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1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal #1350117
12/12/12 12:01 PM
12/12/12 12:01 PM
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MA
steve70 Offline OP
super stock
steve70  Offline OP
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I'd like to remove the gauges on my 71 Charger R/T to have them restored. What's the best/easiest way to get this done?

Thanks in advance!


1970 Challenger T/A 4 speed
Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: steve70] #1350118
12/12/12 01:46 PM
12/12/12 01:46 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
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RSNOMO Offline
Moparts Torchbearer
RSNOMO  Offline
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I built my dash on the bench...

Heckuva lot easier...

Your call...

(And, if you want to go beyond OEM, check-out page 14 of the Feb, 2013 issue of MCG)...

Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: RSNOMO] #1350119
12/12/12 07:47 PM
12/12/12 07:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
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MA
steve70 Offline OP
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steve70  Offline OP
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The car is restored but the gauges aren't perfect. Is it that difficult to remove just the gauge cluster?


1970 Challenger T/A 4 speed
Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: steve70] #1350120
12/12/12 09:02 PM
12/12/12 09:02 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,452
Morristown Tn.
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71birdJ68 Offline
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71birdJ68  Offline
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Yes it is that hard without breaking something.I know. And the steering column is in the way also. Don't try it by yourself.

Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: steve70] #1350121
12/12/12 09:11 PM
12/12/12 09:11 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Can...
moparmike1 Offline
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moparmike1  Offline
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Can...
Quote:

The car is restored but the gauges aren't perfect. Is it that difficult to remove just the gauge cluster?




No, it's not that bad. Here's a quick summary:

1. Disconnnect battery.

2. As an option, take out the driver's seat so you can lay down looking up at the dash from underneath.

2. Undo steering column bolts to firewall and then the nuts on studs off that face down towards the floor. Basicallythese two studs are pointing up towards the speedometer.

3. Remove the radio and support bracket.

4. Remove screws holding cluster in place, six if I remember right. Two on top, one on each side and two on the bottom, near the studs described in step 2.

5. Disconnect the speedometer cable, it's a white plastic connector with a tab that you hold down to release so you can pull it off the speedometer head.

6. Disconnect the heater control, two nuts if I remember right, and let it down out of the way.

7. Disconnect the wiper switch connector and headlight switch connector.

8. Disconnect all the gauge wires from the back of the cluster, try to label each one so you know where it goes back. Be very careful with the alternator gauge leads, that's why I mentioned disconnecting the battery first.

9. Cluster should be free to take out.

Try to take pictures as you go along, especially of the guage wires and definitely the alternator gauge leads. When you're putting it back together, make sure those leads are secure, you don't want those working loose.

Take your time and with pictures, putting it back together will be fairly smooth.

Good luck,

Mike.

Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: moparmike1] #1350122
12/13/12 08:30 AM
12/13/12 08:30 AM
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steve70 Offline OP
super stock
steve70  Offline OP
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That's just what I was looking for. Thanks Mike!


1970 Challenger T/A 4 speed
Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: moparmike1] #1350123
12/13/12 11:44 PM
12/13/12 11:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,647
IL
7
71383beep Offline
top fuel
71383beep  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,647
IL
Quote:

Quote:

The car is restored but the gauges aren't perfect. Is it that difficult to remove just the gauge cluster?




No, it's not that bad. Here's a quick summary:

1. Disconnnect battery.

2. As an option, take out the driver's seat so you can lay down looking up at the dash from underneath.

2. Undo steering column bolts to firewall and then the nuts on studs off that face down towards the floor. Basicallythese two studs are pointing up towards the speedometer.

3. Remove the radio and support bracket.

4. Remove screws holding cluster in place, six if I remember right. Two on top, one on each side and two on the bottom, near the studs described in step 2.

5. Disconnect the speedometer cable, it's a white plastic connector with a tab that you hold down to release so you can pull it off the speedometer head.

6. Disconnect the heater control, two nuts if I remember right, and let it down out of the way.

7. Disconnect the wiper switch connector and headlight switch connector.

8. Disconnect all the gauge wires from the back of the cluster, try to label each one so you know where it goes back. Be very careful with the alternator gauge leads, that's why I mentioned disconnecting the battery first.

9. Cluster should be free to take out.

Try to take pictures as you go along, especially of the guage wires and definitely the alternator gauge leads. When you're putting it back together, make sure those leads are secure, you don't want those working loose.

Take your time and with pictures, putting it back together will be fairly smooth.

Good luck,

Mike.




I pulled the dash about a dozen times on the super bee. As explained it covers everything except I would add one thing...step 2 is NOT an option! Your back will thank you!

The only other thing I would consider would be to actually pull the whole dash which is easier to do. After dropping the column you can unscrew the 4 screws that hold the frame in along the top of the dash by the windshield. then loosen the bolts that attach the sides. swing the dash out in one piece and reach back and disconnect as you go. It sounds scary, but is actually pretty simple once you get going. Heck that's how they got in the car to begin with!


'73 GK6 Challenger Rallye - 340 4-Speed
Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: steve70] #1350124
12/14/12 06:56 PM
12/14/12 06:56 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,452
Morristown Tn.
7
71birdJ68 Offline
master
71birdJ68  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,452
Morristown Tn.
If you drop the column, you need a service manual, cause the steering column has a for and aft measurement at the coupler under the hood. And the plastic breakaway capsules are 40 years old and break very easy.

Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: 71birdJ68] #1350125
12/15/12 09:19 AM
12/15/12 09:19 AM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 892
MA
steve70 Offline OP
super stock
steve70  Offline OP
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Posts: 892
MA
Great information-Thanks!


1970 Challenger T/A 4 speed
Re: 1971 Charger R/T gauge cluster removal [Re: steve70] #1350126
12/15/12 11:15 AM
12/15/12 11:15 AM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,452
Morristown Tn.
7
71birdJ68 Offline
master
71birdJ68  Offline
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Posts: 4,452
Morristown Tn.
Its better to just take the steering wheel off and pull the column out, and while your there redo the steering coupler. And try to find an extra pair of hands. See, one thing leads to another, thats what I was talking about. You just wanted to take the gauges out but have to take half the car apart to do it.







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