Replacing lights in the instrument cluster

[ncsurfer]

I am restoring my interior on my 280sl and in the process, I have sent my speedo and tach out for a rebuild including new lights. While I have the dash apart,  am trying to replace all of the dash lights, including the instrument cluster lights. I did a search on the Technical Manual to see how to replace the instrument cluster lights but didn't find anything. All of the lights are working now, but if it is a real problem to change these lights, I may just pass on it. Any suggestions? Thanks.....

[awolff280sl]

surfer, see here: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=19084.25
2nd page

[ncsurfer]

Thanks, Andy, that was very helpful...

[Garry]

I will second that.  After driving late at night last weekend and hardly being able to see the instruments, this post has been very timely and I have ordered some of the lights linked to Alfreds post and will pull down the dash and fit them when they arrive.

Garry

[ncsurfer]

I am having trouble getting nut loose on the oil pressure line. I sprayed some BP Blaster on it and will try again tomorrow. Don't want to strip the nut. any suggestions?

[66andBlue]

Steve, in response to your PM,
this connection should be quite tight because you don't want oil leaking down your dash!
I found it best to use two wrenches - a 9mm and a 10 mm - the first to prevent the coupling nut on the gauge to turn and the other to unscrew the line.
Set the 10mm wrench below the 9mm wrench and then squeeze it towards the 9mm, kind of like a scissor closing, but try to keep the 9mm wrench stationary. It will take quite a bit of force but should work.
Good luck!

[ncsurfer]

Will do, thanks Alfred....

[ncsurfer]

Thanks Alfred. I did as you said and got the oil line out, plus I replaced the lights. Is there a list or schematic of all the dash and instrument lights? I had ordered a set of dash lights from Buds Benz and used 7 of the set for this instrument cluster.  Also, I noticed that all of the screws on the back were missing. Any idea about the size of the screws? ONE OTHER QUICK QUESTION: Is there a washer on the threaded end of the oil line? I didn't notice as I took it out and pulled it through the firewall. I don't think there is one but wanted to ask now before I put it back in next week. (I am restoring the firewall and putting on a new pad.) Here are some pics I wanted to share....... Thank you so much. Steve