instrument bezel removal 79
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Red Bank NJ
instrument bezel removal 79
How do you remove the wire plug(?) from the back of the guage bezel?
I have to cut guage bezel to install the radio and would prefer to do it out of the car. There is one large plug with a lot of wires directly in the middle of the bezel. Can't see how to remove the plug or does in not come out? Do you remove each wire separately? Car is a 79.
I have to cut guage bezel to install the radio and would prefer to do it out of the car. There is one large plug with a lot of wires directly in the middle of the bezel. Can't see how to remove the plug or does in not come out? Do you remove each wire separately? Car is a 79.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
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From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
If memory serves me well, there are tabs on each side of the plug. You pinch the tabs in which will release the plug. Sometimes it does not want to release so you may have to wiggle the plug while depressing the tabs. Be carefull when removing the plug that you don't rip the copper tabs on the printed circuit board. They are somewhat fragile. I cut my bezel to install a standard DIN radio a few years ago.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
I just had mine out a few months ago, and there are 2 tabs (like Frankenvette suggested). I sprayed my connection with a circuit board cleaner spray first and like it sit for an hour. Just remember it's been there over 20 years, clean the plug well before you plug it back in. Again with a spray cleaner.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
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From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Glass Act
I just had mine out a few months ago, and there are 2 tabs (like Frankenvette suggested). I sprayed my connection with a circuit board cleaner spray first and like it sit for an hour. Just remember it's been there over 20 years, clean the plug well before you plug it back in. Again with a spray cleaner.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 2
From: Montreal Qc.
Originally Posted by smoothsailing
How do you remove the wire plug(?) from the back of the guage bezel?
I have to cut guage bezel to install the radio and would prefer to do it out of the car. There is one large plug with a lot of wires directly in the middle of the bezel. Can't see how to remove the plug or does in not come out? Do you remove each wire separately? Car is a 79.
I have to cut guage bezel to install the radio and would prefer to do it out of the car. There is one large plug with a lot of wires directly in the middle of the bezel. Can't see how to remove the plug or does in not come out? Do you remove each wire separately? Car is a 79.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
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From: Red Bank NJ
Thanks for all you help. I have the panel out now, it's just attached by the wire plug. I couldn't tell if it was a plug or not. But now I'll try real carefully to remove it. I may end up cutting it in the car if need be, but since I had it open already the job would be easier out of the car. 
PS: The circut board is loose around the edges.It isn't torn or anything just a little loose. Is it supposed to be "glued" or held down on the plastic surface? Looked like all the bulb holders held it in place. But I should use a little model glue around the edges to hold it down? Thanks again for you help.
PS: The circut board is loose around the edges.It isn't torn or anything just a little loose. Is it supposed to be "glued" or held down on the plastic surface? Looked like all the bulb holders held it in place. But I should use a little model glue around the edges to hold it down? Thanks again for you help.
Last edited by smoothsailing; Aug 2, 2005 at 10:01 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Red Bank NJ
Thanks for your help. Used a dremel out of the car and the fit is perfect. The plug came out very clean no problem. Now have to figure out the wiring and some sort of support for the radio from the rear. The radio seems a bit heavy to rely on the small area around the face plate to hold it up.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by smoothsailing
Thanks for your help. Used a dremel out of the car and the fit is perfect. The plug came out very clean no problem. Now have to figure out the wiring and some sort of support for the radio from the rear. The radio seems a bit heavy to rely on the small area around the face plate to hold it up.
I made a mount from the rear of the radio. I used metal brackets that you can buy at radio shack for radio installation. They are very flexible. I mounted them to a stud on the back of the radio made for this purpose. Your's probably has something similar. Anyway, I mounted the flexible bracket from the radio to a bracket on the side of the tranny tunnel that supports the side covers. Just find something solid to mount the end of the bracket to that will keep the rear of the radio supported. I also put some white styrofoam under the rear of the radio to act as a shock absorber. It's just wedged under the radio.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Red Bank NJ
Thanks, sounds like a great plan. There is a small braket on the tunnel that looks like a good spot to attach a bracket. I think the last owner did the foam support you did. Lot of hard foam in the tunnel area. Thanks again for the info.
Pro
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From: Jackson Ms
Be carefull when removing the plug that you don't rip the copper tabs on the printed circuit board. They are somewhat fragile.
one thing to look out for....when pluging it back in make sure the tab's are right. After a reinstall i had one tab move a little and short to another and made my parking lights come on when the key was on.
