Does anyone know how to change the light bulb in a interior rear view mirror in a 1970 El Camino?

My friend brought her '70 SS 454 elky over today and she asked me if I knew how to change the bulb on the under side of the rear view mirror. I removed the lens and the bulb is the long tubular type with end contacts. The bulb is too large to fit through the opening made by removing the lens. There must be a better way.

Any suggestions?

In my 1969 I made the mistake of breaking the bulb to get the switch/bulb assembly out the first time. After I got it out I realized how easy it would have been to just pull it down and replace the bulb. The stock bulb that goes in that holder will fit through the opening in the bottom of the rear view mirror. Just go to your local autoparts store and take the entire mirror and light assembly with you so you can look around to see what size bulb will fit. I would give you the # on the package of bulbs that I got, but my spare bulb and package are 3 hours away.