Cluster Out - What next?

[David D.]

I pulled my steering column, cluster/gauges and clock yesterday (per John Z documetation) to completely redo all gauges, cluster and clock.....Is there anything else that I should be trying to complete while all of this is out? Especially while I have access to all the goodies behind this stuff. (Car is Radio Delete)

I'm thinking about pulling the glove box and console/shifter plate as well for some paint refurbishing.

Is this a good time to pull, check and possibly rebuild:
Wiper motor?
Steering unit?
How does one remove knob (Right) off the Air-Pull-Def ?

Is it worth lubricating vent pulls, heater pulls etc....what lube to use?

Any thoughts/ideas/recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance,
David

[M W.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

David, yes it's the only real time to do it all. Pulling the air/defrost cable out is fairly easy. You need to take the glove box out and remove the cable behind. It all comes out together. I don't think lubing the cable is necessary unless you have some resistance. You can easily lube the heater box controls with WD-40 or similar while the cable is still attached. As for the wiper motor. This will be the easiest time to reinstall. There are four screws holding the unit in place. It will be easier to remove than install but can be done. Rick's Restorations in Maryland did a great job on mine. I had a fellow in SC do my instrument cluster and he was very reasonable and quick. Even a year and a half later he serviced one of my gauges for free. Now would be a good time for a complete bulb check. Try to buy original GE bulbs if able. Some of the Chinese knock off's burn or blink at different levels. Yes the judges will notice. I would recommend giving the car a good cleaing behind the glove box and dash area. Lots of crud build up after 44 years. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call.

Good luck,
Craig Willetts
336-575-2154

[Mike M.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

i'd also remove aqnd replace the heater core if its still the original core.mike

[Paul J.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

David:

The Air/Def knob is threaded onto the cable. It's hard to see. Hold the shaft with a pair of pliers and unscrew the knob.

Paul

[David D.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

David, yes it's the only real time to do it all. Pulling the air/defrost cable out is fairly easy. You need to take the glove box out and remove the cable behind. It all comes out together. I don't think lubing the cable is necessary unless you have some resistance. You can easily lube the heater box controls with WD-40 or similar while the cable is still attached. As for the wiper motor. This will be the easiest time to reinstall. There are four screws holding the unit in place. It will be easier to remove than install but can be done. Rick's Restorations in Maryland did a great job on mine. I had a fellow in SC do my instrument cluster and he was very reasonable and quick. Even a year and a half later he serviced one of my gauges for free. Now would be a good time for a complete bulb check. Try to buy original GE bulbs if able. Some of the Chinese knock off's burn or blink at different levels. Yes the judges will notice. I would recommend giving the car a good cleaing behind the glove box and dash area. Lots of crud build up after 44 years. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call.

Good luck,
Craig Willetts
336-575-2154

Craig,
I don't want to remove the cable, am just looking to remove the knob so I can redo the frosted piece behind it. I am going to lube the cables etc....but I always thought WD-40 was NOT a lubricant, but a moisture repellent. I am also planning on rebuilding the wiper motor myself (unless it can't be done? and requires special equipment?). I am also having Bill at http://www.harrisonspeedometer.com/ redo cluster/gauges. I've seen his work and quality so going with a known entity.
What is considered a bulb check, or how to perform? I would assume simply apply power and ground bulb case? If lights work should I consider replacing as they are as old if not older than.....Where is a good place to get original non-chinese junk? I believe ALL bulbs were working when I removed cluster and clock.
I am actually amazed at how clean it is behind there.....I'm still trying to decide if I should consider a wiring harness. The wires are still very flexible etc.
Really appreciate your feedback.
David

[David D.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

i'd also remove aqnd replace the heater core if its still the original core.mike

Mike,
If I remove, is it possible to just have it checked out and repaired if needed? I have never had any leaks (dang, now I've cursed myself). Plus I was planning on putting a bypass anywho, just to keep that extra heat out of the cockpit.
It would be nice to know though, that it was usable if and when I ever did decide to reconnect her back up.
Thanks again,
David

[David D.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

David:

The Air/Def knob is threaded onto the cable. It's hard to see. Hold the shaft with a pair of pliers and unscrew the knob.

Paul

Paul,
Thanks, I'll give it a try.....I thought it maybe that, but each knob, screw, bolt etc. is so different in the way they come off or are used that I was afraid of snapping a perfectly good part off. Plus I am finding some parts are time frozen on and one never knows that fine breaking point. I already snapped the top little nut (top of two stacked) off right behind the wiper switch. I assume it is there for 'spacing' for the washer push button? Why I was back there trying to remove, is beyond me.
Thanks for the info,
David

[John H.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

This is a great time to pull the steering column and check it out for bearings, etc. and paint it, and to pull the pedal support assembly and replace the four nylon split-sleeve bushings on the clutch and brake pedal pivots and lube them.

[M W.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

David, I meant replace bulds that need it. Good luck with the work and lets see some pictures.

