I need to remove the speedometer for service on my 69 Firebird. Does anyone have a step by step or tips on the plastic dash removal, instrument cluster removal etc.?

Thanks

Dave

Easy job drop the Steering column first and as some one pointed out to me watch out for the two (i think) nuts over by the ash tray and glove box. I would recommend checking each peanut light befor you put them in the sockets. Pretty straight forward. I usually take digital pictures as I go. Helps me remember. Now where did I put that camera ..... Ron H.

Dave,

I have between my two 'birds, I have removed the dash bezel a total of seven times. It's not a fun job, but I've learned a few tricks to make it easier.

1. Take off the easily accessed items; radio knobs and nuts, column cover, ash tray, ash tray receiver and guard (metal piece just above ash tray).

2. Disconnect the pull for the astro vent (there isn't one if you have A/C) and the courtesy lamp from under the dash. This makes things a tad easier for the next step. You’ll see why.

3. This step requires small hands and a large amount of patience. You need to get your hand up to the back of the light switch, in order to press the release button (pictured) on the side of the switch for the pull knob/shaft.





I have found to get my hand up to the light switch, it’s best to lie across the seats on my back. Then I snake my left hand up to the back of the switch, press the button, and with my right hand pull the knob/shaft out. It also helps to be a contortionist. While you’re reclined, also reach up and disconnect the speedo cable by pressing the tang that holds it in place. Remove the slotted nut from the front of the switch.

4. Take a break.

5. Next come the non A/C heater control cables. If you have A/C, you’re on your own here. My two are non A/C. Either way; all the cables will need to be disconnected from the dampers on the heater plenum. Remember how they are routed and to which damper they control. The trick I learned here was removing the glove box and door. It will probably be necessary for A/C cars. It makes the job longer by adding a step, but it makes it easier... IMO. This is also a good time to lube the cables with some penetrating oil.

6. Remove the top four and three bottom screws holding the bezel in place. Next drop the steering column * ** by removing the nuts that hold it to the bottom of the dash. Now the bezel is ready to come out, partly.
* Column shifter will need to be in lowest gear, so set the parking brake or chalk the wheels.
** Steering wheel removal is not necessary but recommended.

7. Pull the bezel out far enough to access the wire harness shield that crosses the top of the dash pod. This is held in place by two ¼” hex head sheet metal screws. This will give you more access to disconnect the dash pod, heater fan and lamp, lighter and clock, light switch and wiper switch connectors.

8. Now everything should be disconnected and the bezel ready to be removed. You will have to press the steering column down so the back of the dash pod clears the dash pad. I place a towel over the dash pod to make sure the pad doesn’t get scratched or worse punctured.

9. Wipe sweat from brow.

This is the start of the ‘One thing leads to another syndrome’. As Ron said, this is the time to test and make sure all the lamps are in working order. Also this is the time to seal up the astro vents and defroster duct. Any other under dash repairs should be accomplished at this time.

If I have forgotten anything, my apology. I’m doing this from memory, and I won’t be getting to do this task until I have everything ready to go for my convertible. It’s going to receive a factory gauge pod to replace the warning lamp pod.

If you need specific help along the way, ping me with a PM.

lol tom. 7 times is way too many! why so much? trying to become an expert at it?

Andy, it's like the old joke/question; how do ya get to Carnegie Hall? Practice man, practice. There's another way a friend and I though up a long time ago while stoned. Take the bus... ya had to be there for that one.