My 78 pace cars clock quit working.... again! Surprise! I think I mentioned it a while back. I had the entire center console removed at a very expensive Corvette specialty shop. I repaired the clock and put it back into the gauge cluster. Then I took it all back to the shop and had them reinstall everything. It was very expensive to have the shop do dis assembly/ assembly. 6 months later the clock stopped once again. So now I have a digital replacement movement, to get rid of those points, but I have to get the clock out again to swap out the movement. Can the gauge cluster be removed without removing the entire center console? Taking it out last time was very invasive, and difficult. I think there are 2 nuts that bolt the gauge cluster to the center console. Not too sure how I'd get to those without removing the center console again. I see some years have removable side panels on the center console, while others area one piece console. Any hints as to how to go about this. I not only don't want to pay a shop to do the dirty work, it is really invasive, so I'd rather take off as little as I can to get to the clock. My other issue is I am older and I don't bend as well as I used to. It seems it would be very difficult to remove the center console with the seats in. Anyone got a midget or small child that would fit in there? I am afraid and have been told that the entire console must be removed, just to get to the clock. Kinda like they held the clock up and built a car around it. Access to tough. I live near Newport, TN, so if there is someone who has done this before I don't mind offering a bit of cash and maybe some adult beverages after we finish, to come out or I could come to you, to have someone there that has done it before. One last option is to find a shop (I do not know any in this area, as I just moved here) that can do the entire job turn key. That's the last option.

 

IMO for ease of body movements...
if you can remove seats and side panels.. you can do this job DIY.. be gentle.. get some bandaids.. do it once and you will know.. it is finicky but not physical..
clock needs oil after cleaning.. special clock oil..or you will be doing again..
watch for hidden screws .. i am BETTING you will do a better job than the shop..
- GET THE AIM for your car and service manual from GM
google c3 corvette console removal 78, lots of threads.. post if needed help ... some pain points. bulb at top of console.. and removing stereo buttons.
here is sample
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lp-1978-a.html
there are even vids

clock repair here
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-repair.html

 

LOL. I sit in the passenger's seat to do most of this but do have to use the driver's side.

Yes! But it's not that bad with patience and a six-pack.

Why not connect with local Corvette clubs and seek their help? These guys love doing this stuff...unless it's a very-late model that just do trips and lunches. You have two in your area the Nashville Corvette Club and the River City Club.

I have to agree with interpon it is a rewarding DIY project but must be done with patience and care. In fact, I have my console laying in the passenger seat as we speak and have done it numerous times to remove the clock.,..and need to do it again. I have a Pace Car and a Silver Anniversary...so quite familiar with the routine. Get manuals interpon has listed. To do it right, the driver's console has to be loosened to remove the center gauge cluster and thus the clock. I remove the carpet consoles that allow me to access the driver's console, then remove screws so it loosens. That allows the center gauge console to be removed...carefully! As you know once the cluster is removed then you can separate the clock from the cluster. But it is way too easy to crack the dash panel when replacing screws,...,so care must be taken.

It's midnight here but I talked to a clock guy and the do-it-yourself fixes only last so long. At some point parts have to be replaced and why a rebuild is necessary. I'll look it up in the AM. In fact I bought an entire center gauge cluster so have backup clock and gauges.

Hope this helps!

 

On my 77 I do not have to remove the entire center console to remove the gauge cluster. I do need to remove the side panels which is much easier with seats removed.
then remove the sill plate on passengers side door. Then the passenger side kick panel. Then on a 77 the map pocket/right side dash panel. Yours is different here as you have a glove box. But still that right side dash panel will need to come out. Then the gauge cluster can be removed. Now of course your car is different from mine. But I am fairly certain the gauge cluster is pretty much the same.
I can say this however, I put a quartz clock conversion kit in mine back in the mid 90's. And it still keeps perfect time.
Well worth doing.