Craig

[David D.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

This is a great time to pull the steering column and check it out for bearings, etc. and paint it, and to pull the pedal support assembly and replace the four nylon split-sleeve bushings on the clutch and brake pedal pivots and lube them.

John,
I already pulled the steering column per your instructions on how to pull Cluster. I followed them. Only problem(s) I had was.....Oil sending line was very short and I didn't have a lot of play. Thinking about ordering a longer line. Also didn't know about holding gauge side fitting, although I don't believe I damaged anything.
I will check out the bearings etc....and paint where required. What is paint I should use? I found a great document on Steering column and breakdown.
Great idea about pulling pedal support assembly and replacing 4 nylon split sleeve bushings. Another question. Who has them and what type of lube should I use? I have silicon and some real great stuff from my military days way back when.
Thanks,
David

[Harry S.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

Dave, many of these have been already posted.

• Check and lube windshield wipe transmission
• Restore windshield wiper motor/pump and change grommets
• Check harness to see if wipe transmission has worn off insulation
• Check/change heater box seals
• Heater core
• Check/change firewall insulation
• Check/lube trans and tach cable
• Check/replace trip reset cable/gear
• Bulbs
• Clean gage faces
• Check/replace cluster lenses
• Brake/Clutch assembly check/replace worn parts - restore
• Steering column - remove paint, bearings
• Check Rag joint
• Check firewall grommets
• Check/Restore parking brake cable/handle/assembly
• Clean defroster assembly
• Radio - send out for cleaning mechanical overhaul
• Clock, if it's DOA
• Glovebox - Light switch

Look at all the bolts to see if the headmarks are what they should be.

Seems like a long list and I am sure there is still more, but while it's apart you may as well attack everything.

[David D.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

David, I meant replace bulds that need it. Good luck with the work and lets see some pictures.

Craig

Craig,
I hope you didn't take my comment wrong. It actually made me think....should I change them, even if they work? I mean they are 44+ years old. I know I don't work like I used to, but then again, they don't build em quit the same way they used to either. What a dilema.
Who has American/GM made replacement bulbs?
Thanks,
David

[David D.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

Dave, many of these have been already posted.

• Check and lube windshield wipe transmission - Can you suggest lube to use?
• Restore windshield wiper motor/pump and change grommets - Is there a document available on this?
• Check harness to see if wipe transmission has worn off insulation - OK
• Check/change heater box seals - OK
• Heater core - Plan to pull and have check/repaired at local Radiator shop
• Check/change firewall insulation - This already looks good, I think (I'll try to post picture)
• Check/lube trans and tach cable - OK Lube to use?
• Check/replace trip reset cable/gear - OK Lube to use?
• Bulbs - OK
• Clean gage faces - Having all redone completely (I'll post before/after photos)
• Check/replace cluster lenses - OK one cracked (oil) and new one on hand
• Brake/Clutch assembly check/replace worn parts - restore - OK
• Steering column - remove paint, bearings - OK
• Check Rag joint - OK Any documentation on how to?
• Check firewall grommets - OK
• Check/Restore parking brake cable/handle/assembly - OK
• Clean defroster assembly - OK (not sure I understand this) Can you elaborate?
• Radio - send out for cleaning mechanical overhaul - Radio Delete
• Clock, if it's DOA - OK Having completely rebuilt. Have new guts already
• Glovebox - Light switch - OK

Look at all the bolts to see if the headmarks are what they should be. - OK

Seems like a long list and I am sure there is still more, but while it's apart you may as well attack everything. - I just hope I'll be able to get it ALL back together when the time comes.

Harry,
Thanks for that list. I commented some and have some questions, especially about what lubes to use and paints as well. Is there any place that gives this information, without bothering all y'all.
Great info,
David

[Harry S.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

Dave,

I use a product called Kable-Ease on the tach. cable and the Trans/spedo cable. It's best to remove them from the car, clean them then add the lube. DO NOT put in too much as you do not want it to work its way into the tachometer or the speedometer.

No need to lube the reset cable, just ensure it turns freely.

Wiper Transmission - check for wear. I have one that is wobbly and I'm still looking for a fix. Any good grease for infrequently used parts will work. I'm sure you car doesn't see much rain.

Wiper Motor - the grommets between the motor and the firewall. Check to see if the rubber is deteriorating.

Defroster - Remove the piece of duct work that goes from the top of the heater box up to the bottom of the windshield. Just wash it out to remove 40+ years of dust.

Rag Joint - there is a paper on one of the websites but I can't locate it at the moment.

[John H.]

Re: Cluster Out - What next?

I will check out the bearings etc....and paint where required. What is paint I should use? I found a great document on Steering column and breakdown.
Great idea about pulling pedal support assembly and replacing 4 nylon split sleeve bushings. Another question. Who has them and what type of lube should I use? I have silicon and some real great stuff from my military days way back when.
Thanks,
David

David -

SEM #39143 Trim Black is spot-on for the steering column, escutcheon, turn signal housing, and steering wheel hub. All the usual vendors have the pedal pivot bushings - lube them with Lubriplate "A" (white lithium grease).