1978 center cluster bezel removal

[aremar2]

Hi. Anobody out there with experience from removing the center cluster instrument/radio bezel in a 78 vette? Found four screws, one in each side section and two at the top, but I cant find more, but it´s stuck. Tried to remove the glove apartment, but can´t get my hand down behind the bezel.
What is the trick??

:confused

 

[Yoda]

aremar2 and Welcome to The Corvette Action Center Community..

I'm pretty sure your 78 is the same as my 81, therefore, you need to take the side panels off the console. There is a screw/bolt between the very bottom of the gauge cluster console and the center console, one on each side

Also be carefull when removing the gauge cluster console, as the map light "usually" has a very sharp piece of metal that can cut/tear/rip the dash pad.

I took my seats out when I did my gauge cluster. There are 2 screws per side. Run your hand down the side panel carpet, one should be just about under the where the dash lines up, 1/2 way down the panel, the other is toward the back about 6" or 8" from the very back of the side panel, again about 1/2 the distance of the width of the panel. (Phillips Screws)..

Bud

 

[aremar2]

Thank you for your quick reply, I´l follow your advice. Mary christmas from Norway!!

 

[6880 Mike]

Aremar: Order the 78 AIM; it shows the two hidden screws at the bottom of the cluster, plus thousands of other useful items.

 

[raybies]

Ive had my center cluster out several times. you do need to use caution and some brute force too. Its kin of tough to get it away from the defroster duct work where it meets the center vents and as someone said beware the maplight. The center cluster only comes out about 6 inches just enough to get your hand back there and remove the main plug from the guage panel. BE careful removing that plug!!!!!! Squeeze the 2 locks and gently wiggle it out. After that disconnect the ground wires on the maplight and the whole guage panel can be removed. you can then take it apart to replace the plastic bezel. Also while you have it out make sure that the plastic circuit panel where the main plug fits into is still in good shape, mine wasnt and i ended up having to hardwire all my guages.

 

[aremar2]

O.K - it´s out now, no broken parts. Time to order a new one with the JVC CD/DVD-player....and the damned clock of course. Have also ordred an AIM. (A little late since my restauration job is almost ended....). Next month is dedicated to get a little more power. Starting with a dual-X exhaust and headers, I´l make a new tread asking for advice on this one....

 

[raybies]

LOL ah yes the all famous clock, I don't think Ive seen an original one that works on a vette yet. My vette only has 20,000 original miles on it and the clock is shot. I replaced it with a digital one, no moving parts.

 

[Magnusv]

Sorry for being so stupid, what is an AIM.
Happy new year to you all
Magnus
Iceland

 

[aremar2]

Sorry for being so stupid, what is an AIM.
Happy new year to you all
Magnus
Iceland

I assume it´s the Assambly Instruction Manual (someone correct me if i´m wrong), you´l find it on ebay for about $ 20. Happy new year!

 

[aremar2]

LOL ah yes the all famous clock, I don't think Ive seen an original one that works on a vette yet. My vette only has 20,000 original miles on it and the clock is shot. I replaced it with a digital one, no moving parts.

Yes i´l do the same. Had it apart - brass windings in the solenoid were pretty burned. Car has 22,000 miles, but the clock didn´t care because it had to move all the time whatsoever....