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| | | | Joined: Jan 2024 Posts: 89 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2024 Posts: 89 | I am having to re-wire everything behind the dash of the 1957 Chevy 3100. I would also like to clean up all of the gauge faces, replace speedo cable, choke cable, vacuum lines, etc. I thought, maybe my first mistake, is that it would be easier to remove the instrument cluster to gain access. I have removed the 3 screws from the front face. The cluster is quite loose. I understand the restrictions placed by the speedo cable and oil pressure line. Instrument cluster pulls out about 1/4-1/2" before it contacts metal. It seems like a metal 'flange' on the cluster housing at the top that is stopping removal. Does the cluster pivot out from the bottom? Any suggestions. With my advanced maturity, laying on the floor looking up at the dash is not the most enjoyable task. Suggestions appreciated! Thanks!
1957 3100, 235 with 4 speed floor shift
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,980 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,980 | 3100inSantaFe, Just a note that your question will get the best answers in the Interiors forum, so it's been moved there for further conversation and help. Others should be along to offer help soon! 
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2019 Posts: 251 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2019 Posts: 251 | I’ve had my ‘57 3200 out several times. My tilt steering column has helped the last couple of times but it is a puzzle. The point at the bottom of the cluster hits the column and requires some wiggling around to get it past the column to let the top out. Then there’s the task of reaching behind it in limited space to remove the other stuff you mentioned to totally free it
Last edited by DES57; 01/31/2024 12:07 AM. Reason: Spelling correction
1957 Chevy 3200Daily DriverPS, A/C, Tilt column, Rebuilt 350, Rebuilt TH350, Reupholstered Bench Seat, sound proof/insulated, LED headlights/taillights/backup lights/interior courtesy lights. Follow in the DITY | | | | | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,994 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,994 | It must be the same in all of the 57's, mine is a big bolt 2 ton, same slight problem getting the gauge panel out, I think the bottom has to tilt out first to give the top enough room to move out.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 1,969 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 1,969 | Some slide straight in / out pretty easy. Some you might have to gently pry it out.
Walk it out with a small flat tip. There is a harness clip at the bottom of the cluster, make sure its not bent.
~ BD.
"You won't find me in an old folks home" Pioneer Florida Cracker
1958 Apache Stepside
1958 Apache 1/2 ton Panel
1959 Apache 1/2 ton Panel
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,101 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,101 | I have had them out many times and they are never easy. If it has never been out there is a retainer that holds the
wire loom that will need to be opened up. The biggest issue is the oil line. Disconnect it from the engine and when the
panel is pulled out slightly, disconnect it from the gauge. The wires for the gauges and lights are very short and need
to be disconnected to remove the panel. Mark everything first. Tape a towel to the column so you don't scratch it up.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2024 Posts: 89 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2024 Posts: 89 | Success! No room to leverage it out from the top, but pulling out at the bottom. and with a bit less fear than before, I was able to work it out. As Fred mentioned, the gauge lights were tight and the oil line was a restriction, but it is out and all is good! Thanks to all!
1957 3100, 235 with 4 speed floor shift
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,994 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,994 | Glad we were all able to come over and lend a hand!
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
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