So off the overriders came again while I affixed said rubber inserts and locked them into place.
I also discovered that the screws hold the license plate lamps in place are NOT the same length! The sample I took was the shorter bottom screwn/bolt. So although I have been able to secure them with the bottom screw on both sides the tops will have to wait for another trip to Sears Hardware and a browse down the loose nuts and bolts isle there. I am getting pretty well known in that section of the store now!
Well there’s tonight’s progress update. Still moving forward and boy does that new bumper look nice! Very pleased with that – something to really make use of my chrome polish on now.
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