How Do You Remove Center Gauges

[Dick M]

I am redoing my dash and want to remove the center gages.  When I try to push the gage cluster out it either binds on the steering column or at the top of the dash hole.  I have plenty of slack in gauge connections.

Is there a trick?

Dick M
1970 280SL

[waltklatt]

Hello Dick,
Assuming you have disconnected the bracket from behind with a knurled nut, oil pressure line(10mm open end wrench) and the capilliary tube from the motor end(temp guage sending unit on the block of the motor)  Tilt the guage with the top trying to pop out and then prise it out gently top first.  Bottom out merely jams it against the steering column.
Hope this helps.
Walter

[n/a]

Dick:

did this a year or so ago.. there is a good summary on the yahoo pagoda site that was very helpful. I think it is under replacing the heater levers.

Regards, NRK

[graphic66]

Stop, before you do anything else tape a note to your keys reminding you to reattach the oil pressure sending line. You don't want to forget to hook it up. Also a good idea to unhook the battery now. Get some new dash bulbs too.

[Dick M]

Hi Walter..
Yes all is disconnected.  It is just a fraction from clearing the hole at the top but I hesitate to give it a "power push" Everything else has gone smoothly thanks to the many posts by members.
Thanks

quote:Originally posted by waltklatt

Hello Dick,
Assuming you have disconnected the bracket from behind with a knurled nut, oil pressure line(10mm open end wrench) and the capilliary tube from the motor end(temp guage sending unit on the block of the motor)  Tilt the guage with the top trying to pop out and then prise it out gently top first.  Bottom out merely jams it against the steering column.
Hope this helps.
Walter

Dick M
1970 280SL

[waltklatt]

Dick,
Try to slide the whole cluster forward at and even level to the steering column and then try to tilt the top out.  It should come out.
Walter

[Dick M]

Hi Walter..
No such luck..I had to loosen the bolt that holds the steering colum to get enough clearence.

My objective for taking out the center cluster was only to remove and clean the glass... After having the tach and speedo redone the center cluster didn't sparkle enough for me.  In process of removing the insturment cluster I cracked the glass... The shop cutting and drilling the new glass assures me it will sparkle.

The more I work behind the dash the more spacious it seems to get.. I'll soon be able to do it blindfolded.  


Dick M
1970 280SL

[ja17]

Hello Dick,
Did you unplug the large electrical plug? I usually remove the tachometer first then the center cluster. Removal of the steering wheel is easy and makes any instrument work soo much easier.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Dick M]

Hi Joe..
Yes.. had the wire coupler unplugged, plenty of slack in the oil line and temp line, tack out and all.  

I broke the glass from pure studidity..trying to remove the knob on the reostat.. didn't realize how it was attached.

I pick up the new glass tomorrow and hopefully the reinstall will not be as tight with the steering column loose.

Dick M
1970 280SL