A question for all you
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Va
A question for all you
gauge ring installers...this weekend I'll be taking on the task with installing the gauge rings...The best set of instructions I've found are on the VetteEssentials website...since I've never took on this project why is it required to drop the steering column as instructed? Is it to relieve pressure on the gauge cluster, to provide more room for cluster removal, provide access to gray plug and last, can both plugs be reached from the top? I see where the instructions tell you to search with little room and release the gray plug from under the dash. Perhaps the engineers didn't allow enough wiring to pull the cluster but so far out. Appreciate any input. thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 809
Likes: 7
From: greer/upstate sc
I can tell you from experience(I build bmw's for a living)about 75% of what we do is from feel alone..I would say that you can't really remove the I without dropping the column..Most if not all cars are engineered so that you have to take them to dealership to change a bulb..lol..I would like to do this at some point,if I don't get a c6 grand sport first..let us know what you come up with..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
gauge ring installers...this weekend I'll be taking on the task with installing the gauge rings...The best set of instructions I've found are on the VetteEssentials website...since I've never took on this project why is it required to drop the steering column as instructed? Is it to relieve pressure on the gauge cluster, to provide more room for cluster removal, provide access to gray plug and last, can both plugs be reached from the top? I see where the instructions tell you to search with little room and release the gray plug from under the dash. Perhaps the engineers didn't allow enough wiring to pull the cluster but so far out. Appreciate any input. thanks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...od-thread.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
The steering column has to be lowered in order for the cluster to have enough room to be removed.I was able to remove the harness plugs from the top.Enough room to unhook everything with no issues.Sounds a lot harder than it actually is.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
As I have done on mine and a few of my friends Vette's - The answer is yes you have to in order to remove the cluster it must be dropped or it won't come out!
With it in place there is no way to remove it - it is not as bad as it seems by any means and it all goes back together with no issues!
I used Loctite Gel Super Glue for my cluster bzels and it worked perfect - just take your time and you will be rewarded with the final result!
Thanks,Matt
With it in place there is no way to remove it - it is not as bad as it seems by any means and it all goes back together with no issues!
I used Loctite Gel Super Glue for my cluster bzels and it worked perfect - just take your time and you will be rewarded with the final result!
Thanks,Matt
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 28
From: Oviedo Florida
I was able to get my cluster out without dropping the column when I did my ring install. I did pull out the screws on the drivers side of the dash pad. You have to wiggle it out and if you have HUD you must tilt the cluster and pull the connector out then you can pull the cluster wire connector out and wiggle the cluster out. The wire connectors are really done by feel more than anything else it's not a huge ordeal. Just take your time. It may be easier to unbolt the column and drop it down some but it can be done without doing so.
Btw there is plenty of wire for the connectors to move the cluster enough to get your hands behind it.
Btw there is plenty of wire for the connectors to move the cluster enough to get your hands behind it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Va
ok so gauge rings are installed...I feel like a brain surgeon. For some reason I thought there would be more room to place the rings. Also installed gauge cluster bezel from American Hydrocarbon. I'm stoked the way it came out. I still have a couple of parts to install, hopefully they will come next week. I'll send a couple of pics tomorrow..Whew!! it' beer time. 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 28
From: Oviedo Florida
ok so gauge rings are installed...I feel like a brain surgeon. For some reason I thought there would be more room to place the rings. Also installed gauge cluster bezel from American Hydrocarbon. I'm stoked the way it came out. I still have a couple of parts to install, hopefully they will come next week. I'll send a couple of pics tomorrow..Whew!! it' beer time.
is definitely in order
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
Been there, Done that !
Search for the VetteEssential's instructions. Very detailed (including lots of pics) right down to putting sets of nuts and bolts in separate bags for ease of re-installation.
Now for the biggest suggestion I can give you: Be careful to keep the inside of the cluster clean. Go slow, be careful and blow things clean several times before you close the cluster.
The single piece of lint you leave behind will but the SNOT out of you for a lifetime.
Its actually an easy job, one that is rewarding.
Search for the VetteEssential's instructions. Very detailed (including lots of pics) right down to putting sets of nuts and bolts in separate bags for ease of re-installation.
Now for the biggest suggestion I can give you: Be careful to keep the inside of the cluster clean. Go slow, be careful and blow things clean several times before you close the cluster.
The single piece of lint you leave behind will but the SNOT out of you for a lifetime.
Its actually an easy job, one that is rewarding.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 552
Likes: 4
From: Mukilteo WA
Just redid mine due to the lousy double sided tape that came with the kit.
Had to redo and trim my own 3m tape. There is an obvious adhesive strength difference.
Like the hydro carbon but I'm not doing it a third time. My luck something will break or get in there and have to do it again.
Had to redo and trim my own 3m tape. There is an obvious adhesive strength difference.
Like the hydro carbon but I'm not doing it a third time. My luck something will break or get in there and have to do it again.
