The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay How to remove light switch and instrument cluster

Working on replacing the wire harness in a 1953 3100. I have all the wiring pulled into the cab and I am ready to remove them from the connections inside. I prefer not to work upside down and thought about pulling the light switch and instrument cluster. Can anyone give me give me any tips on this? I don't want to damage anything and have to replace it.

Thanks
Deegs

Under the dash on the right side of switch (Steering wheel side), there is a spring release button for the headlamp rod to release, about mid switch. In most cases it will require some wiggling while working with rod. Once the rod is out the piece unscrews from the front and its out.

Good luck

Thank you for the info. I looked at the switch for a bit and did not see how it came out.

Deegs

The instruments are more work.

There are 3 attachments for each instrument. One at 3, noon and 9 o'clock. I think they are 7/16 but might be 3/8 nuts.

When I replaced my wiring, I was able to keep the oil and temp gauges hooked up, I just moved gauge to one side and rewired.
Speedometer is easier. Remove speedo cable and a few blubs and its removeable, from back side.

Helps to have shop manual.

Good luck

Thanks again. I did purchase what I thought was a manual for my truck. Turns out it stops at 1952. I never know when I can trust what I read in this manual since I know things changed on our trucks across the years. I have not been able to find a true 1953 shop manual.

Deegs

I just googled it up. There's a 1948-1953 Chevy Truck Shop Manual for sale by DIY Repair Manuals 866-586-0949. www.diymanuals.com

Sit down and get your heart medication ready... $192.04 USED!

There's also one on ebay for $25.00

Better get hacking on the ol' confuser and buy it now.

As far as instrument cluster stuff, the '53's are essentially the same as 47-52. The dash changed a bit in 54. So what you see in the manual for 52 would pertain to your 53 as far as wiring and gauges go.

Here's a reprint for $22

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362936456213

Here's the $25 one from Classic Chevrolet

https://www.ebay.com/itm/156003274692

That is the manual I purchased. Only goes to 52. 😞

Look at the title again. It goes to '53.

There are some that go to 51 , some to 52, and this one to 53.

I have the '48 - '51 that includes a '52 supplement. That's probably the one you have.

Deegs53, Sorry to be a bit late getting to your post. Since it’s more related to your wiring harness and electric component work, your topic better fits into the Electrical Bay so it’s been moved there for further discussion and help.

Yep that is the book I purchased, unfortunately. I thought it would cover my truck but when I rec'd it and looked at it I noticed it only went to 52 in most sections, some other sections are not broken out by year groups. The first clue was the loading tables in the front that only went to 52. Then I noted that the information provided for the rear was broken out in two-year groups with the latest being 52 and no other info was provided. This was also the same thing I found when looking at the brake section. I would not suggest anyone purchase this book if they are looking for info on a 53 truck. I do use the manual as the pictures can be very helpful but if you are looking for torque values and such this manual does not specifically state 53 as it does 47-52.

Deegs

Why does it say 1948 to 1953? Is there anything in the book that specifically references 1953 trucks?

If not, I suspect that there were no changes from 1952 to 1953 and GM didn't want to add redundant information. You'd think they'd have included something in the forward telling mechanics to use 1952 data on 1953 trucks, though.

My only guess was to sell more books. I read the forward thinking it would say to follow the guidance for a 52 ,etc. but it does not make any mention of this, however it alleges that the book covers 48-53. So far I have not found a single reference for a 53 in the book in the sections I was looking in for info. I read some threads on this site where folks mentioned finding a shop manual for a 53 was like finding hens teeth. Frustrating.

Deegs

I'd be willing to bet that the book you have is the one that's supposed to be used. Why would all the other years be a dime a dozen and '53 be so scarce? If one existed it would be as common as the rest. I don't think there is a separate '53 book other than possibly some sort of pamphlet supplement.