Some gauge questions

[900dragon]

The clock in my car does not work and the needle pointer on the speedo broke off on the drive home after I bought the car.  Is it easier to get the gauges professionally removed to be repaired or can I do this myself.  I have been told it is not an easy job, and I don't want to damage the gauges.

[miketyler]

Its not too bad to remove them just take your time.

I too had a broken needle from a speedo issue. I put a drop of 3in1 oil on the ends and bonded the needle back in place. Has been ok but sometimes it doesnt indicate all.

On the clock, they have a quartz conversion kit you can put in yourself for around $50

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It's not a fun job, but you can do it. Disconnect the battery. Remove the light bar and flip it up onto the dashpad. You will now see screws you need to remove to get the gauge bezel off. There are some on the bottom too. The switch bezel needs to come off first. To give your self some wiggle room, you will probably have to unplug the connectors going to the wiper switch and possibly the dimmer. After you get the bezels out, you will find the screws that hold the gauge pod to the dash frame. Remove them, and you can then see a bunch of things on the back of the pod that need removed. First, you should reach up underneath and unclip the speedo cable. There is a tab you need to squeeze to get it off. From there you have to pull out the turn signal lights and brake light. Then you need to unplug the feed wires to each gauge, and the power for the clock, tach and voltage limiter.


I know it sounds like alot, but I can do this all real fast after all the practice I've had.   


  Mike

[72rtchallenger]

it will give you alittle more room if you take the bolts out and drop the steering coloum down and take the steering wheel off,,none of this is very hard and gives more space,,i need to take my clock out too and they appear easy enough to fix,,just dont hurry it

[72rtchallenger]

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/serviceHighlights/70%20sh%20148.jpg

[miketyler]

it will give you alittle more room if you take the bolts out and drop the steering column down

   It is nearly impossible to get the unit out far enough to get to it's backside without dropping the column down. It's only two bolts and is at the bottom of the dash. Also good idea to put a towel over the steering column as the unit will rest on it unitl you get all labeled and disconnected.

[706pkVert]

If you are handy,we sell reproduction needles, or we can install for you.

Mike
www.instrument-specialties.com