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  #1  
Old 10-16-2008, 10:00 PM
1992 300D 2.5T
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 59
1992 300D instrument cluster

Hi
I have a question regarding the instrument cluster. I have dust under the plastic screen and on the gauges, so I was thinking to take the instrument cluster off and have them cleaned and while am at it I'll change the bulbs also.

What do you guys think, should I do it or should I leave it untouched?

Also the clear coat from my wood is pealed , I was thinking to strip all the remaining clear coat and apply a new coat. Any thoughts?

Maybe somebody did it and has some pointers.

Thank you


Last edited by xnetcrash; 10-16-2008 at 10:02 PM. Reason: update
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  #2  
Old 10-16-2008, 11:29 PM
sixto's Avatar
smoke gets in your eyes
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Eastern TN
Posts: 20,841
The gauge cluster comes apart for cleaning. I don't know if you can take the clear plastic off the housing but the three gauge sets come out giving you lots of access to clean the inside. You can paint the bulb cavities silver or gloss white to improve reflection. Don't even think about putting 5 watt bulbs in place of 3 watt bulbs. The housing will melt. LEDs are an interesting modification if you understand such things. You can paint the gauge pointers if yours have faded to different shades of orange.

I swapped in a the left side gauge set from a gasser of the same year. I live with the 'premium unleaded fuel only' warning because I use only premium unleaded Diesel fuel What I get for the swap is an economy gauge that I very easily converted to a boost gauge. It has a 7psi range between stops which I eyeball calibrated to be 5 - 12psi. That said, economy gauges are pretty uncommon among 90s gassers.

Sixto
87 300D
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  #3  
Old 10-17-2008, 07:22 AM
1992 300D 2.5T
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 59
Any recommendation on how to remove the instrument cluster from the dash?

Thank you
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  #4  
Old 10-17-2008, 12:20 PM
babymog's Avatar
Loose Cannon - No Balls
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Northeast Indiana
Posts: 10,765
Pull it out. There is a M-B tool for it, essentially a wire with a hook on one end, Tee-handle on the other. With the 124 though, I've always been able to just pull it out using my fingers outward on the inside of the black bezel.

Once you reach the extent of the speedo-cable, you should be able to get your fingers/wrist in the left side far enough to un-screw the cable from the back of the cluster, then pull out further to un-plug the wiring.
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  #5  
Old 10-17-2008, 01:57 PM
Pooka
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 664
Removing the 124instrument cluster

On the 123 you just put your hand behind the cluster and push it out. I tried this with my 124 and found it would not work.

The tool for removing the cluster is just a T-bar with a hook on the end. You are supposed to use two of them to hook the edges of the cluster and drag it out towards you.

I use a small flat blade screwdriver. Sit in the drivers seat and put the tip of the screwdriver under the edge of the cluster on the right hand side and pry it out a little. Then go to the left side and repeat. It takes awhile, but then the cluster comes out enought for you to unhook the wires and speedo cable.

It is replaced by just pushing it back in.

Pooka
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  #6  
Old 10-17-2008, 05:32 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 902
Have a look here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=71691

Rgds,
Chris W.
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  #7  
Old 10-18-2008, 12:09 AM
1992 300D 2.5T
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 59
Thank you

thank's guys, as I was reading yesterday I got the pictures from the DIY articles.

I'll work on it next weekend, I'm waiting for the gauge with the economy option on it. This weekend I'm playing with the wood trims.

I'll keep you posted.
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  #8  
Old 02-26-2009, 05:44 PM
1992 300D 2.5T
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 59
gauges painted

I finally got the time and I took my instrument cluster out and painted the needles. I could not find an exact orange but I managed to find a good substitute. I used a spray paint instead of the brush technic. I left the needles on and I used paper and blue tape to mask and cover the dials. It took some time but it is much cheaper and better quality ( no marks) then using the brush and paint option. Not an easy job in taking the instrument cluster out. I had also problems putting it back because I did not notice that the rubber pads from the cluster fell of. I finally found all 4 of them and glued them back to the dash also I took out all the light bulbs and replaced the. And if you are planning in doing this also make sure you have some "electric contact cleaner" to spray in the light dimming switch, it fixed mine, no more jerky lights when twisting the knob. As for the speedometer cable, make sure you release the clamp under the drivers matt by the steering column before trying to pull the cluster out.

I'll post a picture latter on.

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