Every instrument cluster thread I've searched for on here talks about removing the cluster via pulling it out from the dash with MBZ tools or homemade hooks that resemble the tools.

However, couldn't you just remove the lower dash panel, unhook the cables to the oil pressure gauge, speedometer, and what have you, and then just push it out from the back?

Help.

__________________
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, "Tiffany," - Black/Black Cloth - 75K miles, Jetta #6; my faithful, turbocharged, BBS-adorned sled

SOLD 3/08 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D, "Elise" - Astral Silver/Black M.B. Tex - 217K miles - I miss her everyday; the best-built car I've owned

I wouldn't use the hook, Yes you can just remove the lower panel and push it out from behind. Then you must remove the things in back, but first go under the hood and follow the spedo cable down and let the plastic clip go, which will give a little more room to pull the cluster out. Be sure and use TWO wrenches too remove the oil line.

.

__________________


1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Please elaborate...

__________________
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, "Tiffany," - Black/Black Cloth - 75K miles, Jetta #6; my faithful, turbocharged, BBS-adorned sled

SOLD 3/08 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D, "Elise" - Astral Silver/Black M.B. Tex - 217K miles - I miss her everyday; the best-built car I've owned

I remove the knee panel, push it out from back then unhook the oil line, electrical plug and speedo cable.

Hooks are just an easy way to damage the dash padding.

13mm (Or was it 12mm?) wrench to hold the base of the oil gauge fitting (female) and 10mm wrench to loosen/tighten the oil line fitting (male).

You dont have much room behind there even with all the slack out of the spedo cable, so a good light is needed, when you peek in there you'l see what needs too be unplugged.

__________________


1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Careful with the oil line. You can end up buying new carpet and shoes.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Whatever you do, Do not start the car with the cluster out! (that oil pressure tube you disconnected will remind you that you disconnected it, and will show you exactly how much pressure there is)

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Ditto! Don't start the engine when the oil line is disconnected!!!!!

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Unles you have an SD

__________________
1983 300SD 467,000 km - 473 champagnermetallic

location: 34°5' N 106°53' W (Socorro NM, USA)

Cha Mon! I like to take off the speaker grille, pop the speaker out and just reach down through and push the cluster out.

__________________
1981 300 SD 213k miles "Stock for now"
1999 Super Duty 7.3L 113k miles
1981 300 SD 180k miles "Heavily modified" SOLD

Your arms must be hinged in ways I can't imagine. Are you serious? I don't even think my hand would fit through the speaker hole. If I try it, there might be a need to call the fire department, because I'm sure I wouldn't be getting my hand back out of there.

__________________
- K.C.Adams

'77 300D Euro Delivery
OM617 turbo / 4-speed swap
404 Milanbraun Metallic / 134 Dattel MB-Tex

Current status:
* Undergoing body work

My '77 300D progress thread

For all of you that helped out, thanks so much!

No oil spillage, no torn wires, no nothing.

Seatbelt light works now, and best of all (after a new rheostat) the dimmer switch works perfectly AND the HVAC control panel and hazard switch light up!

Honestly, screw those hooks - pushing the cluster out is the way to go. Easy job.

Next: Motor mounts, valve adjustment, front seals, alignment, seat cushion/support, window regulator, grille, radiator/cooling system, new keys, repaint hood, um...yeah, it never ends with these cars.

__________________
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, "Tiffany," - Black/Black Cloth - 75K miles, Jetta #6; my faithful, turbocharged, BBS-adorned sled

SOLD 3/08 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D, "Elise" - Astral Silver/Black M.B. Tex - 217K miles - I miss her everyday; the best-built car I've owned

A 1977 300D is a w115 right? I think my w126 might have some more clearance.

__________________
1981 300 SD 213k miles "Stock for now"
1999 Super Duty 7.3L 113k miles
1981 300 SD 180k miles "Heavily modified" SOLD

A 1977 300D is a W123.

__________________
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, "Tiffany," - Black/Black Cloth - 75K miles, Jetta #6; my faithful, turbocharged, BBS-adorned sled

SOLD 3/08 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D, "Elise" - Astral Silver/Black M.B. Tex - 217K miles - I miss her everyday; the best-built car I've owned