'84 Instrument panel

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Jul 17, 2002 | 12:39 AM

Tcape

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 22

Likes: 0

From: Whiteville NC

'84 Instrument panel

Just got an '84, so I'm new to the forum. (First post, so I hope I'm doing this right!)

I'm presently trying to fix several things on my '84, and first on the list is the instrument panel. I've got no lights and no instruments at all, with the exception of a flickering tach light. Entire panel is dark. I'd sure appreciate some advice on how to fix the panel. Is this a common problem on the older C4s? Do I need to pull the panel out and have it rebuilt? If so, what's the cost.....and what vendors should I use? My mechanical skills are not great. Is it difficult to take the instrument panel out?

Should I start with the simple things...like bulbs? If so, how do I take the instrument panel apart to check bulbs?

Thanks very much for helping this new and frustrated Corvette owner!

Jul 17, 2002 | 02:58 AM

Boo383

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 1,521

Likes: 20

From: Knoxville TN

Re: '84 Instrument panel (Tcape)

Welcome to the forum! I haven't had any problems with my instrument panels yet, and I hope that I don't. I am just guessing, but I would check the ground. I think the cost to rebuild an instrument panel is around $350. Enjoy the car! :chevy

Jul 17, 2002 | 11:37 AM

vettl83

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 10

From: Montrose Colorado

Re: '84 Instrument panel (Boo383)

I would check with the guys on the Cross Fire forum they know all the ins and outs of the 84. I don't know the website address but it's been posted on other threads in this section relating to 84 problems. Good luck 84 CF 91 ZR-1. :seeya

Jul 17, 2002 | 11:41 AM

scorp508

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 83,383

Likes: 87

From: Boston, MA

The dashboard sounds like you have a bad ground. A very common thing to happen. I'm at work right now and don't have the link to the do-it-yourself repair site. Welcome aboard. :cheers:

Jul 17, 2002 | 11:48 AM

Black84

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 1,243

Likes: 1

From: Charlotte, NC USA

Re: '84 Instrument panel (Tcape)

The instrument problem you describe is pretty common to the early C4 with digital cluster. Are your turn signal and bright light indicators illuminated? That would almost certainly indicate a bad ground. The cluster is not difficult to remove but before you go digging into it you should have a shop manual with wiring diagrams. For help and discussions specific to the crossfire, go to http://www.crossfire.webhop.net/ you will find many folks that have been there, done that on just about any question that comes up.

By the way, welcome to "The Forum" and Corvette ownership. Enjoy the ride and remember to wave...

Jul 17, 2002 | 01:32 PM

edsalinas

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 3,424

Likes: 1

From: Tucson Az

St. Jude Contributor

Re: '84 Instrument panel (Black84)

If you decide to rebuild it, keep in mind that I have a newly rebuilt '84 inst. cluster sitting in my closet ! ! ! ! ! I'm more than willing to sell it.

Jul 17, 2002 | 08:18 PM

Nitro Junkie

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 806

Likes: 0

From: Baton Rouge LA

Re: '84 Instrument panel (Tcape)

I just repaired mine. Found one of the sockets that connect the 2 boards together was melted slightly. I couldn't fix the socket, so I put it back together, and shoved a toothpick in the hole to tighten up the contacts. Worked like a charm. Had the same symptoms.

Check here:
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1999...ash/dashp1.asp

and here:
http://www.crossfire.homeip.net:81/cftest/

Jul 17, 2002 | 09:50 PM

Tcape

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 22

Likes: 0

From: Whiteville NC

Re: '84 Instrument panel (Tcape)

MANY thanks to everyone who replied to my question about the instrument panel. The info is exactly what I needed. Looks like my first job is to check the ground....and the bulbs. The guy I bought the car from said the dash lights were constantly flickering, so a faulty ground sounds like the culprit. I did check out the site for "dash repairs", but for a newbie, it's a bit overwhelming. Got to see if I can figure out how to take the dash out without destroying it. Any Dos and Don'ts here I should know?? I'd sure appreciate the help!

And hey, "Eddie in Tucson", if I can't get this thing fixed, I'd definitely like to talk with you about the replacement dash unit you have. Can you ping me off list on a price? ...... tcape@weblnk.net
Thanks!
Tom C