Removing instrument cluster ?

[Jeff Balazs]

Hi Guy's;

I am prepping the cab for removal and have a question regarding the removal of the instrument cluster and a few of the switches.

I have the cluster just about out except for the connection to the temp gauge.

What is the proper way to remove this? Do I just unscrew the fitting? or do I take the gauge back off? I am trying hard not to do any damage even though I don't know if any of the gauges work.

Also I am uncertain about removing the headlight and panel switches as the knobs do not seem to unscrew. Maybe they are just rusted in place? The retaining ring nuts are free but I don't want to break the knobs trying to force them.

One more related item......the wiper switch has a chrome knob with a wing on it.

Again I don't want to force this off and do damage.....is there a trick to removing it?

Thanks very much.

Jeff

[B1B Keven]

Hi Guy's;

I am prepping the cab for removal and have a question regarding the removal of the instrument cluster and a few of the switches.

I have the cluster just about out except for the connection to the temp gauge.

What is the proper way to remove this? Do I just unscrew the fitting? or do I take the gauge back off? I am trying hard not to do any damage even though I don't know if any of the gauges work.

Also I am uncertain about removing the headlight and panel switches as the knobs do not seem to unscrew. Maybe they are just rusted in place? The retaining ring nuts are free but I don't want to break the knobs trying to force them.

One more related item......the wiper switch has a chrome knob with a wing on it.

Again I don't want to force this off and do damage.....is there a trick to removing it?

Thanks very much.

Jeff

Spray the fitting it the head with PB Blaster a couple of times over the course of a week. If that doesn't work, then yes, remove the gauge from the cluster.

The light switch knobs can be a bear. Again, spray with PB Blaster. Also, you have to hold the 'center' of the knob still while unscrewing the out side chrome (I use the thumb from one hand to do this, rocking it left and right).

The wiper knob pops straight up and off. Then unscrew the ring beneath it.

[Jeff Balazs]

Hi Keven;

Thank you. I didn't want to mess anything up......thought it was better to ask than to force any of this.

Jeff

[B1B Keven]

Hi Keven;

Thank you. I didn't want to mess anything up......thought it was better to ask than to force any of this.

Jeff

Anytime Jeff.

[Dodgeb4ya]

I would pull the cluster out with the complete temp bulb unit too. Unscrew the temp guage square nut from the head threaded adapter. Once this square nut is unscrewed carefully try wiggling/pulling out the temp bulb from the threaded head adapter. You can try spray-might work. If it won't pull out the easy way is to remove the round core plug in the head right above the temp bulb. Then carefully wedge the bulb out of the head adapter-it's easy. Go to napa and buy a new core plug and install.

You don't want to break the temp sender wire and bulb!

[Jeff Balazs]

Dodgeb4ya;

I have the bulb removed from the engine.....no square nut retainer on mine.

Had what looked like a brass fuel line fitting instead. The brass fitting is buggered up so I cant get it out. But I had enough slack in the cable to back out the entire bulb holder. I think it must of been replaced at some point in the distant past.

The bulb was pretty rusty so I soaked it in phosphoric acid for a while and it has cleaned right up. Not certain any of it works.......but I have tried to preserve it.

I suppose I should test it with some boiling water now.

Jeff

[Dodgeb4ya]

I forgot some Temp sender nuts were hexagon. Sometimes they are bear to get out!

[MBF]

Boy-does this bring back memories! Another spot for antiseize compound when you're going back together.

[Merle Coggins]

If you have the temp bulb out of the head, then remove the clamp at the firewall so that you can pull it all back through as you remove the gauge assembly.

The knobs should unscrew. It may not be the threaded part that's stuck, The center of the knob, where the name is printed, should spin inside the outer part of the knob. There is a flat on the switch stem that keeps the letters right side up as the knob is spun off/on. Spray it all down and allow your penatrant to soak in. Then get a good grip on it and start working them back and forth until they spin off.

Merle

[Jeff Balazs]

Merle;

Me.....get a good grip? If you only knew.

I think I lost what ever grip I had the day I bought this truck

Will take your advice though.

Jeff.......have the never-seize and will be using it.