What am I Missing, Have to remove dash pod to change idiot light??
 

so got the ol gal back on the road, everything feels sooooooo much better, but my brake light on the idiot light panel is out, so no big deal drop the lower cover reach up and change it --NOT, cant get to it, do I really have to push the pod out, perhaps even remove steering wheel! surely not, if that were the case everytime you had a light go out all non mechanical folks would have to head to the MB service center. Cant be -- what am I missing??

I don't think your missing anything. Been there done that. Change all the bulbs while your in there or expect to do it again.

Seriously, replace ALL the bulbs. Many of the bulbs might light but the smaller ones develop "dark spots" long before they actually die with a filament break.

Sorry Ron but you have to pull the wheel. Be sure to mark it so you get it aligned correctly. If you do pull the cluster all of the way out remember not to start the car or you and Pearl will get an oil bath. Don't laugh, there are stories out there where people have done it.

There is also a critical ground between the instrument pod and the chassis that is sometimes lost when the pod is first pulled. If it happens to you, all of your dash needles and lights will go nuts upon reinstallation. Simply jump a new ground wire between the pod (any of the screws on the back are fine) and a decent grounding point behind the dash.

Ron, as other members have stated you do need to remove the steering wheel as indicated. Here is Cluster removal write by ukrmh88 (Bob) with detailed step-by-step you might find useful and the appropriate hooks to remove the cluster.

Good write up. On Pearl all you need to do is pop out the center emblem on the wheel. The wheel is held on by a hex head bolt instead of the allen head. I will get size later and post it. Then proceed as stated. As Kimolaoha posted, it is a good idea to put the extra ground wire on. The alternator quit working on my '81 and the cluster ground was the problem.

OK , will do , will just be another day of fun :)

Ron - When do you find time to do anything else :). I used to play golf. But this season, have a problem with my knee, so at most might play once/week. This has left lots of time for car and boat projects!

Just finishing off my add-on instrument panel project. One of those darned plastic spring clips on the console cover broke - Waiting for the JB-Weld to set!

hear ya, I do really like to work on the car! I use to golf too , but prefer now -fishing, cars, and woodworking

Any update?

actaully just came in yes, took the dash pod back out , and in my haste the other day to rewire some of the backside to allow for proper idiot light testing, I forgot to attach a ground. All is well now and nice that the idiot lights work properly. as far as the steering, I could not be more pleased , tight and sound, feels totally different , just did not know what i was missing. I find myself doing a lot of weaving around stuff , just because I can now --- much fun :)