TR6 Changing bulbs in gauges

[ahfan]

"74 TR^ - just installed LED bulbs in the speedo and tach and what a huge difference! But what a pain in the butt. I'm going to do the 4 other gauges tomorrow but wondering if anyone has any easier way to change those bulbs...

 

[Gliderman8]

"74 TR^ - just installed LED bulbs in the speedo and tach and what a huge difference! But what a pain in the butt. I'm going to do the 4 other gauges tomorrow but wondering if anyone has any easier way to change those bulbs...

I changed all the gauge bulbs in my ‘73 TR6 and yes, it makes a big difference.
I found the best way was to remove the dash ashtray to gain access to the back of the gauges. I also used a needle nose pliers as needed. Hope this helps.

 

[ahfan]

Hadn't thought of that! Can you get all of them or just the top 2?

 

[Gliderman8]

Hadn't thought of that! Can you get all of them or just the top 2?

It’s been a while since I did mine but yes, you should be able to get to all gauges.

 

[Gliderman8]

Oh, and let me say I struggled with gaining access to the bulbs on the small gauges. It was poolboy (Ken) that told me about removing the ashtray…. He’s the guy to “thank”.

 

[Hamish Racing]

Get small children to help - obviously clean them first after their shift up the chimneys

 

[ahfan]

Thanks. Can't use the kids. I rent them to NIKE to make shoes in Thailand. Hey, don't judge, it helps pay for my crazy British car fetish.
'67 Austin Healey BJ8, '59 Austin Healey 100-6, '54 MGTF, '66 XKE, '74 TR6 and the prize '53 XK120 DHC. I'm in therapy.

 

[ahfan]

Oh, and let me say I struggled with gaining access to the bulbs on the small gauges. It was poolboy (Ken) that told me about removing the ashtray…. He’s the guy to “thank”.

Big problem!! I am working on the small gauges and took out the center console to get better access and had to take out the choke cable, etc and what a pain. Taking out the ashtray really isn't working because the windshield is in the way. Anyway, in trying to unscrew the bulb from the ammeter gauge the hot lead wire (red) pulled out! No way to fix it and MOSS only sells the eared type holders, not the screw type for the bulbs I have or what was in there. Would you happen to know where I can find them? Would poolboy maybe know?

 

[ahfan]

Oh, and let me say I struggled with gaining access to the bulbs on the small gauges. It was poolboy (Ken) that told me about removing the ashtray…. He’s the guy to “thank”.

Big problem!! I am working on the small gauges and took out the center console to get better access and had to take out the choke cable, etc and what a pain. Taking out the ashtray really isn't working because the windshield is in the way. Anyway, in trying to unscrew the bulb from the ammeter gauge the hot lead wire (red) pulled out! No way to fix it and MOSS only sells the eared type holders, not the screw type for the bulbs I have or what was in there. Would you happen to know where I can find them? Would poolboy maybe know?

 

[Gliderman8]

Big problem!! I am working on the small gauges and took out the center console to get better access and had to take out the choke cable, etc and what a pain. Taking out the ashtray really isn't working because the windshield is in the way. Anyway, in trying to unscrew the bulb from the ammeter gauge the hot lead wire (red) pulled out! No way to fix it and MOSS only sells the eared type holders, not the screw type for the bulbs I have or what was in there. Would you happen to know where I can find them? Would poolboy maybe know?

You might try Rimmer Brothers to see if they have one.

 

[poolboy]

Not that it matters regarding the bulb, but a 74 shouldn't have an ammeter. I think from 73 on the ammeter was replaced with voltmeters.
And if not Rimmers (or TRF) this may work and you may not need to use the black ground wire on this holder if the bulb holder grounds on the case.

CAB302 Pre Wired Bulb Holder for SMITHS Speedometer 990 987 650 MES E10

CAB302 bulb holder for SMITHS speedometer 37H5181 takes a 6v 12v 24v MES E10 bulb ( not supplied ) LLB990 6v 3W LLB987 12v 2.2W LLB650

www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk

 

[ahfan]

You might try Rimmer Brothers to see if they have one.

Not that it matters regarding the bulb, but a 74 shouldn't have an ammeter. I think from 73 on the ammeter was replaced with voltmeters.
And if not Rimmers (or TRF) this may work and you may not need to use the black ground wire on this holder if the bulb holder grounds on the case.

CAB302 Pre Wired Bulb Holder for SMITHS Speedometer 990 987 650 MES E10

CAB302 bulb holder for SMITHS speedometer 37H5181 takes a 6v 12v 24v MES E10 bulb ( not supplied ) LLB990 6v 3W LLB987 12v 2.2W LLB650

www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk

You are correct, I misspoke, it is indeed a voltmeter. Thanks, and I did check the Rimmers website but it is confusing as the holder description doesn't seem to be the correct one. Glad to get a response from you as you are certainly held out to be the go-to guy for info on this car. If you happen to know which one on their site I need please let me know., Thanks again!

 

[poolboy]

It's the one in the link I posted..It says for Smiths Speedo,. Check the hole opening in the specs and see how it compares with the one for the Lucas voltmeter ...

 

[ahfan]

It's the one in the link I posted..It says for Smiths Speedo,. Check the hole opening in the specs and see how it compares with the one for the Lucas voltmeter ...

Thanks but that is the style that goes in the speedo and tach. I need the one without the little claws that goes into the small gauges. Can't find it anywhere. Here's a pic - the bulbs were sent by an LED guy. The receptacle is the one I need...

 

[poolboy]

If you put the female lucar terminals on your wires I think this will work'

BULB HOLDER, push-in type, double wire

BULB HOLDER, push-in type, double wire

mossmotors.com

 

[ahfan]

If you put the female lucar terminals on your wires I think this will work'

BULB HOLDER, push-in type, double wire

BULB HOLDER, push-in type, double wire

mossmotors.com

I saw that and called MOSS tech support and they said it will not work for screw in bulbs.

 

[Gliderman8]

Thanks but that is the style that goes in the speedo and tach. I need the one without the little claws that goes into the small gauges. Can't find it anywhere. Here's a pic - the bulbs were sent by an LED guy. The receptacle is the one I need...

It should be an easy fix to solder a new wire onto the center post of the original receptacle.

 

[poolboy]

I saw that and called MOSS tech support and they said it will not work for screw in bulbs.

The picture you posted shows an LED bulb with a bayonet base. not the Edison (aka screw) base.
The bulb holder from Moss is also for a bayonet base bulb is it not ?

 

[ahfan]

The picture you posted shows an LED bulb with a bayonet base. not the Edison (aka screw) base.
The bulb holder from Moss is also for a bayonet base bulb is it not ?

No, no, the 2 bulbs in the picture are NOT for the instruments, they are for the plinth, except the large one was sent by mistake. That is a picture I sent to the LED guy to see if HE had a socket. All of my LED's, like the original bulbs are screw types. Believe me I have talked to MOSS, coventry, Rimmers, SNG Barrett, Northwest, and several others in search of this socket. It MUST be out there somewhere.

 

[Gliderman8]

No, no, the 2 bulbs in the picture are NOT for the instruments, they are for the plinth, except the large one was sent by mistake. That is a picture I sent to the LED guy to see if HE had a socket. All of my LED's, like the original bulbs are screw types. Believe me I have talked to MOSS, coventry, Rimmers, SNG Barrett, Northwest, and several others in search of this socket. It MUST be out there somewhere.

So why not just repair the receptacle that you have?