Removing gauge cluster.

[grs]

What is involved in the removal of the gauge cluster in a 64?

[PGSigns]

If it has a choke cable remove it from the engine so you can feed it back through the dash and pull it out. I pull the speedo cable loose next. Next I drop out the ignition switch, the head light switch and the wiper switch. Then pull the screws from the bezel and roll the cluster to you and unplug it from the main harness. Lighter is all that is left and just unplug it.
Jimmy

[Improbcat]

Is it possible to get the cluster out with the ignition attached? And/or is there a way to remove the ignition without a key while still in the cab?
I bought a '66 cab for my truck that didn't come with a key and I'm trying to strip it so I can do paint & body work.

[PGSigns]

You can pull the plug right off the back of the switch and then just remove the retaining nut on the front and drop the switch out. Go to the auto parts and order a switch and a key set and install it in the truck. You problem is fixed. Hope the cab came with a title. You can leave the switch in the cluster when you pull it by just unpluging it.
Jimmy

[grs]

Thanks info all the info. I want to replace the bulbs, and try to make them brighter. I read that I should put aluminum tape inside the tubes that the bulbs go into. It is a job I don't want to do. If I could sell the truck then I won't have to do it.

[Figuarus]

Originally Posted by grs

Thanks info all the info. I want to replace the bulbs, and try to make them brighter. I read that I should put aluminum tape inside the tubes that the bulbs go into. It is a job I don't want to do. If I could sell the truck then I won't have to do it.

If that's the case, adding a few ground straps from the cluster to the body will help a lot. The bulbs are grounded through the retaining housing, but it's sometimes not enough. I learned this the hard way chasing electrical gremlins.

[grs]

Originally Posted by Figuarus

If that's the case, adding a few ground straps from the cluster to the body will help a lot. The bulbs are grounded through the retaining housing, but it's sometimes not enough. I learned this the hard way chasing electrical gremlins.

Thanks.

[PGSigns]

The bulbs that light the dash itself are not in tubes just the ones for the indicators. You may find when you pull them out the bulbs are dirty. New bulbs or a good cleaning helps.
Jimmy

[1963c-10]

I like to use a dry paint brush to dust the clusters. Don't use water as the decals can come off.

[grs]

Thanks. I just hope I don't rip any wires loose doing the job.

[donpurvis]

I replaced my bulbs with led's. That made a world of difference in me being able to see the gauges at night.

[grs]

Originally Posted by donpurvis

I replaced my bulbs with led's. That made a world of difference in me being able to see the gauges at night.

Where do I buy led bulbs, and do they last a long time?

[donpurvis]

I purchased my led's on line. Sorry I can't remember the company. I've had them in for a year. I also purchased the tail lights and turn signal led's and I am satisfied with them also. They have such a brighter light.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by grs

Thanks info all the info. I want to replace the bulbs, and try to make them brighter. I read that I should put aluminum tape inside the tubes that the bulbs go into. It is a job I don't want to do. If I could sell the truck then I won't have to do it.

Here is a wonderful thread that shows how to restore a cluster.

You can improve the brightness of the original gauge lights by using foil tape inside the light tubes. LED bulbs are a good idea but cannot be adjusted or "dimmed". Try the foil tape idea and see if you like it. The additional ground straps are another way to ensure that you have a good ground.