The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors 1946 Instrument Cluster

Wasn't sure where to ask this, please move to proper spot if needed. How hard is it to remove the gauge cluster from a 46 truck. I'm going to be installing a new temperature gauge, so I was wondering if it easier to remove the entire cluster. Looks to be kind of tight quarters under that dash. Any advice on the removal process is appreciated.

Thanks, Tom

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.

I've had my dash in and out several times in the past few weeks and I would remove the entire cluster. It would be easier to remove the four screws that hold the panel for the Temp and Gas gauge. Then, you'll need to remove the two screws for the Temp gauge. Be careful not to damage the temp tubing when installing the new one. Label your wires, remove the speedometer cable and oil pressure line. A little bit of at tight fit.

Thank you both for the great information and pictures, going to start this project today or tomorrow. Taking out the entire cluster sounds like the way to go, I have a different glass with legible markings and trim piece I could then change out too. Careful disassembly and reassembly will play a major role here, don't want to damage any part of it. All the other gauges work fine and would like to keep it that way. Not really looking forward to this, but it will never work if not fixed. Thanks again for the info., might be back with more questions along the way.

Tom

I have an AD truck but I imagine this would apply to the Art Deco trucks, too: Since access is extremely difficult, I re-installed my speedometer with knurled brass nuts instead of hex nuts.

It was a lot easier to get my hand and fingers up in there without a socket wrench in hand. If they ever have to come out again, it will make removal a lot easier.

One additional thought, it probably goes without saying, but disconnect the battery before working on removing the cluster. An inadvertent wrench touch could result in excitement best avoided.

Good thinking on the battery connection, no one needs that kind of excitement. Also the knurled nuts to hold the assembly to the dash makes sense. Not much room under there to do any ratcheting.
Sprung a leak in the radiator, pulling that out now. Then onto the temp gauge problem. Fun never ends with these old trucks.

Tom

I liked the knurled nuts so much I used them on stuff that I could easily reach with a small socket wrench like the radio speaker grill.

If I ever have to remove anything in the future, it will be a snap.

Just FYI, the knurled nuts are readily available at Ace Hardware.

Just adding some other photos - not sure if that helps. All the staining was on the outside, so I didn't have to open it up to get the back side of the glass.

Thanks for the additional pictures and advice from everyone. Got the gauge cluster out this evening with my son's help. Wasn't quite as bad of a job that I thought it would be. Put the assembly on the bench face down and removed the 4 screws that hold in the two gauges each side of the speedometer. Then removed the 3 screws for the speedometer assembly. Now my question is how to separate the chrome trim and glass from the metal case. Are there tabs or some clips that hold these pieces together. Thanks in advance for your help.

Tom

Mine has these little indents. One on each side and two on top/bottom. I think you can pry them back, but my glass was clean on the inside and I didn't have to do this. I might have been afraid that I'd crack the glass. But, if my glass was dirty on the inside or if I needed to replace the decals, I probably would have taken the chance.

Then, it looks like there's four tabs on the top and bottom that can be released from the inside?

I will look at this in more detail this morning. I do have a better glass and trim I would like to apply to it, at the same time don't want to ruin anything. I want to apply some new decals to the individual gauges, and they are already removed from the main body. I'll keep moving forward on this and let you know what I discover.

Tom

The script on the glass inside is very fragile, so any cleaning needs to be done very carefully. Fortunately, I was cautioned about how easily script paint flaked off before doing that task. Even then a close examination of Sparky’s glass will show very slight damage. In hindsight, I wonder if it was worth the effort or if using Q-tips to work around the script would have been better options?

Found a NOS temp gauge for my truck (and here in Minnesota), I think the one I took out is beyond repair. I'm not going to throw it away, but will look at it again when there's more time (trying to get the truck ready for Back to the 50's show). All other gauges work fine and will receive new decals to give them a better look. Had a new speedometer assembly and installed that last night in the main body (instrument case).
Decided not to take the trim piece & glass apart at this time, the glass I bought many many years ago turned out to be for a GMC, guess I didn't know any better in those days. It' in great shape but I have no use for it.
Keep at it again today, post more soon.

Tom

Tom - Sounds like great progress! Just a slight side note on your mentioned "GMC" cluster glass that you have "...no use for it.". Maybe you'd consider putting an ad for it in the Truck Parts For Sale section of the Swap Meet? There could be a fellow Art Deco era GMC owner that might have a need.

Would also suggest you take and post some pictures of your truck in your "Back to the 50's show". Maybe post them as an update to your back in the day Welcome Centre thread as there aren't any pictures in there for folks to drool over - LOL!

Would love to see them and any other Stovebolt trucks you may encounter.

OK, it's a bit of a waiting game now. Waiting for my NOS temp gauge, decals for the other gauges, and several other parts that are on there way. I think I mentioned earlier in this discussion my radiator was leaking too, get it back tomorrow so that will give me something to do on the truck this weekend. Didn't do much at all today regarding the gauge cluster, worked on getting my headlights all put back together. Have a thread on that in the electrical section I started earlier this year, I will revive that topic there and add some pictures.

I will try and get some nice truck pictures at "Back to the 50's". The show is June 19, 20, 21 in St. Paul, 11,000 to 12,000 vehicles on average every year (and not all are trucks I might add). My truck isn't pretty to look at, lots of battle scars, but it runs well and I'm having fun with it. It's not a hot-rod, it's mostly stock condition and I enjoy it that way. Some body work and paint are in the future as time allows.

Good idea on the GMC glass, I will work on getting that posted.

Well enough rambling on for me tonight, I wish everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend ahead, and take your trucks for a ride if you get a chance!

Tom