84 vette : Dash board removal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 944
Likes: 11
From: Davie Florida
84 vette : Dash board removal
Hello all,
I own an 84 vette & I am getting ready to change my dashboard as I just got a new one, Anyone know how this is done or any tips would be nice...
Thanks,
Ant...
I own an 84 vette & I am getting ready to change my dashboard as I just got a new one, Anyone know how this is done or any tips would be nice...
Thanks,
Ant...
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
It's pretty straight forward.......the only thing is lower the steering wheel and remove that adjusting rod by unscrewing it.
I had to use a large Screwdriver to pry upwards on the upper dash pad to get it to clear....then there are two plugs that need to come out.
There is a "tab" on the upper right hand of your Cluster that will scratch the underside of that dash pad if you aren't careful.
Pulling and replacing that Cluster is about a two hour job at best.
if you go to Batee.com there is a step by step with photos
I had to use a large Screwdriver to pry upwards on the upper dash pad to get it to clear....then there are two plugs that need to come out.
There is a "tab" on the upper right hand of your Cluster that will scratch the underside of that dash pad if you aren't careful.
Pulling and replacing that Cluster is about a two hour job at best.
if you go to Batee.com there is a step by step with photos
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Dude! I'm not sure anymore....I can't find it either....
Unless I am having a brain fart, that was THE site for this procedure!!!
OH! don't scare my like that....He changed his website a bit and you just didn't dig far enough
http://www.batee.com/corvette/index.shtml
Unless I am having a brain fart, that was THE site for this procedure!!!
OH! don't scare my like that....He changed his website a bit and you just didn't dig far enough
http://www.batee.com/corvette/index.shtml
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
This coupled with what I posted earlier...is all you really need to know......that cluster could have been out in the time we were talking about it.
Removing the Digital Cluster:
1) Using a #2 screwdriver, remove all the screws holding the Digital Cluster Bezel to the dash. There's one behind the vent that you'll need a stubby screwdriver to remove.
2) Place the tilt steering wheel in its lowest position, then remove the steering wheel tilt lever by unscrewing it. Use a wrench if necessary, but be careful not to mar the surface.
3) Remove the four 9/32" Hex head screws that hold the instrument panel to the dash. There's one at the top left and top right corners, and two above the steering column.
4) Tilt the top of the Digital Cluster out away from the dash. There's a sharp metal cover on the back of the instrument panel. Be careful not to scrape this on the column, the dash, and be careful not to scratch the Digital Cluster LCD display panels on the column.
5) Using the flat blade screwdriver, remove the clips securing the two electrical connectors on the right side of the Digital Cluster, and remove the electrical connectors.
Removing the Digital Cluster:
1) Using a #2 screwdriver, remove all the screws holding the Digital Cluster Bezel to the dash. There's one behind the vent that you'll need a stubby screwdriver to remove.
2) Place the tilt steering wheel in its lowest position, then remove the steering wheel tilt lever by unscrewing it. Use a wrench if necessary, but be careful not to mar the surface.
3) Remove the four 9/32" Hex head screws that hold the instrument panel to the dash. There's one at the top left and top right corners, and two above the steering column.
4) Tilt the top of the Digital Cluster out away from the dash. There's a sharp metal cover on the back of the instrument panel. Be careful not to scrape this on the column, the dash, and be careful not to scratch the Digital Cluster LCD display panels on the column.
5) Using the flat blade screwdriver, remove the clips securing the two electrical connectors on the right side of the Digital Cluster, and remove the electrical connectors.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Not to mention from that site, The OP could have fixed his original cluster following the step by step in the provided link....it takes about two hours to disassemble and reflow all the solder points Batee points out.......
And as a matter of fact, I wouldn't put another unknown condition cluster back in without reflowing the solder points listed......I'd hate to go through all that trouble only to have a VERY COMMON issue of a loose or broken ground point.
This topic may be new to some of you, but it is a new thread prolly 20 times per year....and it always leads to the same issue.
I'm lazy and practical (AKA as cheap) all the shortcuts I take with cars (see the A/C thread) this is just one that is a no brainer for me....I'd get a soldering iron sit down in front of the TV and reflow 20+ year old dry cracked solder while watching two episodes of Seinfeild......... sorry to be so opnionated.
And as a matter of fact, I wouldn't put another unknown condition cluster back in without reflowing the solder points listed......I'd hate to go through all that trouble only to have a VERY COMMON issue of a loose or broken ground point.
This topic may be new to some of you, but it is a new thread prolly 20 times per year....and it always leads to the same issue.
I'm lazy and practical (AKA as cheap) all the shortcuts I take with cars (see the A/C thread) this is just one that is a no brainer for me....I'd get a soldering iron sit down in front of the TV and reflow 20+ year old dry cracked solder while watching two episodes of Seinfeild......... sorry to be so opnionated.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: MN
My FSM says:
Instrument Panel Pad Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove I. P. cluster bezel.
3. Remove steering column tilt lever.
4. Remove 5 I.P. pad to carrier screws. (they're under the front lip, it looks like there's 6 to me.)
5. Remove 2 screws at defroster duct.
6. Remove I.P. pad.
7. Installation is the reverse.
Good luck!
