1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

removal of gauges

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Old 01-17-05, 03:36 PM
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removal of gauges

i am trying to remove the gauges out of an 84 GSLSE. i have gotten it so that it will move around but i dont know where to go from there. any help would be grealy appreciated. thanks.
Old 01-17-05, 06:24 PM
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I'm not sure which screws you have removed, but I just removed the instrument clusters from a few of my parts cars this weekend and here is what I noticed:

once you remove the black surround there are 2 screws on the top and 2 screws behind the dash on the bottom.

the edges of the cluster tend to get caught on the dash, and the location where the 2 top screws go in comes down a little and gets caught on the cluster enclosure you will have to pry it past there without breaking the cluster, or you could try to bend the tabs that hang down.

but before you start trying to pull the cluster out, you need to reach behind and disconnect the wiring harnesses and the speedo cable. The main harnesses have a tab in the middle that you push toward the top and pull the harness. the speedo has a tab that you squeeze and pull off. I think there was one more small wiring harness.

To tell you the truth this is something I would not do voluntarily. It wasn't easy getting the cluster out without damaging it, and I wasn't even worrying about damaging the dash.

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Old 01-17-05, 06:33 PM
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when i pulled the cluster out of the parts car that i had i had to take the saw out and cut through the dash ... the cluster just wouldn't come out, its almost like they stuck the cluster in from the back and installed the dash and cluster together
Old 01-17-05, 06:50 PM
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Once the speedo cable is disconnected, it isn't too bad to remove. Since you say the cluster moves, I assume that you got all of the screws out already. With the speedo cable disconnected (takes a bit of contorting to get you hand up behind the dash to remove the clip on the speedo cable), tilt the cluster down towards you (pull the tab at the top of the cluster downward). You should be able to start removing the electrical connectors. Start with the two connectors towards the top of the cluster. This will give you some more play to get to the two circular connector (remove these next). The cluster should now slide out (face the gauges downward). Sometimes it helps to remove the switches on the side of the cluster. It also easiest if you remove the steering wheel and the turn signal surround and switches. As they say, assembly is the reverse of removal. Hope this helps.

Kent
Old 01-17-05, 07:05 PM
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i tried to remove the steering wheel but i couldnt figure out how. how do i remove it?
Old 01-17-05, 07:08 PM
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Disconnect the speedo at the tranny, and give yourself an extra 6" of play. It helps alot.
Old 01-17-05, 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by aws140
i tried to remove the steering wheel but i couldnt figure out how. how do i remove it?
Impact wrench to get the center bolt out, and a puller to get the wheel off. I've never tried to get the wheel off without a impact wrench, I'm sure it could be done.

Jimmy
Old 01-17-05, 09:37 PM
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i just used a simple ratchet to get the wheel off, then pull a fair bit

its a whole lot easier to get the guages out with the wheel off
Old 01-18-05, 07:26 AM
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The trick to getting the wheel off without a puller is to wiggle it while you are pulling. Not like you are trying to steer, but rock it a little as you are pulling on it.

Also, with the key off and the wheel locked, it's fairly simple to breake the steering nut with just a rachet
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