65 Corvette Coupe....Instrument Cluster removal

[Lane Ockerman]

I want to remove my Instrument Cluster and send it to Rogers to have it re-conditioned. What is the EASY way to do this ?? Do I have to remove my steering column ??? (Hopefully NOT !!) Any step by step will certainly help.
THANK YOU !!
Lane

[Duke W.]

Re: 65 Corvette Coupe....Instrument Cluster remova

All the remove and install service operations, such as removing the instrument cluster are in your '63 Corvette Shop Manual.

Duke

[Joe C.]

Re: 65 Corvette Coupe....Instrument Cluster remova

Lane:

I don't suppose that there is an "easy" way:

1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove all hardware attached to underside of cluster (e.g. vent pulls, headlight switch, etc.).
3. Remove 2 screws attaching column escutcheon plate, and slide plate toward the steering wheel.
4. Remove the 4 attaching bolts, and let steering column hang free.
5. Get under the dash, and disconnect AS MUCH AS YOU CAN with the cluster still in place, especially the odometer reset cable.
6. Remove the 5 cluster attaching screws.
7. Place a rag over the column (to prevent scratches), and pull cluster rearward.
8. Reach behind cluster and disconnect the 2 harness-to-cluster attaching pins. These must be squeezed before they will release.
9. Disconnect speedo and tach cables.
10.Disconnect any remaining light sockets/harness wiring.

Take your time, be patient, and be careful!

Joe

[Jerry Coia]

Re: 65 Corvette Coupe....Instrument Cluster remova

Lane,

I had to remove the cluster in my 1963. The cleanest way is to remove the steering wheel. It's not as hard as you think. In addition, I had supports made that were the width of the screws holding the cluster in and about 6" long. I took out those screws (one at a time!)and put these supports in. This allowed me to slide the cluster forward so that I could reach under to disconnect what I needed to and have the cluster not fall on my head!

If you have any questions, let me know. This system works.

Jerry

[Jim38243]

Re: 65 Corvette Coupe....Instrument Cluster remova

Something not mentioned in the other responses - Remove your seats it makes for alot more room and be careful with the oil pressure gauge (copper line going to it that is) it is not very flexible. When you go to reinstall, check your blinker lights because they look alot like the dash panel lights and you would not want to install them in the wrong sockets on the back of the dash..Good Luck
just take your time.