doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Any one have any tips for getting the gauge cluster out? I need to replace the IVR with a solid state unit. I’m not real big on electrical or interior work so any tips are greatly appreciated.
Tips for removing gauge cluster?
- Thread starter doogievlg
- Start date
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I always drop the bracket that holds the steering column up to the dash, this allows it to drop enough to remove the cluster.
Big one disconnect the battery and take the under the dash bracket off and drop the steering colum. Makes it alot easier.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Thanks to both of you. I’ve been ready through it alot on this page. I’ll be dropping the column, removing the speedo cable, and wiring harness. Then the screws on the face. The thing I’m concerned about is breaking little things like the washer knobs and headlight knobs. Also it looks like there is a wire coming off the IVR going down to another piece. When I replace the IVR will I just cut that wire and re attach it with the new unit?
Do you know the wiper switch has a button you push on it to release the knob-shaft. Also mark the wires on the ammeter which goes where if this is your first time. The reast has plugs be careful pulling the large one on the circuit board, Be gentle with that on.
What car and year?
You won't break them, those controls will come right out with the cluster, as HH said disconnect the battery first.
Super-Cuda
MOPAR .. Move Over, Plymouth Approaching Rapidly!
Hey doogievlg,
I've done this so many times on my 68 Barracuda , I've lost count!
Here's my procedure which should be similar to your Swinger/Dart if it doesn't have A/C
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. take off the steering wheel.
3. underneath the steering column , take off the nuts holding the steering column in place and drop it down.
4. take the phillips screw holding the fusebox in place out and drop the fuse box. makes it easier to install connectors later.
5. remove all the phillips screws holding the cluster in place.
6. tilt the cluster forward and remove the connectors for the headlight switch, the emergency flashers, the round connector for the guages, the speedo cable,wiper switch . The ammeter has a black and red wire going to it. make note of where they go before disconnecting them.
7. loosen the set screws holding the chrome sliders on the heater controls and remove them
8. take off the two nuts holding the heater controls to the cluster.
At this point , you should be able to remove the cluster.
Once you have the cluster out, its a great time to upgrade to LED bulbs. If you do replace them , remember they have + and - terminals so test the cluster before you put it back in. This is easily done with a 9Volt battery and some test leads.
I may have missed something as a rallye dash may be different than the standard dash.
Good luck with it!
Cheers!!
I've done this so many times on my 68 Barracuda , I've lost count!
Here's my procedure which should be similar to your Swinger/Dart if it doesn't have A/C
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. take off the steering wheel.
3. underneath the steering column , take off the nuts holding the steering column in place and drop it down.
4. take the phillips screw holding the fusebox in place out and drop the fuse box. makes it easier to install connectors later.
5. remove all the phillips screws holding the cluster in place.
6. tilt the cluster forward and remove the connectors for the headlight switch, the emergency flashers, the round connector for the guages, the speedo cable,wiper switch . The ammeter has a black and red wire going to it. make note of where they go before disconnecting them.
7. loosen the set screws holding the chrome sliders on the heater controls and remove them
8. take off the two nuts holding the heater controls to the cluster.
At this point , you should be able to remove the cluster.
Once you have the cluster out, its a great time to upgrade to LED bulbs. If you do replace them , remember they have + and - terminals so test the cluster before you put it back in. This is easily done with a 9Volt battery and some test leads.
I may have missed something as a rallye dash may be different than the standard dash.
Good luck with it!
Cheers!!
Follow the above instructions removing the steering column bracket.put tape across the bottom of the dash so not to scratch it letting the cluster lay on it. The cluster and speedometer cable unplug after pulling the dash away partially except for the amp gauge. There are two nuts that take a 3/8 wrench or socket for these. It is much easier to remove the fuse box with a phillips screw. and let it hang .
Once you have the dash pulled away remove the headlight knob and shaft by pushing the release button on the side of the switch after pulling the headlight switch on. remove the wiper knob. Get the proper tool kit for the wiper nut at Harbor freight. remove the switches from the cluster and leave them plugged in. No need to unplug them unless you are replacing them.
Your cluster is now free. unless you have a rally dash. They are a little more in depth because the heater controls and radio must be removed. On 70 rally models the dash cigarette lighter must also come out
Once you have the dash pulled away remove the headlight knob and shaft by pushing the release button on the side of the switch after pulling the headlight switch on. remove the wiper knob. Get the proper tool kit for the wiper nut at Harbor freight. remove the switches from the cluster and leave them plugged in. No need to unplug them unless you are replacing them.
Your cluster is now free. unless you have a rally dash. They are a little more in depth because the heater controls and radio must be removed. On 70 rally models the dash cigarette lighter must also come out
Good time to check/replace bulbs also. There are led out there also.
PM @RedFish his company made the IVR's for many years. He's a wealth of information and helped me a lot.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Standard dash. Thank you!
Year would help greatly on this information
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Any clue what the name of that tool kit is for the wipers?
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
1973 swinger
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
This is awesome! So it’s easier to disconnect the speedo and other accessories from “the top” with the cluster tilted out than it is to go from under the dash?
Super-Cuda
MOPAR .. Move Over, Plymouth Approaching Rapidly!
It will depend on the type of dash.
Rallye dash-- disconnect by reaching up under the dash where you dropped the fusebox and unclip the speedo cable connector . Also, disconnect the headlight switch and , if pre 70 cluster, disconnect the emergency flasher connector and the high beam connector. Way easier with the fuse box dropped!
If there is enough slack in it. some do some dont. Easy to pull just a tab you hit and it comes right off, now back in can suck.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Its a standard dash in a 73 swinger.
Seriously not a hard job, just dont over think it.
I can replace the Ivr with the days inplace
67 dart standard cluster.
Are you sure you can't reach it from under the dash? (I know 73 and 67 dashes are different)
67 dart standard cluster.
Are you sure you can't reach it from under the dash? (I know 73 and 67 dashes are different)
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
I am not sure. Next time I’m over at the shop I will check.
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but you may want to remove front bucket seat. Makes it easier laying on your back. Also replace wiper pivot seals, I also drilled/tapped for a grease zerk.
Here is a link to bezel removal tool.
Good luck
For Mopar dash switch nut bezel tool charger hemi dodge Plymouth coronet dart rt | eBay
Here is a link to bezel removal tool.
Good luck
For Mopar dash switch nut bezel tool charger hemi dodge Plymouth coronet dart rt | eBay
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
I have a leak under the passenger dash so I may remove the bench seat and check that out too. The car is finally on the road after 5 years though so I need to be sure I don’t get too carried away and start ripping our carpet or anything.
Its the headlight switch that has a button to release knob and stem. Early wiper knobs had a small set screw. later wiper knobs just push on I never disconnect these switches. i remove bezel nuts and leave them laying in the dash.
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