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Anyone have a step by step for pulling the center gauge cluster out on a 71? I've got a quartz clock in the car now and I'd like to replace it with a NOS clock that I have. So before I dig into it I thought that if anyone had some tips to pass along I certainly would appreciate it.
It's not a pleasant job! Your copy of the 1971 Chassis Service Manual will give you a step-by-step proceedure for removing the instrument center cluster. Pay special attention to the NOTE given there. If you grab/pull on the cluster in the wrong way to get it to pop out from below the dash pad, you can break the pot metal cluster panel! It was specifically designed with weak points to 'give way' in the event of a frontal crash...
The last thing you want is to destroy a $300 center cluster when you install your clock!
Carefully bag and tag ALL the fasteners, especially the screw that goes to the top of the windshield wiper switch (that will have to come out first) and those screws which go into the sides of the center gauge cluster. One of the side screws is longer than the other, mix them up and you risk poking a hole in your dash panel. Decidedly NOT a good idea. Mark them for the specific location they came out of.
It is a lot easier to remove the entire passenger dash panel (with the map pocket). It is only a few more screws (three across the top and one or two in the door jamb). This will allow you a lot of access to the back of the instrument cluster.
A copy of the Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) will allow you to see where the nuts thread onto the studs on the bottom of the bezel. Those nuts (7/16 if I recall, but it has been a long time) only have to be loosened -- not completely removed. The studs slide into slots in the center consol. -- at least they did on my 1970. YMMV In spite of what it looks like, those nuts are accessible through the small side covers (held in with a single phillips head screw) beside the radio. I used a quarter inch drive ratchet and 7/16 deep socket. PITA, but it can be done.
Remember the wire harness and oil line will keep the instrument cluster from coming all the way out, but should allow it to come out enough to get to the clock. Consider all new cluster bulbs while you are there. I don’t have the number handy, but there is a good chance you will have to order them – I doubt they are a common auto store item any longer.
Do the job when you are well rested. I generally take it out on one day and put it back on another. Save the barley pop for when you are done. To do it successfully without additional damage one needs to concentrate without distractions, so don’t try it on Super Bowl Sunday.
Sorry this is so long.
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