C 2 dash cluster restoration

[Darrell S.]

is it necessary ro remove the stearing column in order to just remove the cluster face plate for cleaning & painting ?my gages are all fine & i dont need to disconect them , or do I ? any shortcuts ???

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Darrell, I did mine last year and the only way I could get it out without being bubba was to remove the steering wheel, column, seats, emergency brake and anything else that got in the way. There is a recent post on the same topic, about a week ago.

While it was out, I also dropped the entire brake/clutch assembly, blasted and painted it and replaced all the bushings and bumpers and springs. There are many things to do in that area with the cluster out. Also, don't forget to take off the vent grill and vacuum the junk out of the well. I am sure it is full of leaves and other things after 40 years.

Harry

[Grant M.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Darrell,

While removing everything that Harry suggests certainly will make it easier, it's not absolutely necessary. Removing the steering wheel and the bolds which support the column to the dash support is sufficient to (carefully) remove the cluster. By the way, if you haven't seen a cluster out before, you need to realize that the "cluster face plate" is not just a trim pirce as in some later models; it's holds the gauges themselves. There's a thread on the board from earlier this week or late last week that provides a link to instructions for removal and a couple of useful hints. You can also go to the "Zip Products" website where the is a comprehensive removal and restoration article with photos.

Good luck!

grant

[Darrell S.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

thanks Harry & Grant.

[Ralph E.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Grant,
How do you access the Zip tech article?

[John H.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

I wrote a 2-part series of articles in the July and September '04 issues of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine that covers C2 cluster removal and installation in step-by-step detail, with lots of photos; you might give them a call and get the back issues. Have had lots of good feedback on the articles.

[Mike M.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

so the 3x2 setup left the tonowanda plant, right john? regards, mike

[Randy S.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Harry,
tell me more about the vent grill. Can that only be removed while the cluster is out? I just put my cluster back in 2 weeks ago

What about a small diameter hose extensionon on the old shop vac?

Randy

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Randy, it can be taken out at anytime. The right side may be more difficult as the heater box may be in the way and if the forward screw on the grill was installed.

I was suggesting it be removed as he was working in the area anyway and the cables would be hanging loose.

I found 3 inches of leaves and junk blocking the drainage hole at the bottom. I took 3 feet of flexible tubing and taped it to my shop vac. I was able to clean everything out and open the drain. With the drain hole blocked, the leaves and junk will retain moisture which is not good for any metal in that area.

Harry

[Grant M.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Well, I guess I should have said there WAS a tech article on the ZIP web site. I checked in response to your query and it seems to no longer be available. Sorry!

grant

[Ralph E.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Grant,
Thanks for checking the Zip site. I will check the Corvette Enthusiast magazine per John Hinckely's suggestion

[John H.]

Re: C 2 dash cluster restoration

Mike -

Yup, L-68/71/89 were all "born" at Tonawanda with the 3x2 intake.