C3 - Speedo removal - Help

[Dick Brambilla]

I would like to remove my speedo in my 74 coupe, trip odo does not work, speedo reads 46-47 when actually doing 41, (clocked on radar, odo therefore also reads high. Therefore I would like to send away and have it rebuilt. I have heard that removing the top dash pad and drivers side can be a real horror show,(possibly cracking the dash pad on removal). Are there any tricks, or things to watch out for? I would appreciate any and all ideas and/or suggestions.

Thanks, from a beginner.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - Speedo removal - Help

Dick-----

The speedometer inaccuracy may not be in the speedo head, but since you have an obvious problem with the unit (given that the trip odometer doesn't work), you'll need to remove it from the car for service.

To remove the speedometer, I strongly suggest that you follow the procedure in your 1974 Chevrolet Service Manual. It's all there----step-by-step. However, two things that I'll point out:

1) You don't need to remove the top dash pad to perform this service operation. However, you will need to remove the center cluster, radio and left side dash panel to get the speedometer unit out; procedures are in the service manual

2) In order to remove the left side instrument panel without the risk of damaging it, you will need to lower the steering column. Once again, the procedure for doing this is in the service manual.

[bob downs]

Re: joes was is wrong

you do not need to pull the radio and all the center console pieces. that is a waste of time and is not a fun job! heres all you need to do. it is easy but you need to take the steering column all the way out of the car. after that remove the dash pad screws, the 2 screws on the door side and the 2 screws on the side of the radio bezel. also if you have air remove the lower duct. then all you need to do is pull the whole left dash asm. out a bit to disconnect the speedo and tach cables and the panel will fall into your hands. use some paper tape to mark the wires if you want then pull all the dash lights and the rest of the bulbs, pop the headlight harness off and take the dash out. now you can remove the speedo and anything else you want to work on. it is a easy job but time consuming.

[Roberto L.]

Re: C3 - Speedo removal - Help

Hello, I did it twice in my 70. To avoid any crack, just loose two bolts at lower position of col, where it meets the floor. Then loose two bolts below the dash, which are more visible. You will be able to lower the steering column, and move backward the left dash to work in the gauges. It worked for me.

Roberto, NCRS 30019, RMC