Gauge Cluster Install

[Redskinsjbs]

Ok, I searched for an hour with no luck.

Are there any tips for installing the gauge cluster? It seems that my cluster is stuck about an inch further out from where it is supposed to be.

Any help or pointers in the right direction are greatly appreciated.

[CDN OpelNut]

I'm assuming that you are talking about the instrument panel on a GT. I have always found that the panel gets hung up on the metal mounting tabs hanging down from the dash at about an inch from the right position. Usually, it is stuck on the large wire bundle that goes over top of the speedo.

It's just a matter of working it in.

[baronbors]

You might have to remove the side screws on the dash and gently pry the dash lip to get the center instrument cluster past the metal screw mount tabs on the dash. Take your time and work it past those tabs and you should be OK. If it came out, it's got to go back in.

[markandson]

Yea, what they said. If you get frustrated walk away and come back, don't force it or you will crack it, then you'll really be pissed. Lay down on your back under the dash on the driver side with a flash light and see if you can determine the spot where it is hanging up. It is a very tight fit, but you already know that.

[Redskinsjbs]

Ok, This is thoroughly impossible.

Were the different year dashes and clusters different sizes? I have a different dash pad and a different cluster than I had originally, and they weren't ever put together either.

No wires are in the way, the plastic just does not fit in the hole...

HELP!!!

[CDN OpelNut]

All the dashes from the various years are the same size. Have you removed the black plastic cover from the steering column?

[Redskinsjbs]

All the dashes from the various years are the same size. Have you removed the black plastic cover from the steering column?

What is this plastic cover you speak of?

[CDN OpelNut]

There is a 2-piece cover on the column behind the steering wheel that assembles with 2 screws from below.

It makes the dash installation pretty tight if it is not removed. (assuming that you have not dropped the steering column)

[Redskinsjbs]

Oh, I have dropped the column.

The problem lies with the tabs around the edge. I will give it another go after lunch, when my heartrate has dropped.

[kwilford]

I might have this wrong, but don't the very early GT dashes have a different mounting? The later ones use long screws around the edges that fit into sheet metal "nuts" that clip to the dash tabs. IIRC, the early GT dashes had some kind of "stab-clips" that plugged into the tabs. Might that make a difference if you have an early dash plate and a late dash pad (or vice versa)?

[First opel 1981]

I might have this wrong, but don't the very early GT dashes have a different mounting? The later ones use long screws around the edges that fit into sheet metal "nuts" that clip to the dash tabs. IIRC, the early GT dashes had some kind of "stab-clips" that plugged into the tabs. Might that make a difference if you have an early dash plate and a late dash pad (or vice versa)?

I think you are correct.
I didn't remember ever having screws around the dash till I got the red one last Winter but before that I had only removed the dash out of my 69s. The red one and now this blue one are both newer cars and both have screws.

[guyopel]

Yes the 68'-70' has 4 upper mount pins and 2 center screws 71'-73 have 6 mount screws ..you can interchange the dash gauge panels if you change the retainer clips to match with whatever year you need to match . HTH
John

[Redskinsjbs]

THE GAUGE PANEL IS IN!!! . . . almost . . .

My Dad came home and saved me from my hysteria. We slowly isolated all of the problems and fixed them over a 6 hour period which required 4 seperate trips to the hardware store, 2 new tools, 3 sandwiches and a whole lot of luck.

So I'll try to list all of the problems that I had.

First, the wiring harness was catching on the driver's side of the down part of the gauge panel (By where your knee would be) - - - Fixed this by taking it off and doing a little rewirng so that the wires ran much closer to the radio.

Then the cigarette lighter whouldn't go past the heater control plate. - - - fixed this by installing the bottom first.

Then the heater control plate was bent 15 degrees out of alignment so that the face was vertical instead of flush with it's slot. - - - fixed this with a set of pliers

Then the upper right corner was jammed and would not move into position. - - - BFH worked here.

Finally, the speed nuts wouldn't align with their screws. - - - I used an awl and a lot of patience.

HTH the next frustrated Opeler. All in all, I calculate it took me 13 hours of actual work over 4 days to get my guage panel into the dash pad.

Thanks for your Help everyone!

[Redskinsjbs]

I forgot to ask my question.

What kind of screw goes in the hole above the speedo? There isn't a countersink in it so I don't know what kind of screw to use because the Oval screws dont look very nice nor do they slip in in that whole.

[markandson]

I forgot to ask my question.

What kind of screw goes in the hole above the speedo? There isn't a countersink in it so I don't know what kind of screw to use because the Oval screws dont look very nice nor do they slip in in that whole.

Jay,
Mine is countersunk like all the rest, just countersink it if yours is not, should not be a big deal.

[Redskinsjbs]

Jay,
Mine is countersunk like all the rest, just countersink it if yours is not, should not be a big deal.

Sweet! Thanks! Time to get this buggy on the road!