I want to remove the gauges so I can strip the blue underlying layer with paint thinner and put in some #24 white leds to make it brighter. Anyone have any write ups on how to properly remove them. I don't want to ruin the needles and prevent them from not moving especially the fuel needle.

 

well the best thing to do is to mark on the gauges where the needles position is at while the car is at idle. then you just pop them off. i just pulled mine off without any extra tools, some people have used a butter knife to get some extra leverage.

 

I wouldn't.....or you'll end up like me when I tried to do this....having to order a new gauge cluster from DaveB.

 

I did it fine

Just be careful when removing them and make sure to calibrate the needles before/after removal.

 

thanks for the responses.

Do you have to mark the fuel needle because I know whe the car is off the needle goes down. What does the recalibration do? Does it just memorize where the needles are then when you install everything back and redo the calibration does it just go back to memory?

Irish how did you mess up your gauges? and how much for the new one?

 

To calibrate, do the following:
(i) Place your key in the ignition and hold in the odometer button.
(ii) Turn the electrical system on while holding the button in.
(iii) Release the button and wait one second.
(iv) Press the button three times. On the third press, HOLD THE BUTTON IN. If the digital readout reads '8' across the board, you are in luck. Otherwise, remove the key and repeat STEPS 9i - 9iii.
(v) You are now in calibration mode. Record where the needles lie. You can hold the button in for as long as you wish to take measurements.

credit: Metal Maxima http://www.cardomain.com/ride/758364/2

 

couple ?s with the calibration

the only needle we have to record is the fuel correct?

once its marked do we just turn the car off and dissassemble everything then once everything is reassemble turn igniton to on and then renter calibration and move the fuel needle to the correct line?

 

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