just took mine out today for the first time! I know exactly how your feelin' ;-P and with seeing the prices of a new cluster, i about had a heart attack twice over getting it out.
Couldn't really "see" too much behind, but was able to feel my way through just fine.. I started out with the "bulbous" feeling bulb housings in the back.. just twisting them as i pulled them out, and they came out pretty nice.
then I moved to all the wires, which all came off pretty easy... the ones near the top though (give readings for top gaauges), scared me at first, but they slid right off. they feel rectangular and will pivot.
then I hit the speedo cable, which simply needed to be screwed off.
and once all the was out I was able to get the cluster out far enough to get an open ended wrench around the small, flared pipe fitting on the back side (think it's the oil? could be wrong)
and out she went!!
can't wait to get er' cleaned up and hopefully fully operational again... gonna talk to a local glass guy and see if he'd be able to make me up a replacement for the plastic face it has now.
Sure you'll get a lot better responses than my crappy attempt... BUT i thought i'd give it a shot
i've got a 57' chevy 2nd 2 1/2ton, pretty sure it's the same cluster.
