What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Matt Cramer · 09-03-2012, 06:29 PM

So, I've got a '72 Chevy with what I'm pretty sure is a bad gas gauge. Changed the sending unit and it went from no fuel reading to reading 1/4 tank when it's full. I tried removing the instrument cluster. Got the six bolts and the two that hold the frame under the steering column out. Removed the bezels on the washer and light switches. Disconnected the speedometer cable and unplugged the wire connector. And - it wouldn't come out. Not more than about two inches, and I couldn't pull it the rest of the way. Is there a trick? Something I have to do to drop the steering column, for example? (Had to drop the column on a Dodge Dart, for example.) What am I missing?

rob32472 · 09-03-2012, 06:32 PM

oil line? drop the column down a little?

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-03-2012, 06:32 PM

You will have to drop the steering column. Then you will have to remove the oil pressure gauge feed line. I believe it requires a 1/4" or 5/16" end wrench.

**LEEVON** · 09-03-2012, 06:34 PM

I've somehow wedged it out of there before without dropping the steering column years ago, but I wouldn't try that again at the risk of tearing stuff up. Remove the column to bezel grommet cover plate (2 screws). Then the under-dash plate (4 bolts, 9/16 head). Then the column strap (2 bolts, 9/16 head). The column will drop down far enough to pull the cluster out.

AirSpeed · 09-03-2012, 07:55 PM

You shouldn't have to drop the column at all, I've taken the instrument panel out of all my trucks and never had to drop the column. You will need to remove the oil pressure line, speedo cable, harness connection etc. Slide the rubber grommet up the steering column a bit. Did you remove the headlight knob? If not it's simple to do, there's a little button on top of the switch you have to push while pulling the knob out. You should then be able to pull the top of the panel out a bit to get the rear panel of the cluster to clear the dash and pull it straight out. It should come out fairly easy.
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**LEEVON** · 09-03-2012, 08:04 PM

I fought with it less than a week ago, for whatever reason the top of the cluster wouldn't clear the dash...now way no how. I jimmied with it for 30 minutes before giving up and dropping the column. Sounds like the OP is having the same problem.

Tinkermc · 09-03-2012, 08:05 PM

when I pulled mine I did not remove the column but that little button mentioned was hard 4 me to reach.

1972RedNeck · 09-03-2012, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

You will have to drop the steering column.

I have pulled quite a few clusters and NEVER had to drop a column.

hatred · 09-04-2012, 10:26 AM

Never had to drop mine either...

Coley · 09-04-2012, 10:39 AM

If you aren't deal with removing or installing a tach dash you may not have to drop the column. (Note: dropping the column an inch of two definitely makes the entire job easier and keeps the steering column top paint finish from getting scratched up during the process).
Do you have an update for us on whether or not you got this thing out?
Coley

mrein3 · 09-04-2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coley

If you aren't deal with removing or installing a tach dash you may not have to drop the column. (Note: dropping the column an inch of two definitely makes the entire job easier and keeps the steering column top paint finish from getting scratched up during the process).
Do you have an update for us on whether or not you got this thing out?
Coley

Yup. I never had to drop the steering column either - until I installed a tach in my cluster.
You need to remove the oil line if you have an oil pressure gauge. You also need to remove the speedo cable from the speedometer.

**leddzepp** · 09-04-2012, 01:59 PM

I always drop the column because it takes a whopping 2 minutes and makes the job a whole lot easier.
Posted via Mobile Device

Square_78 · 09-04-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I always drop the column because it takes a whopping 2 minutes and makes the job a whole lot easier.
Posted via Mobile Device

I like this answer the best.

AirSpeed · 09-04-2012, 06:32 PM

Seeing how many have had troubles removing the cluster reminds me of similar issues removing the heater motor box without messing with the hood hinge. I wonder if it depends on who was on duty during assembly? I wonder if some columns are mounted tighter than others, I didn't even know there was a problem getting them out. Same with the heater box, seems a lot of people have to remove or loosen the hood hinge to get it out, I've done three of them and they alway slide right out.
Posted via Mobile Device

19seventeeCustom · 09-04-2012, 06:59 PM

done it both ways a few times, only drop the column now. lol

and if you do forget the OP guage the cluster won't budge at all!!
Posted via Mobile Device

Chvy2NV · 09-05-2012, 12:13 AM

Is removing the whole cluster necessary to change out the bulbs?
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Coley · 09-05-2012, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chvy2NV

Is removing the whole cluster necessary to change out the bulbs?
Posted via Mobile Device

No...you should be able to reach up behind and undo the bulbs without removing the cluster.

Coley

Chvy2NV · 09-05-2012, 12:40 AM

You mean like from underneath the dash? Thanks!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coley

No...you should be able to reach up behind and undo the bulbs without removing the cluster.

Coley

Posted via Mobile Device

yuccales · 09-05-2012, 09:11 AM

The trick to removing the cluster is having a helper!

DevilDog Aggie · 09-05-2012, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

The trick to removing the cluster is having a helper!

Love it!!!! Looks like one of my 3 helpers! :-)

yuccales · 09-05-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDog Aggie

Love it!!!! Looks like one of my 3 helpers! :-)

Thanks D-Dog. We were told he's part Black Lab, German Shepard & Rott? All I know is he's one heck of a great dog!