Instrument Panel Pad Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove I. P. cluster bezel.
3. Remove steering column tilt lever.
4. Remove 5 I.P. pad to carrier screws. (they're under the front lip, it looks like there's 6 to me.)
5. Remove 2 screws at defroster duct.
6. Remove I.P. pad.
7. Installation is the reverse.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 295
From: Galveston & Belton Texas
Anthony, hope you have the pad out by now. Take your time, remove all the front-under dash pad to plastic bezel screws and the 2-long defroster screws. The very front of the dash pad is secured with 3 to 4 flat metal prongs sort of slip or snap into the front windshield lower metal reinforcement frame. Once you have all the screws out, you may have to slightly raise the front lip of the pad and try to move it left and right as you pull it from the windshield reinforcement. You can crack and crush the pad if you "man-handle" it especially if it has become brittle from many, many years of exposure to the sun. Bet you will have a harder time getting back in than taking out once you know what things to look for. Folks have done the procedure millions of times so just stick with it.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: LA California
Would you mind letting us know where you bought your new one? I'm looking to do this on my '90. So far I've run across these two sources:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...5&dept_id=1656
http://www.corvettesouth.com/corvett...l?currency=USD
It looks to me like ecklers and corvettesouth are selling the same one.
.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 944
Likes: 11
From: Davie Florida
chevylu,
I have to say, I did not get a brand new one ( too much Money as times are hard )
But I did get one that is beautiful & like new ( cant wait to put it in ), I got this one on e-bay for 250.00, I think I got really lucky tho.. I have found a few others that had cracks, Discoloration. just worthless & people wanted 200 bucks ( rediculas ), Just keep checking e-bay & search google... You will found a nice one sooner or later Or you can spend a fortune & get a new one..
Good Luck,
Ant...
I have to say, I did not get a brand new one ( too much Money as times are hard )
But I did get one that is beautiful & like new ( cant wait to put it in ), I got this one on e-bay for 250.00, I think I got really lucky tho.. I have found a few others that had cracks, Discoloration. just worthless & people wanted 200 bucks ( rediculas ), Just keep checking e-bay & search google... You will found a nice one sooner or later Or you can spend a fortune & get a new one..
Good Luck,
Ant...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 944
Likes: 11
From: Davie Florida
Anthony, hope you have the pad out by now. Take your time, remove all the front-under dash pad to plastic bezel screws and the 2-long defroster screws. The very front of the dash pad is secured with 3 to 4 flat metal prongs sort of slip or snap into the front windshield lower metal reinforcement frame. Once you have all the screws out, you may have to slightly raise the front lip of the pad and try to move it left and right as you pull it from the windshield reinforcement. You can crack and crush the pad if you "man-handle" it especially if it has become brittle from many, many years of exposure to the sun. Bet you will have a harder time getting back in than taking out once you know what things to look for. Folks have done the procedure millions of times so just stick with it.
How are you? Good I hope,
Hope your move went ok..
I have a lady friend coming today from out of town & she is here for the weekend so I am not gonna work on the vette this weekend, But next weekend I will start the dash project along with some re-wiring... Hope you guys have a great weekend....
Thanks for the info...talk to you guys soon...
Ant....
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
There's one slight thing missing from these instructions - How to remove the headlamp dimmer switch....
This coupled with what I posted earlier...is all you really need to know......that cluster could have been out in the time we were talking about it.
Removing the Digital Cluster:
1) Using a #2 screwdriver, remove all the screws holding the Digital Cluster Bezel to the dash. There's one behind the vent that you'll need a stubby screwdriver to remove.
2) Place the tilt steering wheel in its lowest position, then remove the steering wheel tilt lever by unscrewing it. Use a wrench if necessary, but be careful not to mar the surface.
3) Remove the four 9/32" Hex head screws that hold the instrument panel to the dash. There's one at the top left and top right corners, and two above the steering column.
4) Tilt the top of the Digital Cluster out away from the dash. There's a sharp metal cover on the back of the instrument panel. Be careful not to scrape this on the column, the dash, and be careful not to scratch the Digital Cluster LCD display panels on the column.
5) Using the flat blade screwdriver, remove the clips securing the two electrical connectors on the right side of the Digital Cluster, and remove the electrical connectors.
This coupled with what I posted earlier...is all you really need to know......that cluster could have been out in the time we were talking about it.
Removing the Digital Cluster:
1) Using a #2 screwdriver, remove all the screws holding the Digital Cluster Bezel to the dash. There's one behind the vent that you'll need a stubby screwdriver to remove.
2) Place the tilt steering wheel in its lowest position, then remove the steering wheel tilt lever by unscrewing it. Use a wrench if necessary, but be careful not to mar the surface.
3) Remove the four 9/32" Hex head screws that hold the instrument panel to the dash. There's one at the top left and top right corners, and two above the steering column.
4) Tilt the top of the Digital Cluster out away from the dash. There's a sharp metal cover on the back of the instrument panel. Be careful not to scrape this on the column, the dash, and be careful not to scratch the Digital Cluster LCD display panels on the column.
5) Using the flat blade screwdriver, remove the clips securing the two electrical connectors on the right side of the Digital Cluster, and remove the electrical connectors.
