Trying remove the instrument cluster in my 76 and it seems to be stuck. I'm pulling out on the top but will not come out. I understand the top pulls out then the speedo comes off then you lift the bottom to remove it from Clips. Any suggestions?
You must disconnect the speedometer cable clip that holds the cable to the frame under the car. It prys out with a screwdriver. Then, push on the cable and the cluster should come loose at the top. After you maneuver the cluster enough to get your hand behind the cluster, you'll disconnect the speedometer cable from the speedometer head, and remove the alternator indicator light and main instrument electrical plug.
Yes, that's absolutely essential. I had assumed you had already done so and couldn't figure out why it would not move with the screws out. The first time I took out the gauge cluster, it took two hours. Once you get the hang of it, it takes five minutes. Everything on these cars is like that for me.
I do not recall any side screw, other than the 2 at the top on all the clusters I have removed from all of my Mav/Comets? David
Thank you for the info and I did get the cluster out. I cleaned everything up and replaced all the bulbs because I had very dim the lights and put it back in and still have very dim. Lights. Any thoughts on that? I think it probably a ground issue but not sure where to look I was thinking maybe the light switch?
Yes I was able to get it out and changed all the bulbs but was unable to make the lights brighter. My Dash is still not very bright so I'm going to try to change the light switch. Thanks for the help
I did that for the same reason and the instrument lights got slightly brighter. Still aren't very bright, but good enough.
Paint inside of cluster white or something close in contrast. It will make a difference in brightness. Some have replaced bulbs w/ LED's claim they increase light output. I painted mind made quite a difference.
