begee22

Is there a how-to video of '63 dash removal? I know its best to remove seat and steering wheel but does column also need to be taken out? Input appreciated. begee22

Frankie the Fink

Follow these instructions precisely -- pay attention to the 63 unique stuff.

66RBS

Do I need to remove the steering column if I just want to pull the cluster out far enough to change bulbs and service speedo cable?

Frankie the Fink

No... You will need to drop the column slightly and pull the cluster forward with standoffs in place of the 5 mounting screws.

Gale Banks 80'

My early 63 Cluster is held in with sheet metal screws. 1/4" all thread is not going to work here.

Gavin65

That’s in correct , I don’t believe any mid year clusters were held in place with sheet metal screws

Gale Banks 80'

So are the 1/4" nuts in the Frame some sort of U-Nut that is held in place ? Mine are Sheet Metal Screw style U Nuts. That doesn't mean that it left the factory that way, but its been that way for a very long time.

tbarb

The poster above gave you incorrect information, your early 63 instrument cluster is attached to the dash by sheet metal screws.


Post up a picture for others to see.

MOXIE62

My December 63 has 1/4" screws and nuts. Long Island Corvette Supply is good about having the right fasteners. They show 1/4-20 screws for 63/67. I also would like to see a picture.

kingwoodvette

I have an Oct ‘63 and the panel is held on by sheet metal screws. In fact, I have been thinking about posting about that very issue. Everyone always talks about the 1/4” bolts. I’m glad to hear that someone else has sheet metal screws. I guess this is just another of the numerous changes over the year.

MOXIE62

Sometime run your hand up behind the panel and see if you can feel a caged square nut. Someone in the past may of installed sheet metal screws thinking that's correct.

kingwoodvette

ill do that, but as I remember the last time I was going to try the 1/4” standoff bolt trick, the bolts wouldn't fit into the hole. The screw are smaller, probably #10’s.

Maybe someone with a very early ‘63 will chime in and either confirm or refute.

Gavin65

I gave information that believed to be true, it is the first time I have heard of sheet metal screws used for the cluster. Just another 63 only anomaly, let me apologize for the erroneous information.

begee22

I've owned 4 different SWC over the past 40 years and ALL cluster screws were 5 Black plated 1/4-20 thread countersunk Phillips head screws with shallow domed head. Not that sheet metal screws could not have been used during build process, but have never seen any. begee22

MOXIE62

Well, that answers the question. If a 1/4" bolt will not go through then it must have sheet metal screws.

Gale Banks 80'

Ok so I just converted this one to 1/4 20 so it would be correct. Well it looks like I will be converting it back ! No harm using the 6" long bolts I cut the heads off made it much easier. I haven't slide it back in yet. So the Picture is of the hardware used on the November 21-27 build date. As You can see there is a mix of screws I believe the Flat Head ones painted black are probably the originals.

MOXIE62

I bet all the screw shown are original. I have never seen large threads like those on a small screw. I doubt if anybody reproduces them. And the nut part is made out of very thick metal. Never seen that before either.

tbarb

The screws shown in the picture are a mix, I will go out tomorrow and check mine to see if they match the flat head screws you show. My coupe is a second week November build and for some reason I am thinking phillips head round counter sunk screws not flat head but I will take a look.

The retainer nuts are correct and are used in other places on the car like the rocker moldings. You may want to look around at the glove box mounting screws to see if some were mixed up, I believe the phillips pan head screws secure the liner.

Your car may also be void of the lower glove box support and have the G/B ground wire attached from the cross bar to the inner hinge screw so if it's not there look for a screw hole in the crossbrace just inboard of the glove box, the light will not work without it.

Gavin, No need to apologize about anything. When it comes to the 63 MY there is always something to learn.

MidShark

My '63 has an Oct. 10 build date, and I have the "sheet metal" screws holding the housing in. I remember taking it out thinking great, this will be much more fun going back in- can't use the long bolts.

Rich

63 Blue Thunder

Early 63's definitely had the screws.

My November 62 SWC #3914 had the screws.

Years ago, John Hinkley and I corresponded about this after his article came out because he was not aware of this early 63 oddity..

Cluster removal is a lot easier with later cars. I fabricated some rods with screw ends welded on but they were not really successful.