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I'm afraid the ammeter on my 1964 a/c coupe is toast. This is a rookie question, but is it possible for a fairly dexterous and somewhat patient person to remove the ammeter without pulling the dash cluster?
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Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
it can be done but i'd hire an ambidexterous midget( the 63 team leader may qualify) mike -
Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
If I was fortunate enough to locate a midget, dwarf, Liliputian, or other person of similar stature, how would I instruct them to perform the removal operation?Comment
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Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
The interior man at our shop (NOT a midget--a full 6'3" and slender lad), had no problema with such. He was a joy to watch in action as John could twist into a pretzel, a snake, or any other as required 'Plastic Man' shape to accomplish such tasks in professional 'rate buster' manner.
As to what you'd 'instruct' your dwarf to do -- you WOULDN'T!!!!! He's either a trained Corvette mechanic with prior experience and proven knowhow in this field or you don't attempt to do OJT with your 'baby'.... Some of the wires behind the dash are hot and if you want to learn the hard way (smoke this/that) then just dive in and try!
The basic 'move' is know before hand what you're after (study the back side of an assemble instrument cluster). Now, disconnect the battery, remove the instrument cluster mounting screws and that will give you a whooping 1-2 inches of extention (do NOT force it out!). With that smidgeon of extra clearance, use articulating socket to unbolt the ammeter/fuel gauge sub-cluster and 'sniggle' it out. Reverse proceedure to install.
Suggest you might want to get active in the Texas Chapter and discover who's got a pro Corvette shop near you....Comment
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Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
Bruce,
If you decide to tackle the job yourself using the suggestions described, you might want to substitute some all-thread/threaded rod in place of the dash cluster mountings screws. This way you can pull the dash cluster away from the dash as Jack described to have more room to work behind the cluster. The cluster will be suspended by the threaded rod while you work. Can't remember how it was that suggested the all-thread but it really helps. Be sure to remove as much of the A/C duct work needed get to the ammeter. You will want to remove the headlight switch also since it will block your view of the ammeter. Instructions for the switch removal are in the 1963 shop/64 supplimental manuals as are the recommended instructions for removing the dash cluster.
I've done the task that you described, not fun but it can be done. Be sure to remove the drivers seat so you can lay down in the foot well to see what you are doing. Depending on how old you are will be proportionate to how long the soreness in the small of your back takes to go away. The dash rash you will get on your hands will be healed in about a week.
Good luck and please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more specific questions on the how to part of it. i'd be glad to help you out any way I can.
Best Regards,
James West
Omaha, NE.
1964 Corvette convertibleComment
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Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
Bruce: The Adirondack Chapter NCRS website has a Mid Year instrument Cluster Removal Procedure complete with some photos. Their website address is:
www.adirondacncrs.com/cluster.html
It mentions the use of all thread 1/4-20 rods to support the cluster while you are working on it. You can download it or print it out and keep it in your files. Good Luck.Comment
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Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
Len:
Thanks for the tip as I also need to remove the battery gauge on my '64 and was wondering how to remove the subunit. The link you put was misspelled (left out the k) and is actually:
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Re: C2 Ammeter Removal
Glad to be of help. Sorry for the typo in the website address. Glad you caught it and was able to get the info. LenComment
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