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Remove minor guages to replace lights?

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Old Aug 17, 2024 | 01:48 AM
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Default Remove minor guages to replace lights?

Hi all,

need some help, this is for a 1972. recently purchased some led lights for the dash guages, and thought Id do a trial run of getting the guages panel out, halfway through realised that the bezel surround is cracked through on the passenger side. So…

1) is the bezel easy enough to remove from the panel or does the whole gauges assembly have to come out now to refit a new bezel?

2) what are the best ways to get access to change the lights in the gauges. Is there a step by step procedure or youtube specific for a 1972 dash?

just thought Id add, I'm no mechanic, just willing to give it a go.

many thanks
Matt
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Old Aug 17, 2024 | 04:29 AM
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Use Google to search various posts from Corvette Forum Members that will give you details on how to remove the center gauges bezel. You have to remove the bezel and it’s not to hard, but be smart and do some reading so there are no surprises. If your car is mostly original, the oil pressure gauge has a small tube with oil going to it, obviously you need to be careful not to damage the line. The more reading you do, the better the outcome. Welcome to the hobby.
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Old Aug 17, 2024 | 05:41 AM
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The whole cluster does now need to come out.
All to downgrade to LED's.
It really isn't that difficult to remove. Take your time, be careful. Those 2 nuts on the bottom are a bugger.
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Old Aug 17, 2024 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by 72downunder
Hi all,

need some help, this is for a 1972. recently purchased some led lights for the dash guages, and thought Id do a trial run of getting the guages panel out, halfway through realised that the bezel surround is cracked through on the passenger side. So…

1) is the bezel easy enough to remove from the panel or does the whole gauges assembly have to come out now to refit a new bezel?

2) what are the best ways to get access to change the lights in the gauges. Is there a step by step procedure or youtube specific for a 1972 dash?

just thought Id add, I'm no mechanic, just willing to give it a go.

many thanks
Matt
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2024 | 11:39 AM
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72downunder
That video by caskiguy is good to watch if you've never done it.
It's easy. Don't stress..... here are the directions---- I would not try to remove the center bezel without removing the passenger side dash panel. Probably end up breaking the top section off......I broek mine, of course, once I had broken mine it make everything a lot easier, but still, remove the passenger side dash panel first.
1. remove the passenger side door sill
2. remove the passenger side kick panel
3. remove the passenger side dash pad
4. THEN remove the center bezel...... easy does it..... super easy to break at those weak corners.


PS- LED lighting is fantastic.


Originally Posted by 72downunder
Hi all,

need some help, this is for a 1972. recently purchased some led lights for the dash guages, and thought Id do a trial run of getting the guages panel out, halfway through realised that the bezel surround is cracked through on the passenger side. So…

1) is the bezel easy enough to remove from the panel or does the whole gauges assembly have to come out now to refit a new bezel?

2) what are the best ways to get access to change the lights in the gauges. Is there a step by step procedure or youtube specific for a 1972 dash?

just thought Id add, I'm no mechanic, just willing to give it a go.

many thanks
Matt
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2024 | 11:41 AM
  #6  
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More info worth reading:https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/2496127-step-by-step-how-to-replace-a-bulb-in-the-speedometer-or-techometer.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/4731686-gauge-cluster-removal-help-on-75-a.html


DISCONNECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE

Last edited by caskiguy; Aug 17, 2024 at 11:49 AM.
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Old Aug 17, 2024 | 06:03 PM
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Many thanks guys, will bare in mind those suggestions and take it slow.
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