Here’s a photo showing the backside of the cluster. Note the attachment holes on each end. The holes, shown in red mount on studs. It’s been some years ago, so recollection may be incorrect, but I think 3/8” nuts with washers hold the cluster in place.The temp gauge is on the upper left of the photo as seen from the back.
It’s a tight fit to wrestle with the gauges assembly even when they are mostly in place before mounting all to the dash. I know from experience it can be done otherwise, but working room to maneuver around is challenging.
I used and I know others too, have made a platform to lay on. I used a piece of plywood long and wide enough to fit between the seat pedestal and the pedals. It over hung the door threshold about 24” and had a set of legs for support on the end. It was covered with a pad for added comfort and periodic time outs.
