How do I remove face plate from instrument cluster?

[shertex]

In case I get motivated (will probably need to warm up) to fix the speedo needle that has broken off in my 84 300D, how do I remove the face plate (i.e. the clear plastic) from the instrument cluster? Can I leave the cluster in place?

When it comes to old, brittle plastic parts, I have the opposite of the Midas touch....I always break things.

[oilslick]

You will need to remove the entire cluster and then remove the speedometer unit from the cluster.

[shertex]

Originally Posted by oilslick

You will need to remove the entire cluster and then remove the speedometer unit from the cluster.

All I want to do initially is access the needle that has fallen off. Why would I need to remove the speedometer to do that?

[rscurtis]

Because the clear face is part of the cluster. Removing the cluster is not that difficult. Remove the speedo. cable from its bracket under the hood; the cluster can be pushed out from the back. You'll also have to disconnect the oil line and the main plug. Several bulbs on the passenger side of the cluster will also have to be removed. I believe member James Dean also does cluster repair.

[ROLLGUY]

There are three separate sections that unscrew from the rear of the cluster housing (black plastic with clear face). Once the center speedometer unit is out, you can then repair/replace it at will.

[mach4]

Here's basically what you have -



Take out the three modules from the back and you have access to the plastic faceplate, the gauge faces, needles and the rest. This picture is from a 124, but all clusters of that era were essentially the same design.

While you've got everything torn apart, here are some things to consider

1- replace the caps on the clock
2- paint the needles
3- add an aux ground
4- clean the plastic
5- replace the light bulbs

[shertex]

OK...got it. Everything has to be accessed from the back. Just out of curiosity, if the face plate got cracked or something, could it be replaced?

[JamesDean]

Originally Posted by shertex

OK...got it. Everything has to be accessed from the back. Just out of curiosity, if the face plate got cracked or something, could it be replaced?

I've not really a way to remove it easily. Im sure it could be done though. I do have two 123 clusters though hm

Did you needle break off the face? Can you see a shaft poking through?

This for your 123? I have one or two 123 speedometers, they are 85 MPH units I think though so might not work.

[Jeremy5848]

Occasionally a 123/124 cluster will be stuck really good, usually because it hasn't been removed in many years. The 123 has an advantage in that you can remove the panel below the dash, driver's side, and reach up to push the cluster out from behind. There are also tools (hooks) available to pull the cluster from in front. Sometimes both techniques are required.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

There are also tools (hooks) available to pull the cluster from in front.

They look like the attached photo. Part #126589033300

[ckudalug]

Can a speedometer needle be taken off from the spindle of a speedometer? I only need the speedometer mechanism to fit a different faceplate ( off of miles to km's faceplate)

[Mxfrank]

Yes. The best tool to use is a hand puller as used for clock repair. But not having that, if you carefully protect the face with a rag or thick piece of cardboard, you can carefully lever off the needle with a pair of screwdrivers. They usually a bit stubborn if the instrument hasn't been disassembled before, but I've never failed to remove on safely.

[Jay Gibbs]

The clear faceplate of the instrument clusters are glued and not intended to ever be removed. I would not attempt removing one because of the very high probability that you would crack either the faceplate or an aged, brittle cluster assembly.

Take the whole cluster out as previously recommended and disassemble to gain access to the instrument faces. Takes some time to do properly, but it is not in any way difficult.

J.G.

[hercules]

Glued,but can be done on at least the 126 models poss.others. Saw off with dermal
and small saw blade at parting surface,about 1/2 inch back from face. Pull off cloth
first. Cut only 1/4 inch deep, Reseal with black silicone.
Did this on three Inst. clusters when adding a boost gauge. Clean plastic,repaint inside.

[t walgamuth]

I have four or five 123 clusters. If someone needs one i will sell reasonably. I'd need the number off the face to be sure it is the one you need.