Could someone please tell me how to remove the instrument cluster from a 1976 450SEL dashboard ?

On the left side, it is already loose and sliding (+/- 1") in and out of the dash. How many remaining bolts hold it in, and where are they located ? I figure I will also need to remove the connections for the gauges to slide the whole assembly out. How many of these ?

I am trying to clean the hands of the VDO clock, which have a black, sooty coating and are the only thing that stands between me and a pristine dashboard !!

Would sure appreciate any help or advice.

Bruce

Bruce, my first Benz was an '80 300SD (w116) and I had removed the instrument cluster a few times. Actually there isn't anything holding the cluster in but friction. Remove the lower dash cover below the steering wheel. With this removed you can push the cluster from behind. It will come out enough for you to disconnect the speedometer cable, which just unscrews. There will be a circular elctrical connector to remove also. The thing to be careful about is the oil pressure line. You will need a 10mm wrench, actually 2 of them. Use one as a backup to prevent from ruining the fitting on the back of the guage. Everything else is self explainatory. One thing you also might want to do is disconnect the car's battery to prevent shorting anything out while pulling the wires off. Once out, you will see that there is a large ribbed rubber band (strap) that goes all the way around the cluster. This is what holds the cluster in place.
I hope this helps.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Hi!

I know this is an old topic, but I found that I had to disconnect the speedometer cable to then be able to push the cluster from behind. Careful on the moudling surrounding the cluster as it tears easily if done too vigerously. Mine is a 1973 and I am not sure if this matches yours.
Cheers,

Thanks to both gents who responded. It is now out, and I am working on it.

Cordially,

BCA