been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and a cracked bottom cluster. it is indeed sealed in there. i wasn't very careful tough since it was for my beater and it only cracked one line on it it. i'm thinking if you can use a dremel and cut the sides it might work. i pulled some needles (if they're nice) off junkyard gauges with a little tool i have (no idea what it's called but it looks like a miniature pickle fork). i never swapped needles on gauges; i'd be afraid of the accuracy after removing and replacing needles

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1983 300SD (daily driver)
1991 420SEL (work in progress)
1979 300SD (future replacement for 83 SD)

RIP:
1983 300SD (totalled)
1986 420SEL