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Wanted - double-jointed elf to help pull cluster.

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990V8 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 990V8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Wanted - double-jointed elf to help pull cluster.
    Posted: Mar/11/2019 at 8:12am
I need to pull the instrument cluster on my 63 Ambo.
Been putting it off, but I have to do it.
 
Don't know if right-hand drive cars are worse, but there's no room back there!!
 
I undid the speedo cable, but I can't even see the electrical plug, never mind get to it.
Doesn't help that my eyesight isn't too good at short range and my neck is bad, not happy being scrunched up under the dash. My neighbour used to say 'don't get old' well that was good advice but he never told me how to prevent it.
 
Anyway,... question... can I loosen the cluster,. ease it out, get at the plug that way, or do I have to unplug it first? Very nervous of breaking it.
 
I also need to replace the voltage reg, does supply them? Can't even see it in Galvins.
 
And finally, what do we think of dimmable LED instrument bulbs?
 
Thankyou
 
Ivor
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pacerman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/11/2019 at 9:12am
On the left hand drive cars you can loosen the cluster and you will able to see the round plug on the back of the cluster, if not actually reach it from above.  On a right hand drive car, I think it would be even easier because you are not constrained by the wiring bundles to the left of the cluster and the left hand sidewall of the car. Put some masking tape on the bezel area below the cluster and anywhere else it is likely to touch when removing it to avoid scratching paint.  Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rocklandrambler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/11/2019 at 10:10am
I had a '64 Classic which should be the same as your '63 Ambo.  On mine there are two phillips head screws holding the upper cover on.  Remove the cover and you'll see two fat phillips head screws that hold the cluster in.  Remove those screws and the cluster should pull out far enough to pull the round plug off.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sweatlock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/15/2019 at 4:16am
There’s only one way to not get old...die young. Not a good option, though.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/15/2019 at 6:27am
Pull the top off as Pacerman suggested. Then remove the screws holding the  cluster in. You should be able to move it forward a bit and pull the plug from the top.

Use the electronic regulator as discussed in another thread (I think you mentioned you were going to...). The dimmable LEDs sound like a great idea!!
Frank Swygert
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6768rogues Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/15/2019 at 11:12pm
If all else fails, I pull out the front seat so I can get down on the floor and see what is going on behind the dash.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6PakBee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/17/2019 at 7:50am
Originally posted by 6768rogues 6768rogues wrote:

If all else fails, I pull out the front seat so I can get down on the floor and see what is going on behind the dash.


Ding, ding, ding!!!  We have a winnah!!  At my advanced age and 'mature' girth I just don't bend into places I used to.  Now it's SOP for me to take the front seat out before working under the dash.
Roger Gazur
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LakesideRamblin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/17/2019 at 8:05am
Amen.  Just installed Dynamat and the repopped black heat barrier on the firewall.  While I had the seats out at the upholstery shop I removed and rebuilt my heater box.  Even after reinstalling it and laying on a pad i still wish i had a couple of elves!  I'm in decent shape but my bones still ache. 😂
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"If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." T. Roosevelt
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