installing Guage bezels
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 80
From: Hollister CA
There is no need to take the dash pad off, but you do have to remove the center console bezel, and the driver side knee bolster. then just remove the two bolts holding the steering column up. The steering column will then drop a few inches and you can pull the cluster out.
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Here are some great instructions on the gauge bezel install from Vette Essentials.
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 8
From: Denton Texas
I just did this a few days ago, and I would recommend taking the cluster panel out, and taking it apart, not hard, just some T15 torx screws. Once you take off the bezel with the DIC and Hud with 6 bolts, the clear part comes off with tabs. I would recommend taking the second bezel off after the clear cover because you could get glue on the gauge faces if not careful. I wasn't sure doing it if I was gonna like them but now I have them on they look killer! I love at night the glow they get.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 50
From: Peters Colony Republic of Texas
I just did this a few days ago, and I would recommend taking the cluster panel out, and taking it apart, not hard, just some T15 torx screws. Once you take off the bezel with the DIC and Hud with 6 bolts, the clear part comes off with tabs. I would recommend taking the second bezel off after the clear cover because you could get glue on the gauge faces if not careful. I wasn't sure doing it if I was gonna like them but now I have them on they look killer! I love at night the glow they get.
Specifically, your gauge face trim rings may not perfectly fit the gauge surrounds. If that is the case, having this bezel separated from the gauge faces will help you avoid smearing glue on the gauge faces while trying to force-fit the trim rings. (I encountered this exact situation during my install.)The Lizzard
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
The only STRONG suggestion I would add is to be very careful to be neat and clean.
That piece of lint you leave behind the lens will but the snot out of you forever.
Go slow, be meticulous and keep things very clean.
That piece of lint you leave behind the lens will but the snot out of you forever.
Go slow, be meticulous and keep things very clean.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
No short cuts to doing that job right. I did it so I am sure you can too. Make sure before you start the reinstall procedure after the bezels are in place, that all the instrument needles are on the correct side of the pegs. You would hate to tear it all down again because RPM is bbbbbimp, etc.
Also, Black Seal A gasket is a great adhesion product for this job. Only takes a very, very small dab that will not show if you "F" up!
Also, Black Seal A gasket is a great adhesion product for this job. Only takes a very, very small dab that will not show if you "F" up!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Just take your time, great info in post above, write down your steps so that that you hold your own hand, organize and lable the parts as you take apart go for reassemble. Take The Leap! You always have us fellow Vette idiots to fall back on if you need help.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Va
No short cuts to doing that job right. I did it so I am sure you can too. Make sure before you start the reinstall procedure after the bezels are in place, that all the instrument needles are on the correct side of the pegs. You would hate to tear it all down again because RPM is bbbbbimp, etc.
Also, Black Seal A gasket is a great adhesion product for this job. Only takes a very, very small dab that will not show if you "F" up!
Also, Black Seal A gasket is a great adhesion product for this job. Only takes a very, very small dab that will not show if you "F" up!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Va
I'm going to attempt over the weekend...VetteEssential has a great writeup, but I wanted to ask how difficult it was to get the two connections free. It sounds like the one you have to disconnect from under the dash is hard to get to and only by feel. Can you actually see the fitting once your up under the dash?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Did mine a couple of years ago when repairing HUD. Looks really cool at night. I used the Amazing Goop for mine. Went to a track day at VIR 2 weeks later - 107* outside and about 140* inside - no issues. Rings are still on today, 2 years later.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 50
From: Peters Colony Republic of Texas
Just remember to extend the steering column all the way out before you disconnect the electrical harnesses under the driver's seat. If you don't extend the steering column, the gauge cluster is very difficult to extract from the dash housing - not enough room between the dash and the steering wheel.
This is written up in the Vette Essentials instructions. However, it isn't included chronologically in the right place in those instructions. Read the instructions start-to-finish and you will find this suggestion.
The Lizzard
This is written up in the Vette Essentials instructions. However, it isn't included chronologically in the right place in those instructions. Read the instructions start-to-finish and you will find this suggestion.
The Lizzard
Last edited by LoneStarLizzard; Mar 10, 2014 at 02:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Moores Hill Indiana
Thanks for all the info. Got this done today. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. And a little bonus, got my dim AC fixed as well when everything was apart. Will try to post some pics when I figure out how!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
I ultimately bought a new bezel and had American Hydrocarbon install the bezels for me. I have yet to put the new cluster back into the car.