Can't get the instrument cluster out. Help!!

[jrpentolino]

So I'm trying to get the  instrument cluster out of the dash. I'm following the wiki written by Jurjen, which makes sense to me. So far I've got the gauge cluster and package tray out, as well as the column cover. All bezel screws are out, as well as the parking brake and hood release.

Next, I'm supposed to reach up and disconnect the speedo cable. Now mind you...I have famously small hands. I should be able to reach up and get to it if anyone can. However, there is no way I'm reaching anything. I'm trying to go up from the driver's side from the left and reach the back of the cluster. I can't feel anything other than a bunch of wires.

Even if I get this loose...just like the wiki says, the bezel feels glued to the bottom. I've pulled and wiggled as hard as I dare. That thing is not coming loose.

What the heck am I doing wrong?

[atmafox]

I second this conundrum.  It's what I've tried to tackle a couple of times now and I just cannot get my hand up from below.

Thank you!
-Andrea

[amcfool1]

hi I always have to pull out the radio and surround, then reach in.  good luck,  gz

[jrpentolino]

hi I always have to pull out the radio and surround, then reach in.  good luck,  gz

I've got the radio out. But you are suggesting to pull the center surround that houses the upper a/c vents, correct? And then reach in from the center now that this is all out of the way?

And what about the lower part of the bezel not disengaging? Is this because there is too much tension from the speedo cable?

Thanks in advance!

[amcfool1]

hi, correct, i usually take the whole thing out, astray and all. good luck, gz

[AMC of Houston]

Keep in mind that the bottom of the bezel is held in by tabs that fit in slots on the dash frame.  Once you get the speedo unhooked, have to tilt out the bezel at the top, get the 3 dash lights popped out and unplug the light and wiper switches.  Then it should come free.

[vangremlin]

Yes, once you remove that center bezel, which comes out pretty easily, there will be a fair amount of room to reach in from the center and get the speedo cable out.  Also makes it easy to reach the wiring harness on the right side of the instrument cluster.  Good luck!

[AMC of Houston]

And to get enough slack in the speedo cable, you might have to push it in a bit from the engine bay.

[jrpentolino]

Thank you all for the advice!! My daughter's Eagle is now free of a dash. The hangup was definitely the speedo cable. I could not reach it for the life of me, but my bolt cutters had no problem freeing that cable from in front of the firewall .

The cable was shot anyway, and I had already purchased a new one in anticipation of this so I figured the heck with it.

Now that everything is out, I can fix the cracks in the dash and we're going to clean and repaint everything in SEM Camel. Should look amazing.

I'm still not sure how to get to the high and low side hoses, but a buddy of mine is a real mechanic (not a "hobbyist" like me), and I'm sure he'll get me on the right track. He's coming over Monday to show me the way.

Then we'll focus on getting the dash reinstalled and then it's time to pull the transmission and transfer case and start on the clutch.