emtprescue

Does anyone have knowledge on just the R+R of the instrument cluster on my 1997 C5 manual transmission Corvette? I have searched for threads that speak exclusively to just removing and replacing the instrument cluster on my car with no luck so far. There is a very good one that was posted to give instruction on how to install or retrofit for HUD. It does have instructions on how to remove the instrument cluster but by that time, the thread has already instructed a person to remove the center console and the entire dash. Do both the center console and dash need to be removed to R+R the instrument cluster or can the cluster be removed in a more simplistic manner?

Vetteman Jack

Checkout the gauge bezel install instructions on the Vette Essentials web site. Very good instructions with detailed pics.

bobeast

There's detailed instructions in the HUD threads, but basically, you need to remove the center dash bezel, the driver's side knee bolster, and then drop the two bolts that hold the steering column. up against the dash. The steering column will drop down several inches making the cluster easy to remove. No need to remove the dash pad.

emtprescue

Thanks Vetteman Jack for the suggestion to look at the Vette Essentials website. You were correct in their very explicit, step by step instructions with photo array on the entire procedure. Looks like I will be removing the centre console and lower dash knee pads after all. Owe well, I guess I will make this into a four beer project instead of a one beer undertaking. As always, this site and it's accumulated wealth of knowledge has been invaluable.

LoneStarLizzard

Be sure to have your telescoping steering wheel extended all the way out before you disconnect the battery. Thereafter you can unhook the driver's seat under-seat electrical connections.

If your steering wheel isn't fully extended, you may not have enough space with which to remove, without risking scratching something, the instrument cluster from its dash housing.

I have now mastered the art of removing my gauge cluster, and the above suggestion is key.

FYI, I follow the following Vettessentials instructions when doing this task: http://www.vetteePssentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html



The Lizzard

chipscvettec5

How hard was it to remove the gauge bezel connection up under the dash? I hear there isn't much room to manuver and you have to go by feel. Can you actually see the connection?

LoneStarLizzard

It's not particularly difficult to disconnect that harness. In fact, you can partially remove the gauge cluster from the dash (after you have disconnected the HUD harness which, by the way, is a straight pull-out since it has no clips which hold it in place) and afterwards disconnect that harness. The harness connects on the left side of the gauge cluster, so swing the cluster to the left side of the steering column when you are removing it - the harness will be visible.

The Lizzard