Still new to my 280z, Any help with dash removal?

[TMcArthur]

Hey guys, my father gave me his '78 280z for my first car about 2 ago and i've always been able to go to my father with any issues. Although i figure i should learn how to work on the car without relying on my dad.

Currently i'm looking to replace some of the bulbs on my gauges because the light blue/green ones that a are currently in there are so dim and/or broken that it's should ridiculous to attempt to see them at night. Anyone have any pictures/instructions on how to remove the gauges and where to buy bulbs? I've been seeing bulb kits online but i was more wondering if it were possible to buy bulbs at Walmart for instance or if they are proprietary?

Thanks, Tim.

[Stanley]

240z has knob to adjust brightness of the gauges, maybe 280z also.

[TMcArthur]

1 hour ago, Stanley said:

240z has knob to adjust brightness of the gauges, maybe 280z also.

It does, however the brightest setting that i'm able to get to is quite low. The bulbs are just ridiculously old i'm sure.

[EuroDat]

If you want to change the bulbs, here is a thread on changing the gauges, but it also covers the bulbs.

They are clear btw. The green color comes from a green plastic filter. You could buy blue or green bulbs and remove the filter.

 

[TMcArthur]

Oh wow, thanks! All my google searches these past few hours have just been youtube videos of riced out gauges in their 280z's

[siteunseen]

There's an article on flipping the carbon covered plates in the combo switch. I can post it tomorrow. It really brightened mine up.

 

[TMcArthur]

That'd be great too. ty

[SteveJ]

I ended up buying some wedge sockets and LED bulbs in the appropriate colors for their sockets. I replaced the existing sockets with the wedge sockets, removing the lenses. I used uninsulated butt splices covered in heat shrink tubing to splice the new sockets in. The gauges can be removed without pulling the dash. Get a copy of the factory service manual (FSM) for instructions. It worked for me.

[siteunseen]

I got in my 280 one night and found I had no dash lights.  After reading a bunch of possible causes I came across this "How to Repair" for a 240Z which is pretty much the same.  After I did this they were much brighter and the dimmer knob actually made a difference when I turned it.

http://www.kamikazeracing.org/dl/ZTech/Rebuild_240Z_combo_switch.pdf

Here's a picture of the top side, the carbon build up is under this.