1972 Dodge Dart Instrument Cluster Removal

[APK]

I am trying to remove the Instrument Cluster on a 1972 Dodge Dart. I have removed the negative battery cable, dropped the steering wheel, and removed the 6 screws that secures the cluster bezel to the dash. I have plenty of speedometer cable in the engine bay to pull through the firewall to allow me to remove is from the back of the speedometer once the cluster is clear of the dash opening.

When I go to move cluster out, the left is hitting and doesn't move very far. Based of the youtube videos, I believe the wired connector is hitting. But some videos show that the wire connect is visible by getting the cluster out enough to removed it but not mine.

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Question... Is the plugged in wires all together in one piece or separate?
Any tips to get to the connector easily without standing on my head?

Thank you in advance.

 

[j_anderson]

release the tabs on the top and bottom of the connector and pull it. All those wires are terminated into one connector.

On the other side, the wiper switch has multiple wires terminating into another large connector.

 

[67Dart273]

Don't forget to carefully unbolt the ammeter wires nuts. The only two wires, big red and big black, which are eyelet connectors.

At least the older clusters, you sort of fold the cluster out and down, which then allows you to get your hands in there a little. At least some of them, the speedo gear box 'hangs down' below the opening.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Push the little button on the headlight switch after pulled out in the on position. The while depressed pull out on the knob. This removes the knob with the shaft. Use a large phillips screwdriver and remove the switch from the dash. This makes it easier to remove the cluster. I usually remove both the wiper switch and the headlight switch and let them hang on the harness. They make a tool to remove the wiper nut but a small needle nose works if careful.

 

[Kendog 170]

 

[APK]

I got the instrument cluster out today. Thanks for your replies.