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Replacing the speedometer

Old Aug 5, 2017 | 08:47 AM
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Default Replacing the speedometer

I'm going to replace the speedo on my '72 Stingray.
I'll remove the driver's seat for more room,
remove the steering wheel bottom shroud,
remove the odometer cable that is connected to the lower dash,
drop the steering wheel, (not sure if I have to remove the column)
remove all the screws from the driver's side dash,
Then,
I have Ac ductwork behind the dash - Is there room behind the ductwork to reach the speedo cable connection? I know the dash has to move forward so I can reach the speedo mounting bolts/nuts, so I am looking for any suggestions to make this job a little easier.. I will also remove the speedo cable from the tranny for more access to the rear of the dash when it has to be pulled forward.
Am I missing something, other than a major headache?
Any suggestions?
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by JimT
I'm going to replace the speedo on my '72 Stingray.
I'll remove the driver's seat for more room,
remove the steering wheel bottom shroud,
remove the odometer cable that is connected to the lower dash,
drop the steering wheel, (not sure if I have to remove the column)
remove all the screws from the driver's side dash,
Then,
I have Ac ductwork behind the dash - Is there room behind the ductwork to reach the speedo cable connection? I know the dash has to move forward so I can reach the speedo mounting bolts/nuts, so I am looking for any suggestions to make this job a little easier.. I will also remove the speedo cable from the tranny for more access to the rear of the dash when it has to be pulled forward.
Am I missing something, other than a major headache?
Any suggestions?
I found that removing the column makes the job much easier in the long run. Less chance of damaging the lower dash and more room to work. Also disconnect the tack drive cable from the distributor.
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 10:47 AM
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Hi JT,
Dropping the steering column a couple of inches only gives you a few inches to work in.
You MIGHT be able to reach the 2 small hex head screws that secure the speedometer's case to the dash bezel.
The screw at the bottom of the case is best reached from below. Removing the bracket for the odometer reset ****/cable might give you better access from below.
As you state this isn't an easy job so you'll have to work gently and pray for patience.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

The access dropping the steering column a few inches gives you. You have to be very careful… things are very fragile back there.




The position of the 3 hex head screws. (Same on the speedometer.)

Last edited by Alan 71; Aug 5, 2017 at 10:52 AM.
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Roadster71
I found that removing the column makes the job much easier in the long run. Less chance of damaging the lower dash and more room to work. Also disconnect the tack drive cable from the distributor.


I have removed my dash maybe 6 or 7 times. Last time I decided to just removed the steering column. Wow. That made everything a lot easier. I have a 68 and it was actually quite easy to remove the steering column.

POINTER: Before you start removing it -- just ensure that your wheels are pointed straight ahead and mark your parts and take pictures. It will make things easier in the long run.
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 06:45 PM
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I take out the steering column because trying to service the speedometer while the dash panel is hanging there is not worth my time. I want the dash panel in its entirely out on the table.

TRUST ME...if I can do it faster and not have to do as much work I WOULD...but in this scenario...it comes out every time.

DUB
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