mlbinseattle

Okay, I have a '84 Z28, and I'm trying to remove the instrument cluster so I can clean the bulb sockets and to replace the speedometer cable. I've read several threads about this, but I have a few questions that I could use some answers to.

I've attached a pic of the instrument cluster. This particular cluster isn't mine, but it's the same and will suffice for this question.

I know there are two 10mm (I believe this is correct) nuts on the lower right and left hand sides of the cluster that needs removal before the cluster can be removed. In the attached pic, I drew a couple of arrows to clips that hold the cluster to whatever it is behind it. Question: Do these clips need to be pushed together to remove the cluster, or is the removal of the 10mm nuts all that is necessary?

One other question: I take it that the speedometer cable helps hold the cluster in place and from vibration. Does it help to loosen the cable clamp on the engine side of the firewall and to "feed" the cable into the cab area to help with the removal of the cluster? The reason I ask is that, even with the steering column lowered, it still seems difficult to reach up in there to remove the clip that holds the speedometer cable in place.

I'd really like to get this job completed, and this is holding me up from being able to get the cluster removed. Any help is appreciated.

majobis

iTrader: (3)

Read post 1, and also look at the photo linked there as well.

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

Also, having a helper is very handy. I stood outside the car and looked in through the windshield down into the left speaker area (speaker removed) and with one hand I used a flashlight while the other hand used a long and thin screwdriver to activate the quick release tab JamesC outlines. The helper sat in the driver seat and pulled the cluster straight out once the tab was touched. Not a popular job and putting it back in sucks too. While it's out, take the time to do cleaning and bulb replacement/led upgrades if necessary.

mlbinseattle

Thanks for the input. I've seen that thread, before, but apparently, I didn't read pages 2 and 3. I went back and read the entire thread, and I was able to figure it out.

I had to replace the speedo cable in addition to cleaning the bulb sockets, and what I found that really made things easy was to disconnect the speedo cable at the transmission, loosen the two cable clamps, and push some slack in the cable (from underneath the car) towards the firewall. This allowed me to pull the cluster out far enough that I could slip a screwdriver down in behind the cluster to trip the spring that holds the cable in place. I still had to drop the steering column to make it easier to remove the cluster, but I didn't need to get on my back in the seat.

Installation was a piece of cake. Unfortunately, replacing the speedo cable didn't fix the problem with the wrong speed indication. I do have a new driven gear that the cable (at the transmission end) attaches to, so I'll be swapping that out. I just need to get a new seal, first.

Thanks, again.