71 Dart instrument cluster removal

chris0691 · Post by **chris0691** » Thu May 22, 14 11:43 am

Hi all, trying to remove the instrument cluster out of my Dart to replace the voltage regulator, but can't quite seem to manage it.
Have dropped the column down, removed the speedo cable and have got it so far, but there seems to be a hangy down bit in the middle that is stopping it tipping out.
Have I missed something or is there a knack to it?

Cheers
Chris

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Thu May 22, 14 12:16 pm

What's your number Chris? I've just done this on my dart

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Thu May 22, 14 12:20 pm

No, from memory it's just a git to get out of the panel and no easier to put back in, involes bending of metal and swearing a lot. Gawd knows how they managed it on the production line...

chris0691 · Post by **chris0691** » Thu May 22, 14 12:50 pm

Justin - You have a PM mate
Blue - Hoping you said I'd missed something!! I know, looking at it, it seems virtually impossible. Not a job I'd fancy doing very often

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Thu May 22, 14 6:39 pm

Sometimes the dash wiring harness holds the bezel, it's clipped to the frame behind the cluster, pull on the harness and the clip should release.
Mick

Pete.S · Post by **Pete.S** » Thu May 22, 14 8:24 pm

Yes as mick says making sure everything is disconnected helps lot removing steering wheel and dropping column by a large amount will help have done two in the past two months I feel your pain

Dave81 · Post by **Dave81** » Sat May 24, 14 10:00 pm

Did it a month ago.

Drop column down on all three bolts (two at the front and one at the rear).

Litterally put your legs over the driverside headrest and sit with your head on the pedals (not easy with the column dropped, especially with a waist like mine). You should be able to disconnect the Wiper motor connector with the dash in situe. Push down on the column and pull the binacle towards you. Disconnect the major dash wiring harness, pull the dash slightly to the right and that should give you enough room to disconnect the Lights cable block.

I also had to remove the ammeter wiring with the dash only slightly pulled as the wiring was tight. After all this i still couldnt wiggle the Bananarama! out, so after two hours pushed a little harder down on the column and pulled the binnacle towards me rotating top first as i did it!.

Lost a small bit of plastic on the dash doing it, but i'd had enough pissin about!

Biggest worry for me was the 8/10 pin wiring harness.........It was bloody hard to remove, with little purchase, and reinstall without worrying that i was gonna fubar the 42 yr old wiring.

Just make sure you drop the column down as far as you can whilst leaving the nuts on the bolt......if you've done that its just a case of profanity and cut hands!!!!