68 Tachometer replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 3
From: Louisville Kentucky
68 Tachometer replacement
It's been a while since I've had to pull my drivers dash out. Can anyone let me know what unforeseen obstacles I may encounter. From what I remember it's pretty straight forward.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
The steps on my '71 (I guess minor differences for a 68 like the dash mounted ignition lock):
Remove steering wheel
Remove lower cover (the one holding the override ***** and wiper override). 3x screws
Remove screws holding dash pad. 3x screws along top. 2x screws on left side. 2x screws on center gauge cluster.
Remove AC duct as described above.
Remove tilt and turn signal stalks. They unscrew counter clockwise. There's a flat on them for this.
Lower steering column by loosening (don't remove) lower (firewall) nuts and then remove 2 bolts holding it up.
Now pull dash pad out a couple inches to where you can get to the back of the headlight switch. It has a button on it. Pull headlight switch to on. Push button in and headlight **** can be removed.
Unscrew headlight switch retaining nut.
Disconnect speedometer cable.
Disconnect 2x vacuum hoses from wiper solenoid and electrical connector. It helps a lot to pull dash pad forward a bit.
Pull dash pad out further and remove light sockets.
Remove dash pad.
Remove steering wheel
Remove lower cover (the one holding the override ***** and wiper override). 3x screws
Remove screws holding dash pad. 3x screws along top. 2x screws on left side. 2x screws on center gauge cluster.
Remove AC duct as described above.
Remove tilt and turn signal stalks. They unscrew counter clockwise. There's a flat on them for this.
Lower steering column by loosening (don't remove) lower (firewall) nuts and then remove 2 bolts holding it up.
Now pull dash pad out a couple inches to where you can get to the back of the headlight switch. It has a button on it. Pull headlight switch to on. Push button in and headlight **** can be removed.
Unscrew headlight switch retaining nut.
Disconnect speedometer cable.
Disconnect 2x vacuum hoses from wiper solenoid and electrical connector. It helps a lot to pull dash pad forward a bit.
Pull dash pad out further and remove light sockets.
Remove dash pad.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ff&z,
I like your list but will add that it's a good idea to support the end of the steering column once it's dropped to take the pressure off the bearings down at the rag joint end.
Regards,
Alan
I like your list but will add that it's a good idea to support the end of the steering column once it's dropped to take the pressure off the bearings down at the rag joint end.
Regards,
Alan
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,372
I would recommend removing the steering column (no just lowering)
Here is a link to a thread with 68 specific instructions..
I would recommend removing the steering column (not just lowering). It is relatively easy on a 68. Here is a link to some guidance. I just did this within the last month. It makes work on the dash much easier.
Make sure you wheels are straight ahead, mark the top of the steering wheel, then it's only like 6 bolts
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev23ja2009.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...v-23ja2009.pdf
got it from here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-lowering.html
I would recommend removing the steering column (not just lowering). It is relatively easy on a 68. Here is a link to some guidance. I just did this within the last month. It makes work on the dash much easier.
Make sure you wheels are straight ahead, mark the top of the steering wheel, then it's only like 6 bolts
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev23ja2009.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...v-23ja2009.pdf
got it from here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-lowering.html
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 3, 2017 at 10:12 PM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,153
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
take pics of where the wiring harness is as you take it apart, early 68 and late 68 routed it differently
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,372
As long as you're going behind the dash.....
Might want to consider replacing old lamps..... or, if they were as crappy as mine then consider installing strip LED lighting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-tach.html
Take your time. Take pictures. I like to label my leads.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-tach.html
Take your time. Take pictures. I like to label my leads.
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 3, 2017 at 10:05 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
this is the best way to pull the speedo or tach... It covers removing the steering column too.
-Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Mar 3, 2017 at 11:54 PM.