Remove Inst. Cluster without scratching the h***

[tenui]

Any suggestions on removing the instrument cluster on a '66 without scratching the heck out of the painted steering column?

Also, would I be crazy to remove (or try to remove) the instrument/wiring connectors just to bypass the "pink" wire. Any suggestions on labeling/remember which goes where?

[ynned]

A simple U-clamp with 2 bolts holds the column to the bottom of the dash. Removing the bolts allows the column to drop a little. It's a rigid connection to the steering box, though, so don't force anything, but you should get enough clearance for cluster removal.

[Ponyboy289]

I just drape a towel over my column and allow the cluster to rest on that.

[mustanggarage]

I use masking tape on the column. to protect it.

[NEFaurora]

Not necessary to drop the column at all... Just get some Terry cloth towels and lay them on the column.. Done deal..

No Scratches..

[22GT]

Originally Posted by NEFaurora

Not necessary to drop the column at all... Just get some Terry cloth towels and lay them on the column.. Done deal..

No Scratches..

I've had the cluster out of my 66 at least a dozen times with no scratches using this simple trick.

[70-Mach]

Wrap a towel around the column and run some tape around it so it doesn't accidentally fall off.

[tenui]

As always thanks guys! I was debating on taking the clamp off and letting the column hang a bit but will just go the clean shop towel route.

[mikemstang66]

i just wrap the column with a rag then tape in place , still have to be careful

[mustang652]

I either disengage the speedometer cable from under the dash or at the trany and cover and tape column. A couple of removals ago while doing an upgrade to a 6 guage, I markded all the wires and respective terminals so complete removal and re-install can be done quickly.

[TimD123]

Here is a good website that can walk you through it.

How to Replace a Mustang Instrument Bezel : Average Joe Restoration

[adam68]

The most important issue with the towel, is to not let the wife see her soft towel being used for that or anything else on the car

[mustang652]

This is how I managed doing mine. The picture of the pod was prior to taging each wire

[StrokerDude]

Always wrap a column with a towel when pulling gauge clusters. Simple and fast solution. For the '65-'66 cars I run a length of plain masking tape across the top of the cluster and write all wire colors/positions on the tape when removing the cluster completely. It makes reconnecting the individual wires much easier later.

[tx65coupe]

I use the towel trick as well. I like a wash cloth because its small.