Jump to content
HybridZ

Can't get gauges out due to dash cap?


ZAMMM

Recommended Posts

My speedo gauge light is out and the po put a dash cap on the car. Is there a way to change the bulb without removing the whole dash now? I can move the gauge once I remove the screw but due to the dash cap it will not pull out. Thanks in advanced

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ran into the same problem, but for me I was replacing the dash cap anyway. I don't think there is another way of getting this out since it must be taken out the same way it was put in (through the front). That's also why I have been particularly careful in getting all of my wiring (Autometer conversion) complete and wired for tach and speedo prior to installing the dash cap. For me, the dash cap will certainly be one of the last items I install.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ran into the same problem, but for me I was replacing the dash cap anyway. I don't think there is another way of getting this out since it must be taken out the same way it was put in (through the front). That's also why I have been particularly careful in getting all of my wiring (Autometer conversion) complete and wired for tach and speedo prior to installing the dash cap. For me, the dash cap will certainly be one of the last items I install.

 

 

Bummer.... I do plan on down the road doing the autometer gauges. Till then I guess im stuck with a light out. :(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Find a thin piece of flexible plastic (coffee can or margarine lid), cut it in to strips about 2" wide and use them as ramps to get the gauge edge past the lip of the dash cap. Lubricate things with some soapy water and you might be able to get them out. Once the edge of the gauge is past the lip it will slide out pretty easily.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Find a thin piece of flexible plastic (coffee can or margarine lid), cut it in to strips about 2" wide and use them as ramps to get the gauge edge past the lip of the dash cap. Lubricate things with some soapy water and you might be able to get them out. Once the edge of the gauge is past the lip it will slide out pretty easily.

 

I am in the process of wiring my 260z temp gauge to the l28et and also ran into this problem. Im going to try the plastic on the lips of the cap. When I try it I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The wedges/sleds trick doesn't work well...at least I've never gotten it to work. You can move things around enough behind the dash to be able to pull the gauges from the back if you remove the steering wheel. It's still a terrible pain in the butt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that I've also used a piece of duct tape. It worked better if I recall (I took the cap off eventually, it was a poor installation anyway). Tear a piece lengthwise for easier handling and put it over the lip that catches. Don't press it on to the dash vinyl too hard or it might peel some chunks off when you remove it.

 

Edit - if I had a cap on now and had to try again, I'd probably just use a few pieces of paper, rolled in to a cone. Thin, with a good balance of rigidity and flexibility. Plus you can stack them up to make them stiffer.

 

Just brainstorming...

Edited by NewZed
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only thing thin enough that I was able to find that worked when faced with this problem was a set of large flat feeler gauges that go down to 0.003 or so. Then you have enough to place all around the gauge but still thin enough not to block it. A bit of heat to soften the cap helps a bit too. No matter what you do, its just a royal PITA.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...