I am a new member with a 77 and need to replace the old speedometer. Does it come out the front and what is the best way to replace it?
Jason

 

I'm not sure about the 77 model year but my 78 sedo came out the front with ease. just took off the bezel and disconneted the spedo cable and sent it off to be rebuilt. Cost me about $75. I was able to keep the original miles on it that way.

 

Your leftside dash must be removed. This isn't a job to do unless your good with tools.

First remove the plastic air conditioning duct under the steering column. Reach up and press in on the clip holding the cable on the back of the speedometer. With the clip in pull the cable out.

Next remove the two screws in the door jam area holding the side of the dash. Remove the kick panel. Remove the the screws across the top of the dash pad and the center console. Next remove the lower cover under the steering column. Remove the bypass switch hoses.

You will need to remove the two bolts holding the steering column. This will allow you room to lower the column to get the dash out. I find it is easier to also remove the top dash pad. To do this you will need to remove the piller post trim and the rightside map pocket. The top dash pad will have a bracket or two holding it to the cowl remove the screws. Now the pad will lift up and pulls out. You will need to unplug the radio speakers and you will need to lift it high enough to clear the speedometer on the leftside.

Now with the top off, you will see the main wire harness attached to the back of the speedo/tach held on by a black bracket. Bend it back and move the wires out of the way. Pull the dash out on the driverside and remove the wires from the headlight switch. Also the switch has two vacumm hoses on it. Mark where they go and remove them.

Next remove the trip odometer cable nut. Unplug all of the dash bulbs from the speedo/tach and unplug the tach.

The dash should be ready for removal. Push the column down and remove it. Once it is out of the car the speedometer is held in by screws from the back remove them and the cluster will come out.

While you have this apart I recommend that you change all of the dash light bulbs and clean the lenses. This also a good time to lube the air vent levers or replace your chrome outlet ***** if they are bad. If your radio speakers are bad or if you want to upgrade them now is the time. Also take a pliers and pull the speedometer cable out of the case. Wipe the cable down with a cleaner and then lube it with grease, and insert it back in the case. It will go back in the case and put a dab of grease on the end where it goes into the speedometer.

I hope this answers your questions about the speedometer removal in your 77.

 

Thank You for this will help alot!!!!!!!!!!
Jason

 

I'll just add one thing to this. If you have original dash pads they are probably very brittle so take your time removing them. Many of the screws holding things together in the back go directly into the pads and it's easy to break off pieces of the mounting bosses. Good luck.

 

Where did you get yours rebuilt because I would be interested so I can keep the original miles as well.

 

One thing to add to CorvetteEd's instructions: remove the driver's seat first. That will create some room to move around.