Remove instrument cluster

[chicklin]

My dad has a '54 3600 pickup and is having some trouble removing the dash instrument cluster. Anybody have any tips? How does it come out? We can't find anything in the shop or assembly manuals. Thanks!

[sgtusmc]

I don't have a 54. I have a 53 so it might be diff. But on the 53 there is 4 bolts on the inside holding each gauge (8 bolts total) you have to reach under the dash and feel around. They are located on the four corners of the gauge (yes they are round, but damn it there on all four corners). get a small ratchet with and extention and they'll come right out. Hope it helps.

[sgtusmc]

I forgot. I have a pic of my gauges out in my build thread. Take a look and it'll give you an idea as to what's back there.

[mr48chev]

It helps to be flexible like gumby but a guy can usually get his head up under the dash enough to see the back side of the instru.ment clusters and see the nuts/bolts. This is where it really helps to be a skinny young guy or have a skinny young buddy or younger brother, or son who likes to help.

[Houston54]

The gauge buckets on the 54-55.1 models are secured to the dash using three studs that are welded to the back side of the dash. Remove the nuts holding the assemblies in place and they should come out.

If your pop is replacing the gauges with 5" quads he can use the old gauge buckets to mount the new instruments. I have some pics of how I did this on my picturetrail album. Here is the link:

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19808900

At this time I would not recommend using the Dolphin gauges I used as the lighting levels between the two instruments is way off. They say they are fixing it but I have not been informed the fix is final as yet. Other than that the dolphins are acceptable instruments for the price.