Instrument cluster removal help

[papabug71]

Anyone got any tips for removing the cluster from our trucks? Mine is looking worn & im ordering a new one from DC. I can remember when we restored this truck, I was in the 6th grade & I could pretty much shimmy under the dash on my back. Unfortunately, I have since put on a little weight & can only get 1/2 way in on my back.

I guess my question is: If I unhook the speedo cable, will the wiring harness have enough slack so I can pull the cluster out of the dash a bit & remove the plug? Or is it so tight that im going to have to enlist the help of my 3 yr old to reach up & unplug it from behind?

I plan on giving the entire cluster/ gauges a makeover while im at it so any help on this subject is greatly appreciated!!

[mljjones67]

Yes there is enough slack to pull the cluster out and unhook the speedo and plug.

[papabug71]

Excellent. Thanks for the reply!

[seattle67]

Mike is right, he usually is

I just wanted to add that personally I have always found it much easier to pull out if I reach up and disconnect the speedometer cable first.

[fordman]

i usually push the cable through the firewall first and then pull the whole cluster. it makes it easier on me to reach the cable. that last post had a joke in it. if you read it to fast.

[papabug71]

Nice one fordman!lol! Took me a couple of trys.

I'll try to unhook the speedo first if I can get my hands behind it.

The speedo cable just "pops" on/off right?

[wt4speed#2]

The speedo cable just "pops" on/off right?

Nope mine is lefty losey ,righty tighty

[papabug71]

Cool beans! Thanks for the help guys!

[seattle67]

that last post had a joke in it. if you read it to fast.

You're a sick man Craig.

[dcbullet]

A tip is to loosen your steering column and drop it down 3/4 of an inch. This way you have more room to pull the cluster out and less of a chance to scratch the top of the steering column.