Replacing gauge cluster
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2
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Replacing gauge cluster
Anyone got a pdf showing how to replace the gauge cluster bezel on a 2005 C6? I have ordered one in carbon fiber and am looking to see how to pull the old one out. This is the piece that surrounds the gauges that, when stock on the 2005, was a gray plastic. Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 6
From: Wilmington NC
Try this link from Sunset Orange Creations, one of our Forum Vendors.
http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s...vecomplete.flv
I just did mine and once you pop off the cluster as shown in the video, there are 3 screws on the back of each pod switch assembly that you remove and the whole switch assembly comes out. Then you need to remove the ignition switch, temp. sensor and interior light switch. I disconnected the connectors on the two switches and removed them from the bezel on the bench. The temp. sensor just pops out. The vent extender is attached by 4 snap clips and can be removed and transferred to the new bezel on the bench as well. The only other thing that needs to be swithched out is a leather/vinyl piece on the bottom of the gauge cluster that has small lock nuts that need to be removed, then it can be mounted to the new gauge cluster.
Sounds difficult but is straightforward and easy, just take your time.
Hint, move the steering wheel down as far as it goes. I was replacing mine so I did the cluster with the steering wheel removed.
http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s...vecomplete.flv
I just did mine and once you pop off the cluster as shown in the video, there are 3 screws on the back of each pod switch assembly that you remove and the whole switch assembly comes out. Then you need to remove the ignition switch, temp. sensor and interior light switch. I disconnected the connectors on the two switches and removed them from the bezel on the bench. The temp. sensor just pops out. The vent extender is attached by 4 snap clips and can be removed and transferred to the new bezel on the bench as well. The only other thing that needs to be swithched out is a leather/vinyl piece on the bottom of the gauge cluster that has small lock nuts that need to be removed, then it can be mounted to the new gauge cluster.
Sounds difficult but is straightforward and easy, just take your time.
Hint, move the steering wheel down as far as it goes. I was replacing mine so I did the cluster with the steering wheel removed.
Last edited by j_digi454; Mar 18, 2010 at 03:04 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,083
Likes: 1,593
From: Edmond Oklahoma
digi 454 pretty much said it all. Really pretty easy. Just watch where the clips are on the dash bezel. When you get your new bezel study the back where the clips and switch's snap in and understand exactly how it all works and fits together. The plugs in the back of the switches can be frustrating to remove. Get an LED flashlight and figure out how to release the clips,they are all not the same, don't just pull on them you could pull some of the wires out of the receptors. Watch those plugs and you will be fine. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 6
From: Wilmington NC
That is why I opted to remove the 3 screws holding the switch assembly in the pods instead of unplugging the connectors. The alternative is what has been described by cmonkey, unplug the connectors and then you can remove the 3 screws for the 2 pod switch assembly on your bench and transfer them to you new gauge cluster.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
Try this link from Sunset Orange Creations, one of our Forum Vendors.
http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s...vecomplete.flv
http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s...vecomplete.flv
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
You just want to remove the plastic surround, right?
Instructions & photos included in this pdf:
http://www.theredlion.us/C6%20HUD%20...%20Rev%202.pdf
You don't need this whole procedure. Just scroll-down to Step 2 pg 9 of 47. You do NOT need to remove the steering wheel nor the knee bolster.
Tip: Be aware of the 7 small metal retaining clips... if you are careful, they will stay in place and you won't have to hunt for them if they come loose.
Tip: Put a thin towel over the steering column to keep from scratching the leather.
Also, I worried that cold weather might embrittle the plastic and make it easier-to-break. Don't know if it's true. Just to be safe, opt for warm weather if you can. It was about 30 deg F when I did my HUD install, so I ran the heater full-on for ~20 minutes. No broken plastic.
Instructions & photos included in this pdf:
http://www.theredlion.us/C6%20HUD%20...%20Rev%202.pdf
You don't need this whole procedure. Just scroll-down to Step 2 pg 9 of 47. You do NOT need to remove the steering wheel nor the knee bolster.
Tip: Be aware of the 7 small metal retaining clips... if you are careful, they will stay in place and you won't have to hunt for them if they come loose.
Tip: Put a thin towel over the steering column to keep from scratching the leather.
Also, I worried that cold weather might embrittle the plastic and make it easier-to-break. Don't know if it's true. Just to be safe, opt for warm weather if you can. It was about 30 deg F when I did my HUD install, so I ran the heater full-on for ~20 minutes. No broken plastic.
Last edited by CO Lightfoot; Mar 19, 2010 at 10:59 AM.
