Help Removing Gauges Lens
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 311
Likes: 13
From: Scottsdale AZ
Help Removing Gauges Lens
I have a 2002 coupe that has some sort of a foggy substance on the inside of the plexiglass lens that is in front of the speedo, tach and other gauges. It is only visible in the late afternoon when the light is coming in the car from behind. The car is under warranty but I am afraid to let them tear apart the dash to fix this problem and think I may be wise to live with the problem. The car has 10,000 miles and not one squeek or rattle. What do you think? Is it a very invasive procedure to get that lens out? Would you just leave it alone? Is it something I can do myself to insure it is put back together correctly? All replies greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I have a 2002 also and have the same thing. I just bought some gage bezels for the gages. So when I go in to put these on I will be cleaning the lens properly before it goes back together. There is www.vetteessentials.com that has a whole write up on how to install the gage bezels you might want to check it out to see if you want to do it yourself. I wouldn't let the dealer do it. I'd live with it before I let them do that. If the cluster stopped functioning and it was warranty I guess I wouldn't have a choice. But for a dirty lens I'll be doing it myself. My .02
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
if you check www.vetteessentials.com they have some excellent step by step instructions on how to remove the instrument cluster and you will be able to clean them. I would agree about the bezels and would also add the white face gauges 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 311
Likes: 13
From: Scottsdale AZ
Originally Posted by Stock Man
I have a 2002 also and have the same thing. I just bought some gage bezels for the gages. So when I go in to put these on I will be cleaning the lens properly before it goes back together. There is www.vetteessentials.com that has a whole write up on how to install the gage bezels you might want to check it out to see if you want to do it yourself. I wouldn't let the dealer do it. I'd live with it before I let them do that. If the cluster stopped functioning and it was warranty I guess I wouldn't have a choice. But for a dirty lens I'll be doing it myself. My .02
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Pardon the intrusion here, but I just finished reading the "procedure" for installing those bezels (yes, they definitely look cool), and found that to be one of the most intimidating jobs for an amateur like myself I have ever seen.
My first thought was , "you have GOT to be kidding!
Man, my hat's off to anyone brave enough to tackle that job.
My first thought was , "you have GOT to be kidding!
Man, my hat's off to anyone brave enough to tackle that job.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 5
From: Florida Gulf Coast
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'10-'11
Its far easier than it sounds. It took me longer to get it apart.
Went back together in less than 20 minutes. While you have it apart.......polish the clear lens on both sides with plastic polish. I can't tell that there is a plastic lens in mine anymore.
Went back together in less than 20 minutes. While you have it apart.......polish the clear lens on both sides with plastic polish. I can't tell that there is a plastic lens in mine anymore.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
From: The Usual Suspects Yorba Linda Chapter
It's really not bad....just be carefull when removing the HUD connector....take your time and it will eventually come off. The vetteesentials instructions are very good.