C-3 dash removal

[KEN BUTCHER]

Hi gang I've got a problem, I love my vette but which person designed the tach and speedo dash? My steering collum drops down 1/2" and it is so fragile you might break it. I want to get my tach and left speaker out because they both don't work, and i'm not shy about doing the work to get the dash out but it won't clear the steering colum and it is so flimsy I just can't beleive they didn't think that someday people would have to access behind the dash and if I'm having a hell of a time I hate to leave it with a shop (even a vette shop) because if they can't get a screw or clip back where it belongs they just don't put it in. And I don't like sloppy mechanics. Just blowing off steam, if anyone can help with info it would help.

Thanks. Ken.

[Tony Merendino]

Re: C-3 dash removal

You should have much more movement than 1/2" in your steering column. Remove both bolts on the bottom bracket and it should drop 2"+. Remove the steering wheel and you should have plenty of room. Make sure you reach under the dash and depress the clips to disconnect the speedo and tach. I have done this many times and it is no big deal. Just take your time and be careful. The steering column is not that fragile push it down and out of the way and the dash comes out easily.

[D S.]

Re: C-3 dash removal

Removing the pillar post pads helps, too. I was like you about it being fragile but after watching my mechanic do it several times, and while it is not a snap, it is easier than you think...except the tach and speedo cables. While back there you might as well replace the bulbs, switches, and any other maintenance.

Scott

[D S.]

Re: C-3 dash removal

Forgot to mention. The tach may not be the problem. Remove the tach cable from the distributor and turn the shaft. If the tach works you need to replace the distributor tach gears.

SS

[Klaus Friedrich #33362]

Re: C-3 dash removal

Hi Ken,

it's a difficult work to do.
I've exchanged the complete wiring harness inclusive the fuse box and the upper dash pad over winter. I thought I'd need two to three weeks. It's more realistic to calculate in months.

Change all bulbs and be careful with the bulb retainers on the wiring harness. They might fell apart.

Good luck

Klaus #33362

[Jim T.]

Re: C-3 dash removal

Ken to assist in lowering your steering column, there are also bolts at the base of the column that can be loosened. You might have to pull back some insulation to get to the bolts. Since your car is a 75 you have no tach cables like 74 and earlier cars. The good news is that the circuit board for your 75 is available from www.mamotorworks.com and should be a at home replacement. The tach needle is removed by gently twisting counter clock wise.