Center Gauge Console Removal

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Sep 3, 2017 | 05:48 PM

Mick42767

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 200

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From: Old Greenwich CT

Center Gauge Console Removal

1972 Coupe w/ Air. Trying to remove center gauge console to replace some dead bulbs. Removed 2 screws on each side and screw at top near wiper switch. Top flips down, but console doesn't fold down. It moves slightly because screw holes on side are no longer lined up. Any thoughts?

Please don't suggest AIM as I've already checked. Thanks!

Sep 3, 2017 | 05:57 PM

san

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 140

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look closer

On my 78 there are 2 screws that attach at the bottom upwards, they attach the center cluster to center console. Not sure if its the same on yours but i would suspect there are some screws on the bottom. You have to remove the side console covers to get at them, they screw upwards.

Sep 3, 2017 | 06:34 PM

blue427

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2003

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if I remember correctly they are slotted,just loosen the bottom ones don't remove them,they're a bitch to get back on.

Sep 3, 2017 | 06:37 PM

Alan 71

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Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 31,280

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi M,
The center gauge bezel has 2 studs at the bottom that seat in the upper frame for the shifter console.
Originally there was a nut on each of the studs that secured the bezel in place that are difficult to reach.
Some folks reach them by removing the forward extension on each side of the console and reaching 'back' or by using extensions on a 1/4" drive ratchet on the sides of the console and reaching 'up'.
Not easy the first time you do it… but easier once you become familiar with how it's held in place.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

The 2 studs at the bottom of the bezel.

Access with the side extension panel removed.

An example of reaching up from below.

Last edited by Alan 71; Sep 3, 2017 at 07:01 PM.

Sep 3, 2017 | 06:39 PM

bradleyb66

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 789

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From: Los Banos CA

I think the 78 is different (my 79 is anyway). I just did this on my 69 (to replace the radio, and the heater core). There are two nuts on the bottom that SUPPOSEDLY can be unscrewed from either under or behind the gauge cluster. After trying for almost an hour to figure out how to access these nuts, I decided to remove the parking brake cover, and then remove the screws attaching the center shifter console. The whole thing then slid back a few inches. For my case, it made the most sense, since I was also doing some minor repairs on the heater controls, so I had the shift console half apart anyway.

Sep 3, 2017 | 07:20 PM

bradleyb66

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 789

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From: Los Banos CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

An example of reaching up from below.

Definitely going to try this method next time!

Sep 4, 2017 | 12:39 AM

san

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 140

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tricky and tight

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradleyb66

Definitely going to try this method next time!

Hahaha no matter how you do it, you going to be pressing hard on your ribs to get at it...i knew there had to be some sort of fastening method used on lower part....but as sugested above....next time will be a breeze!!!! Like 2 minutes to get er apart!!!

Sep 4, 2017 | 12:49 AM

7T1vette

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Crossville TN

BTW, you don't have to remove those nuts. You only have to loosen them a round or two. They fit into slots in that support rib. Once you have the two nuts loose, you can remove the side screws and carefully tip it out. (At least, that's how it is on my '71.)