Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (pics)

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Jun 30, 2002 | 12:53 AM

Roger76

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From: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (pics)

Well I’m partway into my stereo installation. I have the center instrument cluster out, but as you can see in the pictures the gauges are still attached. I’m looking for advice on how to proceed here. There appear to be four tiny bolts holing the gauges to the trim. These are recessed and I cannot get socket all the way around them. (grrrr). My other option is to unplug the electrics and take it out with the gauges attached.

I need to get the trim piece out to cut it for the DIN install. I have one of the America International adapter plates. How much of this bezel do I need to cut away? All the way past the raised **** areas?

[Modified by Roger76, 10:56 PM 6/29/2002]

[Modified by Roger76, 10:58 PM 6/29/2002]

Jun 30, 2002 | 01:15 AM

trw

Melting Slicks

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From: Crescent City, CA

Re: Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (Roger76)

I used a 1/4 inch drive socket or a wrench, can't remember.

Cut the bezel so the head unit slides through and out to the adapter.

Hope this helps.

Terry

Jun 30, 2002 | 05:20 AM

Twin_Turbo

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Re: Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (trw)

VISE grips will get you there

Jun 30, 2002 | 11:27 PM

vettedan

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From: Medford, Or

Re: Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (Roger76)

Roger76-I think I used used a 1/4" drive socket. before you cut up your center console see if any Corvette junk yard have center console with a hole already cut out. I was able to find one. Here's my set up.
Dan http://www.vetteworksonline.com

Jun 30, 2002 | 11:38 PM

BSiegPaint

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

Re: Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (Roger76)

Are you sure you want to cut your really nice center cluster??? Do you have a replacement ready for when you want to change it back??? That being said, I took my spare and cut like you are describing. I held the bracket/adapter plate over the front of the cluster and lightly scribed a line with a sharp knife where I needed to cut (and I did that with a jigsaw). I found I cut into the middle of each of the old **** areas - and this is a bear to do, since the metal is terribly thick there. Once I had a rough opening, I fitted the adapter using a file and a little patience. The four little bolts holding on the gauges will come off - use a 1/4" drive socket and push down nice and hard - they will start to come out, and when they do, they give you plenty of room to fit the socket head. Just takes a little finesse. You want these off so you can paint the cluster after you cut the bejesus out of it... quick trick for painting the cluster - spray it all semi-gloss black and let it dry for 20-30 minutes, then scrape off the chrome areas with a razor blade. You don't have to tape off anything to get a perfect job.

Jul 1, 2002 | 05:45 AM

Roger76

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From: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Re: Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (BSiegPaint)

Thanks for the helpful post! I will use that painting tip.

Well, I am not too worried about this cluster trim 'cause it's broken anyway (right at the thinnest spot.

I got the thing out and wired up the new unit using the previous stereo's connector. It worked, but since the kids were in bed (and my wife) I couldn't crank it just yet. :D

Now to cut that hole.... :smash:

:seeya

Jul 1, 2002 | 08:44 AM

Paul 75 L82

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 5,245

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From: Blue Ridge Georgia

Re: Stereo Install center cluster 76- advice please. (Roger76)

I bought a new cluster frame and cut out for the cd player. Used a dremell with a cutting wheel and still messed up the paint. Rust-0-leum black satin matched fine. Pic's on my web site, good luck.