Instrument panel removal on a 1963 Roadster

[Bob A.]

All,

I am looking for guidance on the best/easiest way to remove the instrument cluster to have gauges repaired.

Bob Aquilino

[Don H.]

Re: Instrument panel removal on a 1963 Roadster

Bob
check the similar threads listed at the bottom of this page, especially the one from Jan 2004 that includes a photo.
The process has been described many times on the tech board.

[Richard G.]

Re: Instrument panel removal on a 1963 Roadster

It is easy enough to pull.
Some use extended screws/bolts in the dash retaining screw holes so the column can be pulled out far enough to remove the plugs from the back without banging the dash around too much. (Easy enough to cut the heads off some longer bolts) Be sure to document how the odometer reset cable is routed. This can be installed several ways and only one is correct. Put all the screws back into the holes they came of of till you are ready to reinstall the dash. It can be awhile and this helps avoid confusion. Pull the drivers seat for better access.

My recommendations are more related to the rebuild process:

1) Take lots of pictures of the dash before it leaves your possession. (Post some of them if you like) I would find them interesting.
2) Confirm the re-builder is aware of the different tachometer coloring used on the 1963.
3) Designate if you want the back of the dash blasted or repainted, as this will remove the data from the part numbers and date stamping.
4) Install the capacitors before re-installing the dash. You just can not do this afterwards as the capacitors are bolted in and then the tab is bent over covering the screw. Has to be done with the dash out!

Good luck and please post pictures of the restored dash when you get it back.
Rick

[Carmen R.]

Re: Instrument panel removal on a 1963 Roadster

All,

I am looking for guidance on the best/easiest way to remove the instrument cluster to have gauges repaired.

Bob Aquilino

I hope this link works.

http://www.adirondackncrs.com/ncrs4.html

If not go to the Adirondack local chapter's website and click on to Mr. Hinckley's cluster instructions. Part. 1 - removal. Part 2 - Installation.

Nothing difficult about the job. You just need a lot of patience and best done when you're really bored.

Good luck.

[Thomas S.]

Re: Instrument panel removal on a 1963 Roadster

While probably not a good thing to do for a show car, when I pull the cluster, I extended all of the wires that went to the bulb sockets. Most of the connectorized ends have enough play in them to allow them to be easily disconnected. If you purchase a used harness, you can extend the wires with the correct color wires. You can then twist the conductors together (in-line), solder them and use clear shrink-tubing for insulation. Just remember to put the tubing on before you solder the two wires together.

[Frank D.]

Re: Instrument panel removal on a 1963 Roadster

I hope this link works.

http://www.adirondackncrs.com/ncrs4.html

If not go to the Adirondack local chapter's website and click on to Mr. Hinckley's cluster instructions. Part. 1 - removal. Part 2 - Installation.

Nothing difficult about the job. You just need a lot of patience and best done when you're really bored.

Good luck.

That 2 part article is the best advice going and includes all the 63-only things you will encounter!