Cluster re-install tips
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Sedona Arizona
Cluster re-install tips
Hi all-
Some of you know my saga, but for those that don't - I recently inherited a 1967 small block coupe. My dad had taken apart the cluster to have the speedo serviced. That was around 10 years ago. Since then, the cluster has been sitting in the passenger seat, sans speedo and tach. He recently passed away and I am now in possession of the car.
The speedo and tach were both in the car when I picked it up. I'm now trying to put things back together. I have the service manual and have been able to put the cluster in place (thanks to a telescoping steering wheel!). Any tips on getting all of the bulbs/switches, etc. into place? There isn't much room behind the cluster for things like hands... Also, the wires (all original I believe) aren't very long so the cluster needs to be relatively close to get things plugged in.
Finally, is there a resource that tells which bulb is for what? I found 9 bulbs w/ gray wires that appear to be general cluster lighting. There are also purple, blue, green, etc. wires with bulbs on them. I didn't see what these were in the service manual.
Thanks! This site has been a tremendous help already!
Tim
Some of you know my saga, but for those that don't - I recently inherited a 1967 small block coupe. My dad had taken apart the cluster to have the speedo serviced. That was around 10 years ago. Since then, the cluster has been sitting in the passenger seat, sans speedo and tach. He recently passed away and I am now in possession of the car.
The speedo and tach were both in the car when I picked it up. I'm now trying to put things back together. I have the service manual and have been able to put the cluster in place (thanks to a telescoping steering wheel!). Any tips on getting all of the bulbs/switches, etc. into place? There isn't much room behind the cluster for things like hands... Also, the wires (all original I believe) aren't very long so the cluster needs to be relatively close to get things plugged in.
Finally, is there a resource that tells which bulb is for what? I found 9 bulbs w/ gray wires that appear to be general cluster lighting. There are also purple, blue, green, etc. wires with bulbs on them. I didn't see what these were in the service manual.
Thanks! This site has been a tremendous help already!
Tim
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Bonheiden Belgium Europe
pm send
Last edited by raytex; Aug 16, 2013 at 01:29 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 60
From: Buffalo New York
Here is an article for some great guidance:
http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ster%20pt1.pdf
Here is a wiring diagram that is a great piece to have now and in the future:
http://docrebuild.com/oosoez.html
Get some new bulbs and bench test them before you reassemble.
Dennis
http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ster%20pt1.pdf
Here is a wiring diagram that is a great piece to have now and in the future:
http://docrebuild.com/oosoez.html
Get some new bulbs and bench test them before you reassemble.
Dennis
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Sedona Arizona
Thanks for the links! The article is right on - I've already tried to clean out the area behind the cluster and noticed a little bit of the soundproofing on the firewall that is not glued.
Any thoughts on what to use to glue it back? It's in great condition. It actually looks like it came from the factory that way.
New bulbs will be ordered today.
BTW - I was able to get part 2 of the article with:
http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ster%20pt2.pdf
This is the re-install of the cluster.
Any thoughts on what to use to glue it back? It's in great condition. It actually looks like it came from the factory that way.
New bulbs will be ordered today.
BTW - I was able to get part 2 of the article with:
http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ster%20pt2.pdf
This is the re-install of the cluster.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 0
From: N East fl
so I used this guide and it was very helpful EXCEPT I don't think it showed the trip meter reset. Learn from my mistake and don't forget the trip meter and don't be scared of the dash its really not that difficult. Good Luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,504
Likes: 91
From: North Carolina "life is good"
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This may be in the posted links above but John's tip of using the 6" threaded rods to hold the cluster out from the dash makes it really easy to access all of those connections.
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From: Washington Michigan
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,665
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From: Buffalo New York
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
When using the 1/4x20 threaded rods for cluster installation, I like to use 2 long bolts with the heads cut off, and 2 WITH the heads intact.
This way as I'm working under the dash trying to get things wired up, if I push too hard on the back of the cluster I can't push it off the threaded rod because the 2 bolts with heads will stop it.
This way as I'm working under the dash trying to get things wired up, if I push too hard on the back of the cluster I can't push it off the threaded rod because the 2 bolts with heads will stop it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
Put a 2 amp inline fuse on one of the 2 wires that goes to the battery gauge. Don't forget to also lube the speedo and tach cable with a light coat of wheel bearing grease, or graphite grease.
