The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk instrument cluster cleaning

I have a 60 Apache 10 and I would like to clean behind the clear plastic covering the gauges, it's pretty dusty and dirty back there. It looks like the entire dash cluster has to be removed to gain access, or am I wrong? How difficult is it to remove the cluster if that's necessary?
Merry Christmas,
Joe

I think we have the same dash. You do have to take out the entire cluster, but it's not that hard. I should be a plug in if stock and unmolested. Unplug the 1 or 2 plugs behind the cluster near the steering post. Then take the screws out of the bezel http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2479845810071636143XoiAfn , remove it, and then work out the rest of the cluster. Go thru the the pics and you will see each component of the cluster.

Thanks for the photos,nice looking gauges and truck. The photos helped a lot,eventually I may change the gauges as you did, for now I just want to clean them up.
Joe

Thanks for the pics, these will be helpful. My dash has just the warning lights and the plastic has a big crack right across the fuel gauge. I need to pull the cluster and replace the plastic. Not sure if I should change to all stock gauges while I am at it. It was nice to see how it comes apart. I removed the screws and could not budge it. I put the screws back in and have been looking for just this information. Nice work on your custom cluster and gauges.

spdzrus, It's wedged in there pretty tight. Once you get the bezel off, the cluster does come out. You just sort of have to work it out. There are some clips you must be careful not to lose/break.

Okay, thanks that helps. I was afraid to put too much pressure on it until I had more information. I thought I may have missed something.

One more question.Do you have to disconnect the wiring and speedo cable from underneath the dash or can you pull out the cluster out enough to disconnect these from the top?
Joe

I unplugged and removed the cable 1st. It wasn't easy with my fat fingers, but possible. I'm not sure if there is enough length in the cable or wires to do so, but maybe. Sometimes I do things the hard way due to lack of knowledge or experience.

Thanks again,
I appreciate it, maybe if the weather holds out,I'll take a look at it. I think you're right about the wiring not being long enough, I pulled the cluster out a little and it seemed like the wiring was a close fit.
Take Care,
Joe