Instrument Cluster Light Bulbs on '91 V3500

[ehjorten]

Hey all!

Did some quick searching and didn't see a related issue.

What is the deal with my '91 V3500 Instrument Cluster Bulbs?  So in putting my rebuilt Speedometer back in the cluster I was checking to see if all of the bulbs were working.  I have never seen these type before.  The 168 bulb is fused to the socket holder thing!  The little metal leads of the 168 bulb are actually bent out over a the metal of the little plastic socket holder and soldered to it!  On the plastic it is printed something like replace entire assembly and on the other side it says 168.  It was actually a bit of a chore to get the bulb out of the socket, because like I said the metal leads are soldered to the socket!

Can I get these? or do I need to locate older sockets that fit my cluster that take removeable bulbs?  I can post pictures later if no one has ever seen this!

[Da67goatman]

I used the older 2 piece bulb sockets when I changed clusters, that way I can get 168 replacement LEDs and just pop em in rather than doing custom soldering and circuits.

[ehjorten]

I also noted that some of the older sockets are larger in diameter.  I got the socket for the fiber optic ashtray light off of a 87 suburban I think at the local pull a part and it wouldn't fit, but then I did already have the fiber optic socket and line.