Remove Instrument Cluster on '81?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Remove Instrument Cluster on '81?
I need to replace the wiper switch on my 1981.
First, I must remove the instrument cluster. But, I pull out all the screws around the speedo/tach "Window", and only the plastic window comes out. The cluster itself doesn't budge.
What am I missing?
First, I must remove the instrument cluster. But, I pull out all the screws around the speedo/tach "Window", and only the plastic window comes out. The cluster itself doesn't budge.
What am I missing?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
I am just beginning to replace the interior on my 81 afgter pulling everything out to restore it. The Speedo Cluster had me stumped for a little while - i had trouble getting my big mits behind the cluster to pull the cable. BTW - got the new Dash pad in over the weekend, will begin on the gauge clusters this week.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
when i yanked mine last summer it was actually stuck
in place i can only assume from heat, it had stuck itself
to the vinyl of the dash and took some prodding to remove.
also dont forget the main harness that plugs in to the back
of it, if i remember right there is just enough room to pull it
to the drivers door, sneak your hand in to undo harness
which will give you a little more wiggle room so you can
undo the speedo cable.
good luck.
in place i can only assume from heat, it had stuck itself
to the vinyl of the dash and took some prodding to remove.
also dont forget the main harness that plugs in to the back
of it, if i remember right there is just enough room to pull it
to the drivers door, sneak your hand in to undo harness
which will give you a little more wiggle room so you can
undo the speedo cable.
good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: London
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
There are two more screws underneath the dash pad,first you have to remove the panel which holds the headlight over ride switch.You will see two bolts which hold the steering rack up, either side of these bolts, you will find two more bolts[10mm i think] remove these and it releases the cluster.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,394
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
i have had to do this more times than i care to remember. if you need to fully remove the gauge cluster, you'll have to unbolt the steering column and let it hang down. this is a real beotch to get out of there. even after you get the cable unclipped, you will probably have to put pressure down on the steering column to slide it over the column.
have fun with this one.
have fun with this one.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
i have had to do this more times than i care to remember. if you need to fully remove the gauge cluster, you'll have to unbolt the steering column and let it hang down. this is a real beotch to get out of there. even after you get the cable unclipped, you will probably have to put pressure down on the steering column to slide it over the column.
have fun with this one.
have fun with this one.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
I have been putting my 81 back together and just put the Speedo and Tach in. I unbolted (two bolts) on the steering Column but it would not drop - i was able to force is down a half inch or so - just enough to slide the speed over it and into place. Is there something I missed to get more room? Radio and Center Cluster tonight.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
