w126 1986 300SDL -- no dash lights

[daw_two]

Yes, I know this has been posted before and I found several threads for cluster removal. So, here's my situation. I've got the cluster out -- broke the center tab out of the left most cable; glue tomorrow.

I took the cluster out because I have no cluster lights -- hate driving at night and not knowing how FAST we are going. I figured the pentiometer (fader) worked because the light behind the outside temperature gauge works. So, I get the cluster out and the brown light sockets at the top won't come out. The plastic is brown above the sockets and is melted. So, I remove the outside temperature display and the odometer to get to the front. It is definitely melted.

I get the 2 big bulb out along with the 2 small ones (what do they do? Back light the odometer?); measure the resistance on one of the big bulbs and it is 3 ohms. Go out to the car battery and bingo, it works. Now what? Is there a fuse someplace I should have checked first? I'm guessing that the Westinghouse 5W5 E12EC is too much wattage, right?

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. I'll post photos when I can get the digital camera interfaced.