Center Gauge Bezel Removal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 2
From: VA
Center Gauge Bezel Removal
I have a 71 and am trying to remove the center gauge bezel so I can try to repair my oil gauge. I have the wiper actuator cover off, and all of the bezel screws removed. In addition, I have the 2 screws at the bottom of the bezel loosened. However, when I go to rotate the gauge cluster forward, the radio hangs on the black molding that runs underneath the dash (sorry for the non technical description). Any ideas ? Gotta be something simple I'm missing because everything I've read doesn't make it seem that hard to remove the gauge cluster. Although it's funny, everyone I've spoken to who has actually done this says it's a PIA - I'm seeing why.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: los altos hills california
What does "repair my oil gauge mean". It's a pretty simple gauge, and just responds to oil pressure, no electronics although for a 71, I am just guessing. If all you have to do is install a new oil line, just take the radio out and that may get you access. If you have the plastic line you definitely want a new one. I believe to get the whole cluster out you may have to take the radio out anyway.
I haven't done this job in a few years so others will probably have more recent experience.
Putting it back in is even worse when it comes to attaching the cluster to the console. There are some things you can do to make that easier. Do some searches, most of us have been there.
I haven't done this job in a few years so others will probably have more recent experience.
Putting it back in is even worse when it comes to attaching the cluster to the console. There are some things you can do to make that easier. Do some searches, most of us have been there.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 2
From: VA
Also found loosening the passenger side dash pad help. It was in there tight. Oil pressure gauge not working, and understand how it works. Someone replaced the line (and oil is getting to the gauge). This car sat for a while before I purchased last year. I've read the gauges can get a little gunked up, and dirty affecting the performance of the gauge. Wilcox has a procedure to try to clean them up which is what I'm doing.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 2
From: VA
Gauge was indeed frozen up. Lubricated all the pivot points on the mechanisms, worked it in a bit, and gauge is working fine now. Not looking forward to taking that gauge cluster back out.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: los altos hills california
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 1,589
From: los altos hills california
If it is a functional clock I would agree with you, however 7T1 has a little more in depth explanation of how these clocks can fail. If this has reached the intermittent point it may well be for the condition he describes.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1595972786
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1595972786