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I have a 80s Corvette and would like to change the Center Console Gauge Bezel (so keep Radio etc intact but only change the console itself) - I already bought a new one, now nothing can hold me back ;-)
Does anybody have a good link or video with a detailed step by step instruction on how to do so that I could base my work on? That would be amazing.
I have a 80s Corvette and would like to change the Center Console Gauge Bezel (so keep Radio etc intact but only change the console itself) - I already bought a new one, now nothing can hold me back ;-)
Does anybody have a good link or video with a detailed step by step instruction on how to do so that I could base my work on? That would be amazing.
Thank you to all and best regards,
Felix
Upload this, then start at the bottom of page 3, it'll walk you through it.
Do you have an A.I.M. for your model year? You've been a Forum member for a year; surely you've seen posts on the necessity of having that document if you plan to work on your car. It has many drawings of how all the components of the car were assembled at the final assembly factory.
Do you have an A.I.M. for your model year? You've been a Forum member for a year; surely you've seen posts on the necessity of having that document if you plan to work on your car. It has many drawings of how all the components of the car were assembled at the final assembly factory.
Unfortunately I do not...I found one on Amazon but not sure if this is the place to buy it. Can you recommend where I should purchase one?
That looks like a real good option. I think I got mine from Corvette Central maybe and it is just all loose pages which I had to put in a binder. It's sort of a pain to use.
That looks like a real good option. I think I got mine from Corvette Central maybe and it is just all loose pages which I had to put in a binder. It's sort of a pain to use.
You should also get a service manual as it contains lots of removal/repair instructions specific to the C3. It also has excellent circuit-by-circuit schematics with good written circuit explanations. I find these far more useful than the car-wide wiring diagrams.
Not all will suggest this but in the numerous times I've had the gauge pack out of my '79 I found it best to remove the remove/relocate most of the center console before taking out the gauge/radio bezel. This makes it far less easy to break plastic tabs and you'll also get a much better fit of all the components when you put everything back in reverse order.
While you have it out I suggest you order a new lamp (it's a special one) for the "lantern" that lights the HVAC panel. If like others you find the amount of light it gives wanting you can slightly enlarge both the metal and plastic apertures. Actually, I'd replace all of the lamps in that area while in there.
The flexible printed circuit that powers the gauges and the lamps is very prone to delamination. Check it carefully. If you find that the layers are separating I suggest you replace it. I attempted repair on mine and it seemed good until I had to get in there again and now other places were separating. Eventually the copper traces touch and things go haywire and/or literally burn. The replacement circuits are thinner (if better IMO) than the original. No problem except at the twist-in low fuel warning module. You need to cut a piece of fiberboard (like from the back of a notepad) to act as a spacer--otherwise the module will come loose/fall out necessitating you remove everthing again
first of all, thanks a lot for your help so far. I have been successful in removing the center console - however now I seem to be stuck.... I have the following problems:
1) I can not get the clock out, because I do not know how to remove the **** from the front of the clock (which isn't working anyway)....I made a picture (first picture) and highlighted the know in red - it looks so easy but I can't get if off
2) I found a wire that isn't connected anywhere - it's a pink and grey wire .(second picture) Anybody knows what that is?
There's a tiny screw in the center of the clock setting ****. Use a flat blade jeweler's screwdriver or similar.
Tried this already. No matter if i screw clockwise or counter clockwise the **** does not loose. Do I have to pull the **** out and then try to get the screw off or can i do it without pulling (so just in the normal position)?
Everything you need to know about removing and repairing the clock. I repaired mine and am thrilled with the result! If you keep the original clock, give this a shot. It was kind of a fun project and I was able to do it in about 45 minutes.
C3 Center Console Gauge Removal
