Difficult to replace dash turn signal indicator bulbs?

I just dropped my car off at a restoration shop to adjust the convertible top and a few other odds & ends that I didn't want to mess with. One of the turn signal indicator light bulbs is out on the dash, and the estimate to replace it was $5 parts and $300 labor! That's as much as the top adjustment.

I decided not to have that done. Is this a particularly time consuming process? I looked under the dash before dropping the car off, and it didn't seem like there was easy access. Does the entire dash have to be taken apart to get to this?

 

Easy:TU:

Not to bad of an operation, shouldnt take more than an hour.

You need to remove the dash pad, then the instrument cluster can be easily unbolted and eased forward to give you enough room to get your hands back there to replace the bulbs.
Since you are back there you might want to just put all new stuff in so you dont have another bad bulb anytime soon.

D.

 

Instructions

This will help.
Good posibility that the restoration shop would not be familiar with procedure required to remove the instrument panel.
Study this and take your time.
http://www.buickperformance.com/cluster.htm

Bert

 

Re: Instructions

For that price I could(almost) drive there and switch them out for you. Took many of the clusters out parting several cars. One easy tip is to loosen the screws and all points then pull the cluster out some then use a 3/8 socket and extension to remove the heater switch and controls leaving them in the dash for more access.

 

Re: Instructions

It's not too difficult. You can even replace some without removing the cluster, though you have to contort your arm, and it's better to have seen a cluster out once to have an idea of what to feel for.

 

Re: Instructions

Back when I first bought my car in 83 (when I knew NOTHING about cars, mechanically) I paid the Buick dealer to do this job. It was about $120 back then. I hope they got a kick out of working on a 13 year old car...

 

On full size cars, I've always had good results just pulling the dash pad, and centre AC/heater outlet - watch out for sharp edges back there, and change em all while your in there ! :TU:

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm planning on replacing the speakers this summer, and will have the dash pad off for that, so will do it then.

 

I changed mine by removing the radio. I used the following tools:
long arms (i'm 6'3")
profanity (i kept droping them)
laughing friends (inspiration)