C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

[Dan Pepper]

I'm planning to send out the guage cluster in my '66 to have the odometer fixed as well as a general service. I have two questions:

I'd like a recomendation for the best value/quality/turn-a-round service provider for refurbishing and general service.

And

I think John Hinkley wrote two articles in separate issues of Corvette Engthusiast (?) about the process of removing then installing the guage cluster. I phoned the magazine to purchase both back issues only to find they were out of one or the other. Can anyone suggest other good reference materials on tips/tricks for removaling/installing a guage cluster?

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

http://www.adirondackncrs.com:80/cluster.html

[John H.]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

Dan -

Send me an e-mail and I'll send you a .pdf file of the cluster removal article I wrote from the July '04 issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine; I don't have one of the install article from the September issue, but it's essentially just the reverse of the removal process.

[Patrick T.]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

I removed the cluster screws and used 6" lengths of all thread to pull the cluster out so I could disconnect everything from the back. PT

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

Dan,

Small tip, but removing the driver's seat first will make the job much easier on your patience and your back.

Also, an LED light that attaches to your head is well worth the $15 investment (sporting goods stores sell them for mountain bikers). Frees up both your hands and puts the light right where you need it instead of under your back or blinding you while it is in the way.

Finally, be sure to avoid the temptation of firing up the engine with the oil pressure line removed unless you want to add a little extra rust-proofing under the dash and on the carpet.

Good luck!

Bruce

[William C.]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

Another hint is the wiring harness is held onto the back of the cluster by a clip at the top. It is next to impossible to get the clip out without breaking it, but it is possible to gently cut the tape tha holds the clip onto the main harness and then remove the clip with the cluster. Once the cluster is apart, the clip is easily removed from inside the cluster housing and can then be reattached to the wiring harness for reinstallation.

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

Dan,

I had D&M Restorations do just the Speedo/Tach part of the cluster and did the rest myself. They did a beautiful job on the speed/tach part and I'm sure they would do the same on the whole cluster. Pretty fast turnaround. See your Driveline, nice people to talk to (I found a few years ago).

They can give you overlays for the other small gauges, but once you have the cluster out you might want to consider all new repro gauges. Also go for all new lenses. Do the whole thing once, avoid having to go back in there.

Make sure you draw a sketch of the position of all the connections on the back of the cluster and make little labels to stick on the connector wires keyed to the sketch. Also indicate whether each light connector comes from the right or the left part of the harness.

Also agree about taking out the driver's seat to avoid going to the Chiropractor. If you just lower the steering column, you can get it out without removing the steering column.

3 times in and out for me.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Dan Pepper]

Thanks, Guys! Your advice is greatly appreciated. *NM*

[Seth McCulloch]

Re: C2: Guage cluster removal, Install & service

I had Rick at Rick's Restoration do mine and I have been very satisfied with his work. His turn around time was good, and he did the entire cluster as well as the clock. Like others have said - do it all at once to avoid going back in there again. You can give him a call and see how he compares to others on price / service.

Rick's Restoration
420 Foster Branch Road
Joppa, MD 21085
(800) 651-1270

Seth

[Dave B.]

Re: Thanks, Guys! Your advice is greatly appreciat

Dan,
There is an article in the Summer 2006 Restorer that incorporates John Hinkley's articles and adds a few ideas. Be glad to share that experience with you by word and/or photos.
Dave

[John H.]

E-Mail "Bounce" Sending Cluster Article to bbxlr8

Someone (e-mail address bbxlr8@comcast.net) sent me an e-mail (without their name) requesting a copy of the .pdf file for the Cluster Removal article, and I sent it this morning; shortly thereafter, I got a "bounce" notice saying that customer didn't exist at comcast.net. If whoever that person is will contact me with a usable e-mail address, I'll re-send the article.