L82-JWS

I have a new clock for the 79. Before I go tearing the consloe apart, I figured I would ask if there are any know instructions on how to do this? I hear, it can be tedious..... I never have gotten into the gauge cluster before......any help suggestions is appreciated...... :confused:

scottw

Once you get to the gauge panel you can take a picture if you have a digital camera. Another way is to mark all the wires as you take them off. I used maskin tape myself.
Just mark or remember where the wires go and take your time. Its not bad but it is a little tight working with the panel.
Go slow and you have no problems.

Pete79L82

Click on the link in my signature, it will walk you through complete replacement.

Pretty easy job. :thumbs:

s79vette

Like Paul says it's a simple job. I haven't read his instructions but I'd like to
say when you lower your steering collomn sp., don't take the bolts out of the firewall just loosen them. Took mine out a couple years ago, tore clock
completley apart, sprayed with WD40, shook off excess, put it back in
and it's still running fine. Just a trick I read here one day. Steve

Stoge

I've read through pete's repair tech a couple times. Looks like if you take your time and follow his tips / instructions, you can get it in there without problem.

cookin1979

I replaced mine and put in an original radio. Got a new bezel from Zip
Products. Take your time...piece of cake! :cheers:

lou

Let's see
1 pull both seats
2 remove side panels from center console
3 disco radio support bracket
4 remove all mount screws from shifter plate
5 slightly move shifter plate aft for clearance
6 disconnect ac panel projection light and main curcuit board connectors
7 remove cluster from dash, be very careful, dash damages easily

It has been awhile, if I have forgotten something, someone else please chime in

lou

L82-JWS

So, in order to remove the gauge cluster, I should take the seats out, and disassemble the console? Also, it was mentioned that i have to loosen steering column?.....If this is the case, is there any documentation that i can print off to follow? Thanks for all the advise. I knew I could count on you guys.....!

mark79,80

First, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

There is no need to loosen the steering column. The advice to remove the
screws holding the console plate is good. By sliding the console plate
back slightly, it makes it easier to lower the instrument bezel, before
tilting it back to remove it. The console plate has two screws in back that
secure it to the parking brake console. These screws are not very
visible and easy to overlook.

At the top of the instrument bezel is a light bulb and socket that illuminates
the AC/heater switch. This socket is actually under the lip of the dash pad.
If the instrument bezel is tilted back, before lowering it, the socket will
get caught by the dash pad and can easily crack it.

lou

Sorry L82, That battery thing probably should be step 1. oops. :eek:
Don't have to mess with the steering collum. lou

cookin1979

All the advice is excellent. I didn't remove my seats. They really didn't pose a problem. The printed curcuit board is fragile and must be handled with care. I also replaced all the bulbs while I was at it. NAPA had 'em.
Jeff :flag