I picked up this 89 IROC 5.7 a few weeks ago and most the instrument panel bulbs were out. I grabbed some proper ones at the auto store and removed the instrument panel to replace them from behind. Once I put the panel back in, none of the lights on the panel turned back on.
I know that polarity matters so i figured I would have to turn a few around, but does anyone have an idea on why all the bulbs will no longer turn on?

 

Did you check the fuse to make sure it didn't pop while you were installing the cluster?

 

Yes .The fuse is fine and is getting voltage as well. So are the tabs that the panel plugs into when it's fully back in place.
I started looking at the 20 little sockets the bulbs were in and noticed that many of them seem to be badly corroded (the car sat in a garage for 12 years when we found it) and the contacts seemed to be bad. I just ordered some new ones so I will try that.

This may be a simple follow up question but I noticed some of the sockets were black and others were white. Do you know if that make a difference when they are replaced and put back in the panel?