How to remove instrument cluster?

[68longhorn]

I have a 86 swb and I want to pull the cluster out to replace a bulb. I tried briefly and took all the screws out of the bezel around the guages and radio and a/c controls but could not get the upper a/c vent to clear the dash and the bezel was hitting the column. Do I need to lower the column out of the way? What all needs to be removed to do this?

[walkerb]

Did you unplug the speedo cable?

[J Knight]

If you remove the dash pad or at least loosen it you will have plenty of room to get the bezel and cluster out.

[tucsonjwt]

x2 on dash pad. You need to lift the top edge of the dash pad after removing all of the dash pad screws (4 screws on bottom along ash tray, glove box, etc., and one big special screw on the far right side (must open door to access it from the side). I think the dash pad has a couple screws on the top around the instrument cluster.

[motornut]

i've seen some "metal dash cluster area" appear pushed in
and i've pulled out the "metal" shell hooking my fingers in above/behind light switch
and give the metal a tug out
push in the speedo cable clip,and the cluster wire plug catches to release
and it will come out from behind it, and right hand side out first
some have a cluster dash light in the top right that feeds light to the ashtray
feeds it by fibre optic cable,bout as thick as pencil lead but don't bend it
remove a star screw on the coloum,connects to the gear indicator,

when putting it back watch the little points (back of cluster)that fit in the holes(metal dash)
to know your "in"

[68longhorn]

I haven't even got to the speedo cable. lol The dash pad was a area I was hitting. I will look for those screws tomorrow.

[swissarmychainsaw]

I'm having issues with my '75 GMC.

I ended up removing the whole dash pad (needs heater core anyway).
To do that I removed the trim above the doors (inside), then removed the
trim between the sun visors, then took the trim off the A-Pillar.
Then you can just slide the dash pad straight towards you.

The cluster was wedged into the Dash sheetmetal and I had to wiggle the crap of it to get it out of there. Not sure but I have some idea that in 1975 some guys were in a hurry for Miller time.

Once I got the loose it still only pulls out about a quarter of an inch.
Is that the speedo cable holding it back?
How do I free it?

When guys above said "did you disconnect the Speedo?" do they mean, "at the transmission"?

Help appreciated. Beers on me!

[motornut]

The speedo clip can release the cable from the housing
You can feel around and push it, or look up from pedal area
Did you get the wires out too?

[kevbald]

Anyone know how to disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the instrument panel on a '70 C/K-10?

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by kevbald

Anyone know how to disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the instrument panel on a '70 C/K-10?

The rectangular plastic connector has a couple of latching tabs on the narrow ends. Squeeze those latching tabs in towards the connector body and it should pull right out of the back of the cluster.