67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

[Ron N.]

C2_Dash_Cluster pt1.pdf

I finally started to remove the cluster that has never been out of my original 67 using John Hinckleey's instructions (attached) that I found on Corvette Forum. I'm at the point where all knobs, switched, bezels, housings, etc have been dis-connected & removed except the oil line. I can't get the connection line bolt off. Mine is 5/16" vs 3/8" in the instructions (maybe on other C2's). The problem is that it's seated in recessed portion of the rear cover. A flat wrench slips off the nut and I'm concerned I'm rounding it (looks like brass).

Tried liquid wrench, vice grip, several pliers even making a tool to fit.

Any suggestions would be heplfull.

[Ralph E.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

Ron, you might try removing the line from the block and pulling the cluster out enough to get a wrench on it or even pull out the cluster all the way. Then once the cluster is on your bench you can untighten the nut and remove the line.

[Edward J.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

I have done it like Ralph says and it makes it easier, I also undo the Tach. cable at Distributor.

[Ralph E.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

Ron,
Did you get the cluster removed?

[Paul J.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

Ron, you might try removing the line from the block and pulling the cluster out enough to get a wrench on it or even pull out the cluster all the way. Then once the cluster is on your bench you can untighten the nut and remove the line.

Same here. Ron, if things ain't work'n right look at it from the other side.

Paul

[Ron N.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

Thanks for the tip Ralph. I took you suggestion and disconnected the oil line from the block. It worked fine but I had other things to do so didn't finish the job. I'll get back into it tomorrow and with no other problems I should have it out tomorrow.

I'll send another reply when I get it out.

Thanks to all who replied.

[Ron N.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

The cluster is out and the way to the restorer.

Thanks to all for the help.

Ron

[Robert K.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

Ron,
what was the problem on the back of the cluster (connection), or was there one. Perhaps the space was just too tight..

[Ron N.]

Re: 67 Cluster Removal - 1 Problem

My problem was that I could not get the oil pressure line off. The connection had a 5/16 (some have 3/8) brass bolt head. It seats in a recessed area on the back of the cluster that makes it hard to flatten the wrench to get a good grip. I could not get a lock wrench in the space. After trying several tools I rounded the bolt.
I took Ralph suggestion - disconnected the line from the block, pulled it through the firewall and when I got the cluster out used a lock wrench to get the bolt off.
Ron