Instrument cluster, 63 coupe

[Tom A.]

Looks like I am going to install a new dash wiring harness in my 63 coupe. While the car is down, I am considering having the instrument cluster restored. Any advice on removing the instrument cluster will be most apprectiated. I have been told to remove the steering column. This does not seem necessary to me, is it? Thanks in advance for the help.

Tom Allen

[John H.]

Re: Instrument cluster, 63 coupe

Looks like I am going to install a new dash wiring harness in my 63 coupe. While the car is down, I am considering having the instrument cluster restored. Any advice on removing the instrument cluster will be most apprectiated. I have been told to remove the steering column. This does not seem necessary to me, is it? Thanks in advance for the help.

Tom Allen

Tom -

Try this for removal:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ster%20pt1.pdf

And this for re-installation:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ster%20pt2.pdf

Yes, it greatly simplifies the job if you remove the steering column - only takes ten minutes. You'll find more that needs doing once you remove it (like replacing the clutch/brake pedal shaft bushings, etc.), as outlined in the articles above.

[Tom P.]

Re: Instrument cluster, 63 coupe

Tom,

John's articles are great. Just take your time. Would definitely suggest a helper to assist and read the steps.

The 1/4 X 20 rod trick works great, except that some (early?) 63's had screws attaching the instrument cluster. Don't know when the changeover occurred.

[Joel T.]

Re: Instrument cluster, 63 coupe

Looks like I am going to install a new dash wiring harness in my 63 coupe. While the car is down, I am considering having the instrument cluster restored. Any advice on removing the instrument cluster will be most apprectiated. I have been told to remove the steering column. This does not seem necessary to me, is it? Thanks in advance for the help.

Tom Allen

Hi Tom;

You should remove the steering column... Otherwise the clearances are just too tight and you risk scratching the dash and surrounding areas. Removing the column is a 10 minute exercise.. it also gives you an opportunity to check out the horn mechanism, turn signals, etc..

On the gauges, there are a number of places where you can get genuine GM reproduction gauges, the four small ones, I would just replace them versus restoring your originals... I went the restoration route and they all failed within a year and I would up pulling the dash out more times than I would have liked...

Good luck,

Joel