I thought the removal of instrument cluster was going to be a piece of cake. Well I'm no little guy and I do not see an easy way to remove this thing. I almost got stuck under the dash. I had my right hand in a place that I couldn't get it out and not to mention my big ass was wedged in a unnatural position. No one around to pull me out so I jest acted like a snake and INCHED my way out. So the question is there a trick or should I get a much smaller person like my 1 1/2 year old grandson to do it? :001:
Jerry...I honestly don't remember what's holding it in from the back, if anything....but I do feel your pain. You know from our meet in Phoenix, I'm about 1/2 your size, and I was having a hell of a time trying to get my hands under the dash where I needed them for the A/C install. I do have that big console in the way though, that most guys aren't going to have to contend with.
You do know there are screws in the front of the gage panel around the eyebrow, and I think behind the little cover plate that straddled the steering column.
There are 2 screws in the top from the face of it, and then there are 4 nuts to take off on the bottom side in the back (under the dash).
Kevin
Here is a picture of the stud locations on the back, where my fingers are pointing. Hopefully this helps out.
Kevin
Here is a shot of the back of the instrument cluster for reference. Under the dash is a pain to deal with- you need tiny little hands and tiny little tools. Mmm.... never thought of child labor!
Thanks for the replies but I have 2 extra instrument clusters so I know about the 2 screws and the 4 nuts but I'm just having problems getting to the nuts, it isn't anything anyone can help me with this I just wanted to rant a little on how tight it is to get to the 4 nuts btw do you know the size of those little nuts. I want to replace the voltage thingy to see if my fuel and temp gauges work better since I have 2 extra. I'm going to installed the Dakota Digital Cluster as soon as money falls from the sky. I think I will remove the steering wheel so I don't get stuck again! :102:
If it wasn't for child labor, kids would never learn a thing. Why do you think your grandpa took you to the garage. To show you something or to help him with something????
Very wise there Gassman826.
All this time I thought my grandpa was showing me something...... I think the nuts are 3/8", a deep socket and a flex extension helps a lot.
Thank Lalessi1 that is just what I thought the nuts were but I did not want to have to go to the tool box after squeezing back under the dash. I didn't think about a flexible extension that just might be the ticket.
I think it is easier to remove the whole dash...especially when you're in the grandpa category.
Remove the front seat or at least unbolt it and move it away from the dash otherwise you will never have enough room to work under there.
Removing the left air vent helps get the hands up there easier. When I replaced mine I only put the two outer nuts on for easier removal in the future if the need arises..
The seat and air vent are the key to happy under dash work! I don't even try without those two things first.
I looked at it last night and the seat and steering wheel are coming off. Not sure how to remove the complete dash if someone can give me a run down on how to do it. I have no left vent under my dash I wish I did. Does anyone have extra vent items not being used? I will post this under the Wanted Tab.
Removing the complete dash is a major project in my opinion, it requires disconnecting electrical, control cables, garnish moldings etc. I would invest in a cheap flexible nut driver and try that first. I took mine off with just a 1/4 drive and socket but I think a flexible drive would make it easier..
Yes sir hiball3985 you are right it will be the seat and the steering wheel for me I need to take the steering wheel off to attempt to repair the many cracks in it since I can't find a good one. Now where is that flexible drive at?
Jerry...
I'm not using my old fresh air vents...you're welcome to them. If you're still planning on vintage air, you won't need them though. Let me know...my wife's cousin is going to be coming thru Amarillo on here way to Buckeye, so I can even get them to you (sorta..I know what it's like one side of Phoenix to the other)
Rich
Quote from: Raven Rider on 2014-11-25 10:33
Yes sir hiball3985 you are right it will be the seat and the steering wheel for me I need to take the steering wheel off to attempt to repair the many cracks in it since I can't find a good one. Now where is that flexible drive at?
Most auto parts store, Harbor Freight, Ebay all have them.
Something like this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jawco-1-4-Drive-12-Spinner-Handle-Flexible-Flex-Socket-Nut-Driver-MADE-IN-USA-/141353412179?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item20e951e653
Rich do you think there is room for the left vent after I go with Vintage Air? I like to use the fresh air when I'm at my wife's house in Payson, the pine air smells really good. If you think it will work I'll take you up on that offer. It isn't too bad if I go to Buckeye on the week end or even better if I happen to need to do some maintenance work in Buckeye. We have a customer out there I haven't serviced in a while
The left one just may work. I may have spoke too soon though, I need to go look and make sure I haven't already given them away.....I've got something in the back of my head about those, but I can't remember what it was....I'll get back later.
No problem either way
I've got them. I also have the new rubber seals, etc. for them I'll send along. I don't know which is L or R, so I'll send them both. PM me your phone number so I can have Sherri call you when she gets home...may be a few weeks, but she was planning on getting home before Christmas.
I blocked off the right vent but plenty of room for the left vent. I installed the GEN IV as far to the right but still have room for hose connections (picture).
LOL...sure, do it the easy way. Mine had to go almost all the way to the right so that the motor would have touched the bracket had I not cut clearance in it. Turned out to be a big hasstle trying to get everything hooked up.
Glad to hear Jerry will have room for the left air vent.