Guage Clusters...

[Canadian694x4]

I need to take out my Gauge Cluster to put in a new Speedo assembly. My question is I need to know tips on fast, easy ways to remove it...without damaging anything of course.

I'm pretty sure I know how to destroy one...but don't we all?

I have a full instrument cluster (temp/oil/battery guages). I have taken apart a cluster to obtain the speedo assembly I am to install, so that part I think I can handle. It's mostly wiper/light knob removal and oil pressure line(<--do I really have to do this?) and etc. Never removed one still in dash so to speak. Above all just help me from breaking sumthing...

Thanks

Brian

[Mudder]

speedo cable, light switch plug, wiper switch plug, oil line, and the wiring harness that plugs into the cluster.

just be careful to not bend the printed circuit. they can break pretty easy.

[BurnoutNova]

Originally Posted by Mudder67

light switch plug, wiper switch plug, .

you dont need to undo the wiring for the wiper/light swich, just take off the knobs and leave the actual swiches on there. i didnt mess with them at all and ive have my cluster in and out 3 times this week.


the wiper knob has a tiny set screw in it that i found out about after i broke it. the only other thing is the chrome "nuts" that hold the dash against the wiper/light swich holes a a pita to get off the first time.

[Canadian694x4]

So what do you do to plug up the oil pressure line? I was able to find the switch to remove the light knob and the speedo cable's off. How do you remove the wiper knob??

[Mudder]

No oil will come out unless you start it......maybe a drop or so. If ya start it while its off you'll have oil everywhere. The wiper just unplugs from the back then it unscrews. Pretty simple.

[Longhorn Man]

To remove the knob on teh wiper switch, find the set scres on the side of the knob...you'll need a real small flat head screw driver.
Also, once the knobs are off, you'll need to remove the chrome trim that sites behind them. If you can't get them by hand, try covering them with a shop rag, and twisting them off with some channel locks. They twist off with the normal righty tighty lefty loosy deal.
If you have a tach, you may need to drop the steering column a few inches to get the clearance you need to remove the cluster from the dash.

[Hooter]

the chrome pieces behind the knobs come off really good if you have those needle nose pliers with the tip thats bent 90 degrees, to remove the headlight knob, reach up underneath the dash and feel the top of the light switch, till you find the little release button, push it while pulling the headlight knob and it will come out

[Longhorn Man]

Good call on the bent needle nose....never thought of that one.

[Canadian694x4]

Thanks to all who replied!!! Went off without a hitch!

[Hooter]

Im very glad to hear that, now just make sure you hook that ground strap back up and tighten the oil line up properly or you will have a carpet of oil, btw does anyone know a good way to take oil out of carpet?

[Canadian694x4]

Hooter, I got the Oil Line back on nice and snug. Took her for a spin around the block last night and everything seems to function well again.

Where is this ground strap attached too? I have a few stray wires that don't seem to be connected to anything maybe one is my ground strap. Anyone got pics of it or location?

[1970blazin]

ttt- I am wondering about the ground strap Hooter is talking about---anyone??? Pics???

[Longhorn Man]

I have never seen one with the ground strap in person, but I have seen pics of it on here in the past.
I normally just place a wire from one of the bolts on the back and place it inbetween the cluster and a mounting screw. Worked for me so far.

[Canadian694x4]

TTT for Blazin'...and my curiousity too

[71-longbed]

disconnect the battery .... i remember someone says that the headlight switch is in the on postition when you remove it

does the steering column always need to be dropped ?

[67cst]

yes the column has to be dropped, its a tight squeeze, especially with the dash pad

[Canadian694x4]

Actually I was able to remove mine without dropping the Column but it would be wise if you NEED the room or get fustrated easily.... I was completely removing mine to repair guages so I didn't feel the need to drop the column, besides the worse part is blindly removing or re-attaching the speedo, oil pressure line etc, etc...IMO of course...