guzikf

I'm stumped and my eye site isn't what it was. What is the Screw Size in center dash for a 1979 corvette. I need to remove the clock.
Thanks, Frank

Easy Mike

Instruments come out from the rear of the cluster. The screw heads visible on the front of the plastic bezel are fake.

guzikf

Well I don't feel so bad, any advise on getting to the clock?
Thanks, Frank

SwampeastMike

Here's the only way I've found that eliminates the possibility of damage (think broken tabs, etc.). It doesn't take much time and it's not at all difficult once you've done it a few times.

1) Remove both carpeted panels at the console. Three screws in each-front, middle and back. The screws can be hard to find as they get embedded into the nap of the carpeting.

2) Remove the parking brake cover. Two screws at the rear (one each side) and two screws at the front--they go horizontally into the front console panel (the one with the shifter, climate control, etc.)

3) Remove fasteners from the front console panel. Four of them are easy to see--two on each side. The other two are a bit of a pain. They are at the front and angle up slightly into gauge pack bezel.

4) Lift the front console panel and move it to the rear as much as possible.

5) Remove the screws from the gauge pack bezel. Two at the top and one on each side.

6) Carefully remove the gauge pack being especially careful with the front center where there is a light bulb housing that can damage the dash pad.

7) Uncouple the large electric connector at the rear of the gauge pack and the small two-wire connector that powers the lantern light at the top center.

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While you're at it, it's a great time to replace all of the light bulbs. While they look identical there are three types of bulbs: The warning lights are trade #194; the general illumination bulbs are trade #192; the bulb at the top is trade number #558. It's very important to the use #558 as it has a little lens cast into the end that directs the light onto the climate control panel.

guzikf

Mike,
Thanks for your help and quick response.
Frank

SwampeastMike

No problem. I forgot to mention that if you have an original Delco radio that there may be a support bar on the right to disconnect. Also to fully remove the gauge pack bezel you have to disconnect the radio. Easy with the original Delcos but heaven only knows what you will find with an aftermarket.

guzikf

Mike,
The good news is the car is all original so the radio hasn't been changed. Thanks for all your help.
Frank

0Willcox Corvette

1978-1982 Corvette Dash Pad Installation

Start at bottom of page three, and go to page five... it'll cover the console removal process.

Easy Mike

FWIW: no support bar after 77 and the change to the new style cluster and radio.

guzikf

Thanks the diagrams really make the process easier to follow.