so, i answered my own question... the bulb can be accessed from the ignition switch panel. i dropped the panel and removed the cigarette lighter & wires to the ignition switch, which gave me enough clearance to reach up behind the gear shift indicator dial.
take note when dropping the panel (either side), however, that the sharp corners have the potential to scratch the shit out of the dash and/or steering column, so it would be wise to wrap them in tape while digging around under the dash. my interior needs new paint so i didnt really care if i got some scratches.
also, the
BA9S bulbs i used were small enough in diameter to just fit in the 'tight places'--the ignition switch light and the radio lights.
here is a comprehensive list of the BA9S bulbs i installed in the dash:
gauge cluster: 8 bulbs
radio: 2 bulbs
blower knob (non-A/C): 2 bulbs
clock: 1 bulb
headlight switch: 1 bulb
ignition switch light: 1 bulb
glove box: 1 bulb
gear shift indicator dial: 1 bulb
total bulbs used in dash: 17if you have additional accessories (e.g., courtesy lights, A/C, etc.) you may require different or additional bulbs.
the only interior light i havent replaced is the parking brake warning light, which requires a BA15S base but with a small globe. ill see what i can find for that one.
1958 MOD. 43
STYLE 58-4439
BODY No. BK2451
TRIM 412
PAINT CG
ACC. E (also BFG)