Instrument Panel

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Dec 9, 2002 | 01:29 PM

30yr Wait

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 188

Likes: 0

From: Norwood MA

Instrument Panel

Can someone give me some hints on taking off the instrument panel, the one behind the steering column, on my 69.
For instance, how does the the headlight **** come off? Any other insights will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Pat :confused:

Dec 9, 2002 | 01:32 PM

lason

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 115

Likes: 0

From: Arlington tx

Re: Instrument Panel (30yr Wait)

I have yet to remove the headlight switch from my vette but most of the older GM's I have had had a button on the actual headlight switch behind the dash. You push the button and he headlight **** and rod come right out. hope this helps.

Dec 9, 2002 | 02:21 PM

30yr Wait

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 188

Likes: 0

From: Norwood MA

Re: Instrument Panel (30yr Wait)

Thanks Lason, I'll check that out.

Pat

Dec 9, 2002 | 04:45 PM

Edzred72

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 5,943

Likes: 3

From: Wildwood IL

Re: Instrument Panel (30yr Wait)

Lason is correct. The headlight switch has a little spring plunger type button that you press, and (not always easily) pull the **** and rod out. To pull the drivers dash, you don't have to take off that ****. To pull the dash, you should pull out the top dash pad. It's also wise to lower the steering column too. A support bracket under the column must be removed, along with all the vacuum switches that mount to it. After removing all the drivers dash side and top screws, you can pull the dash forward some. Disconnect everything, and mark it if you have a short memory (like me) Some things disconnect from the top...some from under. Once your sure everything is disconnected... you can press down on the loosened steering column, while tilting the bottom of the dash pad out and up. Out she comes! Sounds easy in print.... but it isn't. Lot's and lot's of vacuum lines, speed-o and tach cable, instrament lighting, and electrical connections. Hope you have your AIM!!! Good Luck
Eddie

Dec 9, 2002 | 05:21 PM

Monkeywrench

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 2,080

Likes: 0

From: Exiled Tampa Bay Misfit

Re: Instrument Panel (Silvr77)

Quote:

Sounds easy in print.... but it isn't. Lot's and lot's of vacuum lines, speed-o and tach cable, instrament lighting, and electrical connections.

You mean like this :D

Dec 10, 2002 | 10:38 AM

30yr Wait

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 188

Likes: 0

From: Norwood MA

Re: Instrument Panel (Monkeywrench)

Now THAT'S scary
:eek: :eek:

Dec 10, 2002 | 11:08 AM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

Likes: 230

From: Orange Park Florida

Re: Instrument Panel (30yr Wait)

30 yr, when I rewired the interior of my '72 last winter, one of the things I did was simplify the dash removal....I took just ONE wire through a plug along with the turn signals and other indicators....that plug does all the dash wiring in one shot....no individual bulbs to hassle with while the dash is in the car....
just plug and unplug from out over the steering wheel where things are logical and easy to get to.....I have an electronic tach too...so that's easier for sure...and my speedo cable is run under the carpet and through the tranny tunnel next to the seat...straight shot...and much simpler as a result to pull the dash.....essentially I can have my dash out and in inside of 20 minits...

there are advantages to doing things hotrod style.....

MY attitude is, I will only fight something silly ONCE...after that, i'ts modified to make life easy.....I"m LAZY.....Im also arthritic as hell, but that's another story....
GENE