Speedo Cluster Removal

[tweetdriver63]

I have chrome trim for my speedo gauge cluster on the way, so I figured it best to go ahead and start asking about removing the cluster.

I can tell from the picture in the parts manual that once I get it out, the clear plastic cover will just be clipped on the front, so getting under it, once I have the cluster out, should be easy. Has anybody here taken the cluster out? I know that's a stupid question, since I've seen plenty of posts by folks who've changed the instruments themselves, or put in white faced ones. Rather than just going pioneering, I'd like to get some tips/instructions from those who've already been there.

My plan is to cover all the black spaces between the gauges with the carbon-fibre stuff, and then put these chrome trim pieces on. That will make the speedo cluster match my funboy three gauge cluster, here. (I installed the trim ring on the boost gauge after the picture was taken)

[Paul.P]

Chris, presuming your l/h is the same as our right hand, if i remember right, its easier to remove plastic surround behind steering wheel boss ( to gain better access ) then you remove top binnacle, undo electrical ribbons & speedo cable, unscrew cluster mounting bolts, then it should come out, but do remember having to twist it a certain way, but generally its not hard, just take your time, so you don't snap any of the plastic trim !

[Sy V]

Take the wheel off too.

[DeeAitch]

Take the wheel off too.

Then ask yourself "did they really put this in before fitting the dash panel"

[tweetdriver63]

Take the wheel off too.

Why?

I took it out today in order to install chrome trim. It was a pain in the ass, but I can't see any reason to remove the steering wheel. The instructions in the service manual tell the steps, but the hard part is maneuvering the thing out through the opening above once you have everything disconnected. The instructions are also specific to the UK (non-airbag) models. In the Fed car, when the instructions say to remove the plugs on either side of the steering column to expose the two lower mounting screws, it means you have to remove the knee bolster.

[Elanlover]

Tweet, I ordered the same chrome (polished aluminum actually) trim rings for the speedo cluster that you did. I'll install them as part of another project this winter but, how are you planning to affix them to the cluster? Mine didn't come with any instructions per se so I don't know if they need to be glued in place, snapped in place, etc.

[tweetdriver63]

I laid them face down on some paper and sprayed them with spray adhesive. It worked fine, but some of the spray got between them and the paper and I had to clean it off the front of the chrome rings after i installed them. That was a bit of a pain, so if I had to do it again, I would put masking tape on the front of them first to prevent any of the overspray getting on them. As I said before, you're going to discover that the ring for the speedo isn't right. I had already put the other ones on when I discovered that, so I had to improvise. I got 1/8 inch chrome trim (intended for exterior application) and put it around the speedo. It's a bit thicker than the rings, but it looks good.

Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking like an engineer at the time, or I would have put the joint in the center. I started near the right side, went across the bottom, then over the top, so the point where the two ends of the chrome trim come together is at the bottom right. It's too close to the sharp bend around the lower right corner of the speedo, so there's a bit too much tension on it for it's adhesive to keep it straight. You can see in the pic where the short side has already pulled down out of alignment a little. I'll have to go back in and re-do the speedo, but that's going to have to wait a while, as I'm going to be out of town, and the holidays will keep me too busy with other, less important stuff, like family.

[max and andy]

The plastic window in front of my clocks.Its held in place with a black plastic trim.Screwed in all the way around.About 8 i think.After my alarm man had finished. He Hasn't put the top 4 back. anyone no the sizes.And hes broken the bottom clip that holds the dashboard in place.Just below the ignition keys.Can you get new clips or is it part of the dash ? MAX

[tweetdriver63]

Max, you're in the US, right?

The plastic window, as you call it, is attached to the front a black plastic surround, which is attached to the front of the cluster by 4 or 5 plastic clips, that are part of the surround (I broke one of them by accident, but the others do the job fine without it). The cluster is held to the dash by one screw at the top, which goes in from behind (accessed through the binnacle on top of the dash), and a screw at each lower side, which you have to remove the knee bolster to access (that's a bear). Then there's a black plastic trim piece on the front, which is held in place by two screws at the top.

The only clips I've seen that sound like the one you say the alarm guy broke, are the ones that are used to mount the fascia to the dash. Those are sort of, and sort of not, part of the fascia. They are attached to the fascia with some kind of industrial glue. I wish I knew what to use, because the one at the top left of the fascia, just above the instrument cluster, in my car came unglued from the fascia, and I can't seem to get it stuck back on. It's not noticable, but it bugs me.

[max and andy]

The main black plastic surround is held in with clips and screws .I can see a couple that remain.And the holes along the top edge where the screws should be.I was frightened to remove any that where left in case the clocks move out of line.There's definitely 4 holes along the top edge.Any idea how long they need to be ? MAx

[max and andy]

Sorted cheers. Max

[max and andy]

On the way home from Windsor ,a couple of miles out from Farnham .I noticed the lights on the battery charge gauge had gone out. I thought nothing of it except it was probable the best one of the three to go out. About a mile from home. The whole lighting system for the dash went out except the headlights light. Then flashed intermittently. Then back on again.This cycle continued the rest of the way. This afternoon i spent time putting the speedo cluster in correctly .The speedo was not pushed up high enough .When the black surround trim was put back it didn't hide the top of the perspex window.I sorted this by pushing a small block of sponge underneath the clocks. Just raising them enough to be in the correct position for the trim. It looks spot on.I thought job done.The question is could i have disturbed anything to bugger the dash lights up? Or is it just a coincidence .Its not as if i had only just mended the dash plus id been driving a couple of hours without a problem.What else can i check ? Any advice would be appreciated. Andy

[max and andy]

Dash lights are back on .I couldn't get them to go out if i wanted to.Are Elan's a bit temperamental where the dash is concerned.Or is it just me ? Max

[Enright]

The dimmer is an old fashioned rheostat, and they have a nasty habit of developing a dead spot which kill the lot.
Try twiddling it back and forth a few times - may clear it up.

[max and andy]

Everything works OK now even the dimmer.I'm just waiting for things to go dark again.I say every thing is OK i forgot that my battery charge clock light is still out. Is the bulb easy to change. Its just Andy's got big hands .And getting behind the dash is a pain.Plus he is worried about the dash lights going again. Max

[max and andy]

I'm in the dark again .All the coloured lights on the dash work.Its the white light that stays on all the time and lights the speedo and the 3 small gauges that have gone out .Does anyone no an Auto Electrician in my area ? Surrey ,Berkshire ,Hampshire ,Borders.Nearest to Farnham.Its coming out of the brake money so as reasonable as possible. Max & Andy

[max and andy]

I plan to buy a Rheostat module off Garys part sale.Before i part with any money.Gary suggested i put a post out to see other peoples opinion on my problem. And whether his part will solve my problem .Please advise. Maxine

[GeoffSmith]

The dimmer is an old fashioned rheostat, and they have a nasty habit of developing a dead spot which kill the lot.
Try twiddling it back and forth a few times - may clear it up.

Added to the Wiki. As far as I am aware (and especially if you have intermittent operation which is related to vibration), the usual problem is the rheostat located behind the knob and not the plug in rheostat module.

To replace one of the gauge background lamps, read the Wiki!

[DeeAitch]

Can't wait for the write up on how to fit it

[max and andy]

I cant wait either. Andy