I am going to remove the center cluster out of my 80 to replace the clock. Does anyone have any advice on removing and reinstalling this cluster or any possible pitfalls or is it pretty straight forward. I just want to make sure everything still works when I reinstall it. Thanks

 

DON'T TAKE OFF ALL OF THE WIRES IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO. I took mine off a while ago and labeled everything as I took it all off, but you really don't want to have to do that if you don't have to. Try not to lose the speed clips when taking it on and off.

 

There's only 1 multiwire connector that runs all the gauges, fits in one way due to different size lugs. No problem. And a connector at the top for the light that shines down on the heater controls. Stock radio nuts need to come off, too.
Need to remove the carpeted console side panels. 2 screws in the gauge bezel at the top, 1 on each side, and 2 from below at the front of the console panel. I've found if you remove the 6 screws holding the console panel to make it slightly movable(don't forget the 2 from the brake cover) it helps with the space gained under the gauge bezel to work it out. Took out my defroster switch also for clearance.
Push down slightly while pulling out on the bezel to clear the heater light at the top. When it's free, reach behind and unplug the wire connector and the heater light connector.
Careful tho. Aged plastic can be pretty brittle. And don't over tighten the screws from the console to the gauge bezel as it's just screwed into plastic(I needed to add J-clips to mine as Bubba stripped those holes). The wire for the light will probably be in the way when putting it back together, a long screwdriver to reach through the AC vent to push it aside helps.
Just had mine apart this week to reinstall an original style radio. 70s quality sound system sounds great! But I never listen to it anyway.
Mike

Oh, disconnect the battery first.

 

and that's a fact, Jack!
If it's an automatic and you loosen the console panel don't lift it to high or you can break the little plastic connector that moves the pointer to P N D R, you can slip it off the shifter if you need to lift the console up. Also it may be a good time to replace all the bulbs now since you have the center console apart.

 

and I speek from experience

 

You don't need to remove the consol to get the center cluster out. BUT it is bolted to the consol. You need to remove the side panels and undo the screws (one on the left and one on the right). Most forget to do this and snap the plastic.

Jim

 

Don't REMOVE the console but it does help to have it loose. Helps to prevent scratches and cracks. Seemed a little tight pulling the bezel out so I loosened the console.
Mike

 

Thanks guys, I will keep in mind the two screws at the front of the console. I know the two clips at the back of the console are already broken.

 

I started by removing the passenger side dash pad in my 69. It made things easier to manipulate in the center cluster. I don't have A/C, but did have to twist the air duct to disengage the wiper control from the rest of the center cluster. The rest is just removing a few screws.

I pulled mine to get at the clock as well. Although there are only two screws holding it in at the back of the cluster, I wanted to take the entire cluster out to be sure the clock is centered properly when I put it back in. Just be sure to label the wires. This is also a good time to replace any burned bulbs that are found in there. I have also used this opportunity to inspect all vacuum hoses running along the inside of the dash.

Mark

 

Had this, just thought I'd post it. Put towels over the console and brake cover to prevent scratches. I even took out the bottom seat cushions.
Mike