Speedometer gage cluster Installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Hertford NC
Speedometer gage cluster Installation
I finnaly was able to remove the speedometer gage cluster from my 1969 Corvette. My right arm is all scrapped up due to reaching behind the cluster to unhook all the lights, vacuum tubes and electrical connections. The speedometer is now out for repair. My concern is how will I ever get all the connections put back on since most of them will be a blind connection?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: Easton CT
This is really a nucklescrapping frustrating job. One important thing is that when you think you've got all connections plugged in, but before you fasten the dash panel, start the car and test all lights and all vacuum operated systems. There's a good chance you made a mistake, and you don't want to restart from the beginning.
If you look at the back of the speedo and tach you will see that each light socket hole is marked with the color of the wire that connects to it. About half of them are "gray", which are general illumination lights. Take a digital picture of the back or make a sketch before you start re-installing, because you can't read these markings once you stick the panel in position. An inspection mirror is a nice tool to make sure everything looks right.
Be extra careful of the vacuum hoses. My 69 has a electrical solenoid attacted to the Tach, which controls vacuum to the wiper door. There's different ways you can hook this up, and only one will allow the wipers to work. Good luck
If you look at the back of the speedo and tach you will see that each light socket hole is marked with the color of the wire that connects to it. About half of them are "gray", which are general illumination lights. Take a digital picture of the back or make a sketch before you start re-installing, because you can't read these markings once you stick the panel in position. An inspection mirror is a nice tool to make sure everything looks right.
Be extra careful of the vacuum hoses. My 69 has a electrical solenoid attacted to the Tach, which controls vacuum to the wiper door. There's different ways you can hook this up, and only one will allow the wipers to work. Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Excellent advice, Big Don. I've got my gauge cluster out right now, too. It's been out a few times before but everytime was a hassle getting everything where it belonged. So I took a digi-pic of the back of each gauge and printed them to 8.5x11"...just black & white pics. Now I'll have a reference to go by. But that won't be for a while now, as I have an unheated garage and the temp is in the 20's and going lower. I'm hoping Punxsutawney phil doesn't see his shadow so Spring comes early.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
yes, i am doing the same thing this winter. test it all before you button it up. you can connect it all with it pulled out about 2 inches, giving you a little more room..
remove the seats, and drop the steering column.. makes it alot easier. The heater ducts and vent ducts are an equal nightmare too so be careful.
remove the seats, and drop the steering column.. makes it alot easier. The heater ducts and vent ducts are an equal nightmare too so be careful.
