The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs removing gauges from dash

Hi guys,
Does anyone have any pointers on how to remove gauges from the dash of a panel an easy way? Also the panel I'm working on now is a 1955 1st series this van has a clock in the middlie of the two big gauges does anyone know if this was a factory opp. or did someone add it?

A clock housing and wind-up clock (with a add-on dash light) was a GM accessory for 1954/55st Chevrolet truck. Accessories were not installed at the factory but they might have been installed by a dealer, or by the owner.

The easiest way to remove gauges is to remove the driver's seat so the you can spread your body over the floor. Any way you do it, you have to be a contortionist.

You might want to use some tape to number each wire before you remove it. Draw pictures and label connections points in the drawings with the numbers of the leads you have removed and labeled.

I cheated when I took my gauges out. I had the engine and 4 speed transmission out already, and the truck was 4' off the floor. I stood up with my upper body through the transmission cover hole.

Whichever method you use, please disconnect the battery first.

You panel owners are very spoiled. The rest of us have to risk a broken neck to get under there!

If your dash is like the AD then maybe this will help. I remove the speaker grill and then work from right to left, accessing everything sitting in the driver's seat. After removing the grille, it is easy to access the speedometer. After removing the speedometer, it is easy to remove the gauge assembly. If you are taking it all apart, removing the light switch from its mounting will give you some slack to work with. Also you might want to remove the mechanical heat gauge from the head and push some of the tubing into the cab.

I'm with you truckernix - That's exactly how I take the gauges out. It sure saves my neck from going into spasms. I also use a mirror and a light and look thru the speaker grille hole, to see the backs of the gauges.

Thank Guys for all the tips I just got everything out and got the inside sand blasted to find the chevy name stamped in the dash thats how much paint was on this thing great suprise

.....where was it stamped in the dash??

1955 1st series - right in the middle of the top of the dash

.....isn't it amzing what CRS can do to an old fellow. NOW that I see it I remember it from a 54 I had back in 1969.

Thank you Tim for keeping us straight. Don't know what we'd do without you