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Cluster Removal help!

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Old 05-28-2016, 01:03 PM
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Cluster Removal help!

Please hear me out before telling me to look at another thread. Yes I have and it hasn't helped I need pictures or a video. I have a 87 camaro with the original instrument cluster when I got my 350 swap the temp gauge, tach, and oil gauge no longer works so I bought a new cluster out of a Rs. I've looked around on how to unhook the speedo cable to remove the entire cluster but it hasn't helped at all if someone has a step by step picture or video that would help.
Old 05-28-2016, 03:30 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Originally Posted by KingHD
Please hear me out before telling me to look at another thread. Yes I have and it hasn't helped I need pictures or a video.
Sorry no video; however, the second para is essentially a how-to.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...-fix-pics.html

EDIT: BTW, did the original cluster have idiot lights?

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; 05-28-2016 at 03:37 PM.
Old 05-28-2016, 03:34 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

(Edit: Didn't see previous post.)
I've got a crappy pic of what it looks like. If you can peek back there and see the position of the clip, you can then use a screwdriver to hold it down while you pull it out.

Make sure there's not any tension on it (or even push the cluster in a little) when you depress the clip or it probably won't release.

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Old 05-28-2016, 03:36 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Originally Posted by JamesC
Sorry no video; however, the second para is essentially a how-to.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...-fix-pics.html

JamesC

The lower dash panel is one hell of a a**hole to get down. Do you think I could squeeze a flathead behind the cluster and trip the clip?
Old 05-28-2016, 03:42 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Originally Posted by Scorpner
(Edit: Didn't see previous post.)
I've got a crappy pic of what it looks like. If you can peek back there and see the position of the clip, you can then use a screwdriver to hold it down while you pull it out.

Make sure there's not any tension on it (or even push the cluster in a little) when you depress the clip or it probably won't release.

Hopefully I can do this really need this new cluster in. My question is how would I get the cable back into the new one wouldn't it be just as hard?
Old 05-28-2016, 03:43 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Originally Posted by KingHD
The lower dash panel is one hell of a a**hole to get down. Do you think I could squeeze a flathead behind the cluster and trip the clip?
As I recall, the panel is only held in place by a handful of easily accessed screws.

Doubtful.

Removal: With the panel off, seat back as far as possible, shine a light into the recess until you see the cable, then trip the clip with your hand or a long-bladed screwdriver.

Replace the cluster and secure it with its two screws, find the cable and push it into place with your hand. Give it a little tug to verify that it's seated correctly.

I think you're making the issue more difficult than it is.

I edited above so you may have missed my question: Did the car originally have idiot lights?

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; 05-28-2016 at 03:56 PM.
Old 05-28-2016, 04:29 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

I've found that dropping the column is an easy way to access the speedometer cable release.

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Pull on the cable on the engine side of the firewall to remove excess slack.

Remove the fasteners holding the cluster to the instrument panel.

Reach in and around thru the opening above the column to get to the locking tab on the speedometer head. Press the tab while pulling the cluster.
Old 05-28-2016, 05:40 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Originally Posted by KingHD
Hopefully I can do this really need this new cluster in. My question is how would I get the cable back into the new one wouldn't it be just as hard?
No, you just push the cable back in place. It's designed for quick connection on the assembly line.

The clip is designed to keep the cable from pulling out, but when you push the tab down it allows the lip of the cable end to release. **If you don't release the tension it won't allow the tab to depress fully. It functions much like a Chinese finger trap.

You can usually see the tab from underneath, and then once located use a screwdriver to push the tab down while you actually push the cluster inward slightly, and then out to remove.
Old 05-28-2016, 07:49 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Got it done thanks to everybody and a little experimenting on my own. What I did was take the lower panel under the steering wheel off *both panels* for easier access I got pictures of the cable into the back of the cluster.






Last edited by KingHD; 05-30-2016 at 01:36 PM.
Old 05-30-2016, 01:32 PM
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Re: Cluster Removal help!

Originally Posted by JamesC
Sorry no video; however, the second para is essentially a how-to.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...-fix-pics.html

EDIT: BTW, did the original cluster have idiot lights?

JamesC
No the original cluster didn't have idiot lights
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