C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Replacing Dash Cluster components

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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 09:52 PM
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Default Replacing Dash Cluster components

Hey guys. Love the new forum.

Well, heres whats happening. MY speedo side of my inst panel went out a couple years ago. Its like there was part of it I coulnt read. it lights up fine. The blotch would spread over time until i couldnt read it at all. I guess this means the LCD failed. Fine, I can do without a speedo. But now it looks like the same things happening to my center readout for the gas, coolant temp, etc. I NEED that one! Anyone have instructions on replacing JUST the LCD's? I have been to http://batee.com/corvette/ and dont see anything specific to that problem. Thanks all.
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 10:06 PM
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Hey wheres my sig?
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by GiDvEtTe84
...
Anyone have instructions on replacing JUST the LCD's? I have been to http://batee.com/corvette/ and dont see anything specific to that problem. Thanks all.
http://www.gordonkillebrew.com/

Gordon worked at the factory and is undesputedly one of the most authoritative sources for info about a C4. He sells an instruction book on his site that walks you through the process.
If I remember correctly, you can also buy his book through the National Corvette Museum's web site.

Click on the Products link on Gordon's main page and the book you need is the third item in the list
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Old Jul 26, 2004 | 10:03 AM
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Thanks. I will check that out. I was hoping to get some online articles if possible.
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Old Jul 26, 2004 | 10:13 AM
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Its simple really. The only tools you need are a phillips screwdriver, a 7/32" socket driver, and a smaller metric socket if I remember right.

1. Tilt wheel down and telescope out all the way.
2. Remove tilt lever.
3. Remove headlight ****.
4. Remove speedo bezel.
5. Remove center bezel.
6. Remove 4 bolts holding cluster in place (2 up, 2 down).
7. Remove the cluster & disconnect 2 harness plugs.
8. Open back of cluster.
9. Remove 1.8 million 7/32" screws holding middle circuit board.
10. Gently remove middle circuitboard. May need some gentle persuasion near the pin connector.
11. Lift busted LCDs out
12. Place new LCDs in.
13. Reverse 10 to 1.
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Old Jul 26, 2004 | 10:21 AM
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Replacing the LCD is easy, its FINDING one that will be hard. Unless you buy a used cluster that has a good LCD, I dont know of anyone that will sell you brand new LCD panels. If you do find a source, please list it here in a post.
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Old Jul 26, 2004 | 01:48 PM
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A friend with an '89 tells me that Autometer has a kit out to replace the star wars IP. Don't know if it's so, but you may want to check it out.
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Old Jul 26, 2004 | 03:31 PM
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Most places dont want to seel them alone. Its like $300 to repair and $150 per LCD. Ouch. I can almost buy a set of heads for that.
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Old Jul 26, 2004 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by GiDvEtTe84
Hey guys. Love the new forum.

Well, heres whats happening. MY speedo side of my inst panel went out a couple years ago. Its like there was part of it I coulnt read. it lights up fine. The blotch would spread over time until i couldnt read it at all. I guess this means the LCD failed. Fine, I can do without a speedo. But now it looks like the same things happening to my center readout for the gas, coolant temp, etc. I NEED that one! Anyone have instructions on replacing JUST the LCD's? I have been to http://batee.com/corvette/ and dont see anything specific to that problem. Thanks all.
Good Luck finding the LCD's. I tried like h$ll for about a year with no luck. They are out there, its a matter of supply and demand. Everyone I talked to said the same thing, I have them you need them and here is the price. They would not sell them outright, claimed warranty issues.

Chevy sold all spares and the rights several years ago.

I did buy one from a guy on e-bay, no core charge and all the LCDs were new, not used. $510 to my door. Has worked fine for over a year.

I have the plans to build a new cluster using graphic LCD displays that can be programmed to look anyway you want. The initial investment is not that much, time is holding me back, but if I could find some folks that are willing buy them then I might go ahead. This would compromise three LCD segments that you could program the display from a lap top. Color changes graphics and such. The technology is out there and is relatively in-expensive. Programming time for the software is the kicker.
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Old Jul 27, 2004 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Dryseals
...
if I could find some folks that are willing buy them
...
Ok, I'll bite.....
How much would you charge for it?
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Old Jul 27, 2004 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Dryseals
Good Luck finding the LCD's. I tried like h$ll for about a year with no luck.
Really? I looked for about an hour and found someone who sells them for 99 bucks.


witchcityeng@yahoo.com
Address inquiries to Jim
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Old Jul 27, 2004 | 09:51 PM
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My local Corvette MAster sells and has a display with the new auto-meter gauges for the 84-90 Dashes.

They look cool, but are far too simple for me. The digits are all Blue..and look fairly small. Not sure how much he wants for a set, but im sure its alot.

I had my totally faded speedo gauge replaced by him, and he charged me 215 to do it. I got out onto the road to find that the Panel was broken, and onlt half worked. I went back, and he showed me on my signed reciept, NO WARRANTIES ON WORK OR LABOR, NO GUARANTEES AFTER YOU LEAVE THE LOT. So I need a new speedo gauge, ans new center gauge.
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 02:53 PM
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ttt
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by RED-85-Z51
My local Corvette MAster sells and has a display with the new auto-meter gauges for the 84-90 Dashes.

They look cool, but are far too simple for me. The digits are all Blue..and look fairly small. Not sure how much he wants for a set, but im sure its alot.

I had my totally faded speedo gauge replaced by him, and he charged me 215 to do it. I got out onto the road to find that the Panel was broken, and onlt half worked. I went back, and he showed me on my signed reciept, NO WARRANTIES ON WORK OR LABOR, NO GUARANTEES AFTER YOU LEAVE THE LOT. So I need a new speedo gauge, ans new center gauge.
I think I have seen that cluster in either COrvette Central or Ecklers. I dont care for it much either.
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Fozzy_Bear
Ok, I'll bite.....
How much would you charge for it?
Thats the kicker. We, me and another investor, came up wih a cost of roughly $175 to build. A 200 % markup would be a great place to start and work down from there. To get the cost down that low we need to build at least 1000 units. Its amazing how much parts costs drop at that magic number. The first design will be for a Chevy truck, if I can work out the bugs, I think we can get the investors. My biggest fear is that the big guys will produce it before I can reap some benefits.
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by flyersfan1088
Really? I looked for about an hour and found someone who sells them for 99 bucks.


witchcityeng@yahoo.com
Address inquiries to Jim

I contacted him, and he said in fact, 99.00 per panel, and that he could have panels for an 85 in sept.
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