instrument cluster trim replacement

[charlieo]

need directions on how to replace instrument cluster trim, the trim piece that goes on the front of the inst. cluster. thanks for your help. unit is 57 tbird

[ 12-28-2001: Message edited by: charlieo ]

[ 12-29-2001: Message edited by: charlieo ]

[nomadbird]

Sure hope the dash is out of the car. I can't imagine attempting this with the dash installed.

The instruments are mounted to a cast instrument housing that is in turn mounted to the cast "eyebrow" and front face of the cluster. Remove the housing from the dash with the instruments still mounted. This will expose the back side of each instrument lens (except clock) and three tangs on each of the lens & bezels. The speedo has four tangs. Bend these tangs just enough to permit them to slip through their respective holes to the front surface of the dash. The OIL and GEN bezels are removed this way also. I don't remember exactly how they were retained but it was simple.
You might have to also remove the arched piece of stainless that is screwed to the eyebrow which conceals the edge of the dash pad.

This is also the best time to replace the OIL & GEN lenses. Be advised if you are concerned with an authentic restoration; there are two different character sizes used on these lenses. Early cars (built in '56) had larger characters than the remaining production run.

Tom

[charlieo]

thanks tom, but yes the dash is in . i have had the bezels off for cleaning , so i'm familiar with that , but i was obviouslt trying to not remove the inst cluster itself
thanks
chaso