How do you remove FD Gauge Hood?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 480
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From: Calgary, AB Canada
How do you remove FD Gauge Hood?
As the question asks. I'm in the process of getting my plastic pieces recovered in carbon fibre but first must remove the old pieces. I got the door pieces and big plastic piece around the gear shifter removed. How do you get the hood and front gauge cover off? I found a screw at the bottom below the cigarette lighter but other than that I can't find anything else. Does it just pull off? Is there a proper way to do it that won't damage the hood?
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Dallas, Texas
you have to remove the whole instrument cluster. I think I remember a thread in the 3rd gen section. Basically, you have to remove the lower plastics where the "crotch" vent is and undo the screws there. There is also a screw underneath the vent that goes to the door...pop the plastic off there and you will see the screw.
I also remove the plastic that surrounds the steering wheel shaft. There are 3 screws IIRC then the piece pops apart. You need to undo the illumination light for the ignition key.
After all of that the whole instrument cluster and hood pulls out but then you need to reach behind and undo the connectors to the instrument cluster. Four in all.
After that you can pull the whole assmebly out, turn it over and remove the screws that hold the hood to the cluster...
good luck
I also remove the plastic that surrounds the steering wheel shaft. There are 3 screws IIRC then the piece pops apart. You need to undo the illumination light for the ignition key.
After all of that the whole instrument cluster and hood pulls out but then you need to reach behind and undo the connectors to the instrument cluster. Four in all.
After that you can pull the whole assmebly out, turn it over and remove the screws that hold the hood to the cluster...
good luck
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,766
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From: ft. collins, colorado
Here ya go this is a comprehensive write-up on the linearization of the water temp gauge and removal of the speedo and top(cowl). Very easy with the assistance of this info. I can't remember who the original owner of this material is, so please whoever wrote this thanks and all the credit is to be given to them. Thanx 
Yup, follow the directions in the FSM, remove all the screws, and pull back towards the seat.
Three pieces of advice:
1. I used a plastic spatula to run under the rear of the pod to help seperate it from the dash... there are three metal clips inside towards the back of the pd, and this will help pop them out.
2. pad the steering column where you removed the pod. There are some metal parts there related to the ignition assembly that can easily scratch the satin finish on the 93-style parts. I wrapped it with a towel.
3. There are more than four plugs to remove from the back of the dash when you get it loose, and they're a pain. It's more like six plus the cigarette lighter plug and bulb.
Three pieces of advice:
1. I used a plastic spatula to run under the rear of the pod to help seperate it from the dash... there are three metal clips inside towards the back of the pd, and this will help pop them out.
2. pad the steering column where you removed the pod. There are some metal parts there related to the ignition assembly that can easily scratch the satin finish on the 93-style parts. I wrapped it with a towel.
3. There are more than four plugs to remove from the back of the dash when you get it loose, and they're a pain. It's more like six plus the cigarette lighter plug and bulb.
