[C2] Removing Gauge Cluster For Repairs, Need Advice
11-04-2017, 02:21 PM
#1
Instructor
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Removing Gauge Cluster For Repairs, Need Advice
I bought my 66 coupe about a year and a half ago. It's a driver that I bought to tinker with. Last year I restored the center console and glove box. This winter I will be refurbishing the gauge cluster. What I am planning:
Ammeter is broken, odometer and trip odometer do not work. Replace a few broken bulbs, replaced hazy/cracked lenses. Repaint front of cluster and steering column.
Do you have any advice of common issues that I might consider to address "while I am in there"? Don't want to pull cluster more than once, is there anything else you might suggest I do while I have it out?
Thanks,
Doug
Ammeter is broken, odometer and trip odometer do not work. Replace a few broken bulbs, replaced hazy/cracked lenses. Repaint front of cluster and steering column.
Do you have any advice of common issues that I might consider to address "while I am in there"? Don't want to pull cluster more than once, is there anything else you might suggest I do while I have it out?
Thanks,
Doug
11-04-2017, 02:56 PM
#2
Team Owner
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2015 C2 of Year Finalist
well you should have the speedo calibrated but other then that make sure you know where everything goes
11-04-2017, 03:44 PM
#3
Team Owner
Always, always check the weld at the top of the clutch pedal and that the nylon pedal shaft bushings are
good when you’re in this far. Much easier to deal with as part of a cluster pull.
good when you’re in this far. Much easier to deal with as part of a cluster pull.
11-04-2017, 04:40 PM
#5
Team Owner
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They are ok to have. They could be made better. There are a little better then using needle nose pliers
11-04-2017, 08:08 PM
#6
Drifting
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While you’re in there I would replace the wiring harness. I prefer Lectric Limited, but assure you that 50+ year old wire doesn’t conduct electricity like it used to.
In fact, you may consider doing the engine/headlight harness too. Mine took an afternoon but I took my time and had my son help.
Good luck.
In fact, you may consider doing the engine/headlight harness too. Mine took an afternoon but I took my time and had my son help.
Good luck.
11-05-2017, 06:41 AM
#7
Safety Car
While you’re in there I would replace the wiring harness. I prefer Lectric Limited, but assure you that 50+ year old wire doesn’t conduct electricity like it used to.
I replaced the bulbs with LEDs since mine wasn't a NCRS car.
11-06-2017, 01:12 PM
#8
Drifting
If you have never done this before I would take pictures of the disassembly, so you assemble everything correctly, that goes for the routing of the harness as well.
11-06-2017, 01:37 PM
#9
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Here's what makes it easier. Buy some 6" 1/4 x 20 bolts and cut off the heads.
Screw 'em into the cluster mounting screw holes. Pull the cluster back, and you can more easily disconnect things.
Some things will need to be disconnected before you can pull it back, but you'll figure that out...
Makes it easier to reinstall too.
Screw 'em into the cluster mounting screw holes. Pull the cluster back, and you can more easily disconnect things.
Some things will need to be disconnected before you can pull it back, but you'll figure that out...
Makes it easier to reinstall too.
The following users liked this post:
georgehafe (11-06-2017)
11-06-2017, 01:53 PM
#10
Drifting
Here's what makes it easier. Buy some 6" 1/4 x 20 bolts and cut off the heads.
Screw 'em into the cluster mounting screw holes. Pull the cluster back, and you can more easily disconnect things.
Some things will need to be disconnected before you can pull it back, but you'll figure that out...
Makes it easier to reinstall too.
Screw 'em into the cluster mounting screw holes. Pull the cluster back, and you can more easily disconnect things.
Some things will need to be disconnected before you can pull it back, but you'll figure that out...
Makes it easier to reinstall too.
11-06-2017, 02:50 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
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All great suggestions above. I would also remove the driver's seat for further access, set a couple of phone books in the footwell to make the driver's side floor even and help save your back and I also recommend a "head-mounted" flashlight for getting under the dash, that will be one less thing to hold and one less thing in your way.
Ray
Ray
11-06-2017, 03:11 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
All great suggestions above. I would also remove the driver's seat for further access, set a couple of phone books in the footwell to make the driver's side floor even and help save your back and I also recommend a "head-mounted" flashlight for getting under the dash, that will be one less thing to hold and one less thing in your way.
Ray
Ray
11-06-2017, 07:50 PM
#14
While laying on my back I made a rough picture with a marker and paper of all the bulb locations and other connections. I numbered the bulb fixtures with masking tape. This made reassembly a cinch.