Gage cluster is kicking my a$$

[dblugly]

What is the trick to removing the gage cluster? I took out the two screws and it looks like two tabs on the bottom are holding it in, I tried to remove the speedo cable to get some slack, I could not remove that either. Can someone help me before I break something.

 

[Big B.]

it just pops out. probably painted or rusted in.

 

['69 Yota]

I had to really fight mine each time also. I finally cut about a quarter inch off those tabs and that made it a lot easier. For now you need to try to get that speedo cable unscrewed first. If you can reach up from either side below, you might be able to get a pair of pliers on it.

 

[dblugly]

I just got it, I was trying to remove the cable while I had tension on it. I pushed the gage back in and reached up from underneath, came right off
Thanks for the responses. I still can't figure out my electrical problem, my dash lights don't come on with the head lights, until I do a little Fonzie whop on the dash.

 

[Scott R]

Probably just easier to run a new line, it comes right of the left side of the headlight switch if you're facing the back of the switch. I also had to add a new ground to my cluster, not sure why that was, but it worked after that.

 

[peesalot]

what you described is a ground problem. look at dash lights, they are either one wire or 2 wire. 2 wire is a ground and power and the 1 wire ones ground thru body of light. check the ground at all. do the outside parking lights work ?

 

[badass]

I just got it, I was trying to remove the cable while I had tension on it. I pushed the gage back in and reached up from underneath, came right off
Thanks for the responses. I still can't figure out my electrical problem, my dash lights don't come on with the head lights, until I do a little Fonzie whop on the dash.

Run a new wire from your gauge, i have a 79 and i believe it is a red wire with a green stripe, but not 100% positive, to your headlight switch. Not sure which wire on the headlight switch, use a test light or something. Good luck.

 

[TLCHopII]

guys might be somethin even simpler. change the bulbs yet? since the cluster was "stuck" it was probalby not possible to get at the bulbs.

 

[dblugly]

I cleaned the contacts and re-seated all the bulbs, that seemed to fix it for now. I found a couple burnt out bulbs, now to source 24 volt bulbs, ahhhh the fun never ends.

 

[FJ-40Original]

Anytime you gotta do a "Fonzie Whop" you have grounding issues, that's all...

 

[Landpimp]

some early clusters come out pretty easy(once the cable is off) but on latter 40's they are a tight fit, I have removed/loosened the 2(I think) bolts that hold the steering colume to the dash, then it drops a bit and makes getting the cluster out much easier.

to swap bulbs I can removed screws and pull cluster out just far enough to get my hand in the back to change bulbs.

 

[secretagent]

Sounds like a ground problem if you have to "whoop" it to get it to work. I used to have to "whoop" the old lady to get to work to.

 

[dblugly]

Can't whoop the old lady, like a dumb ass I taught her how to shoot She can't kick me in the either, their on the mantel , too high of a kick for her. I think I got the problem licked with just cleaning the contacts. I haven't been able to road test it yet, I am waiting for my winch mount to come in from CCOT, the front end is tore apart being painted.