Matt Cramer · 09-16-2012, 01:58 PM

Thanks to all who responded! I got the instrument cluster out successfully by dropping the steering column, and the new gas gauge is reading fine!

**Ironangel** · 09-16-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Cramer

Thanks to all who responded! I got the instrument cluster out successfully by dropping the steering column, and the new gas gauge is reading fine!

You didn't mention taking the oil line loose, I was just about to comment on that. ..For what its worth, I haven't had to lower my column either. Leddzepp made a good point. If I ever replace the original cluster for a new one, you can bet I'll be dropping the column.

weever82 · 09-16-2012, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

The trick to removing the cluster is having a helper!

Bahaha. That made me smile from ear to ear thinking of my old dog... he was the exact same way... good ol' lazy bones... Thanks for the pic!

Weev-

09-03-2012, 06:29 PM	#1
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? So, I've got a '72 Chevy with what I'm pretty sure is a bad gas gauge. Changed the sending unit and it went from no fuel reading to reading 1/4 tank when it's full. I tried removing the instrument cluster. Got the six bolts and the two that hold the frame under the steering column out. Removed the bezels on the washer and light switches. Disconnected the speedometer cable and unplugged the wire connector. And - it wouldn't come out. Not more than about two inches, and I couldn't pull it the rest of the way. Is there a trick? Something I have to do to drop the steering column, for example? (Had to drop the column on a Dodge Dart, for example.) What am I missing? __________________ Matt Cramer 1972 Chevy C10 - 4.8 swap, long bed, and maybe one dent free body panel somewhere - SOLD 4.8 LS build thread

09-03-2012, 06:32 PM	#2
rob32472 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: dallas ga Posts: 1,505	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? oil line? drop the column down a little?

09-03-2012, 06:32 PM	#3
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? You will have to drop the steering column. Then you will have to remove the oil pressure gauge feed line. I believe it requires a 1/4" or 5/16" end wrench.

09-03-2012, 06:34 PM	#4
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,897	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? I've somehow wedged it out of there before without dropping the steering column years ago, but I wouldn't try that again at the risk of tearing stuff up. Remove the column to bezel grommet cover plate (2 screws). Then the under-dash plate (4 bolts, 9/16 head). Then the column strap (2 bolts, 9/16 head). The column will drop down far enough to pull the cluster out. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

09-03-2012, 07:55 PM	#5
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,027	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? You shouldn't have to drop the column at all, I've taken the instrument panel out of all my trucks and never had to drop the column. You will need to remove the oil pressure line, speedo cable, harness connection etc. Slide the rubber grommet up the steering column a bit. Did you remove the headlight knob? If not it's simple to do, there's a little button on top of the switch you have to push while pulling the knob out. You should then be able to pull the top of the panel out a bit to get the rear panel of the cluster to clear the dash and pull it straight out. It should come out fairly easy. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v655/aaronhero/

09-03-2012, 08:04 PM	#6
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,897	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? I fought with it less than a week ago, for whatever reason the top of the cluster wouldn't clear the dash...now way no how. I jimmied with it for 30 minutes before giving up and dropping the column. Sounds like the OP is having the same problem. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

09-03-2012, 08:05 PM	#7
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,026	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? when I pulled mine I did not remove the column but that little button mentioned was hard 4 me to reach.

09-04-2012, 10:26 AM	#9
hatred Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denham Springs, La. Posts: 257	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? Never had to drop mine either... __________________ 05 QSM GTO - M6, Corsa, King Springs 70 SWB CST - 350/Auto, Foose 18/17 I upset whiners too....

09-04-2012, 10:39 AM	#10
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? If you aren't deal with removing or installing a tach dash you may not have to drop the column. (Note: dropping the column an inch of two definitely makes the entire job easier and keeps the steering column top paint finish from getting scratched up during the process). Do you have an update for us on whether or not you got this thing out? Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

09-04-2012, 01:59 PM	#12
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,058	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? I always drop the column because it takes a whopping 2 minutes and makes the job a whole lot easier. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

09-04-2012, 06:32 PM	#14
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,027	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? Seeing how many have had troubles removing the cluster reminds me of similar issues removing the heater motor box without messing with the hood hinge. I wonder if it depends on who was on duty during assembly? I wonder if some columns are mounted tighter than others, I didn't even know there was a problem getting them out. Same with the heater box, seems a lot of people have to remove or loosen the hood hinge to get it out, I've done three of them and they alway slide right out. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v655/aaronhero/

09-04-2012, 06:59 PM	#15
19seventeeCustom Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Downtown Posts: 573	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? done it both ways a few times, only drop the column now. lol and if you do forget the OP guage the cluster won't budge at all!! Posted via Mobile Device

09-05-2012, 12:13 AM	#16
Chvy2NV Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: So. Florida Posts: 873	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? Is removing the whole cluster necessary to change out the bulbs? Posted via Mobile Device

09-05-2012, 09:11 AM	#19
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,787	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? The trick to removing the cluster is having a helper! Attached Images

09-16-2012, 01:58 PM	#22
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	Re: What's the trick to pulling the instrument cluster? Thanks to all who responded! I got the instrument cluster out successfully by dropping the steering column, and the new gas gauge is reading fine! __________________ Matt Cramer 1972 Chevy C10 - 4.8 swap, long bed, and maybe one dent free body panel somewhere - SOLD 4.8 LS build thread



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