When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Is there a trick to getting the gauge bezel/cluster out? It looks like I have to take the console out as well. I have everything pretty much loose but there seems like something is holding the console even though all of the screws have been removed. I don't want to force anything so I was wondering if someone that has done this before can point me in the right direction.
There are two nuts on two studs between the cluster and the center console. If you take off the removable panels just forward of the console and peek in there (maybe use a mirror), you'll see them. Real PIA to remove.
What I did. On my 72 those nuts are 5/16. I welded a 3/16 rod onto the side of a 5/16 socket, and was then able to reach in there and slowly loosen and remove those nuts.
Just had mine apart on my '82. Yes you need to drop the carpeted side panels down so you can get at the two screws holding the gauge cluster to the console panel. They are at the outside edges pointing upward. I just used a 1/4" drive socket set. On the outside of the gauge clusted there are 4 screws to remove. Two going up through the top, and two on the sides. You will also need to remove the radio *****/nuts. Once all screws are out, I just pull down and out at the top of the cluster. Just go slow and easy with it. It will flex a little. Good luck.
Thanks everyone. I guess I am on the right track. I thought I was going to have to pull the console but by the looks of it that is part of the job that I don't need to do. :)