Not so much a how to, I have found that in other threads! I have done my searching :P

My question, I want to paint my dash silver and the plastic over the top of the gauges. However, what is the danger of removing the cluster? Can you break anything?

Also whats the best way to go in regards to painting it? Is it worth it?

thanks

There are 2 screws in the top of the cluster. Undo them.

Take out the 4 screws which hold the cover that goes around the steering column and remove that.

Pull the meter bezel out.

Paint it. There are a number of threads on doing this... if they didnt get lost on the forum upgrades a while back.

You can break the cluster if you drop it while its out of the car! lol

Umm no realistically you only need to be careful you don't rip any wires out when your pulling it apart, you need to be firm removing clipped in items but other than that be fairly gentle with it, everything has a different loom, so you can't mix anything up. As for the needles if you need to pull them off, make a note of where the temp and tacho needles sit at idle when the car is at running temp, and note where the fuel guage is before you start to remove anything. Then when you put them back on fit it to the dash, plugging it back in, and wait for it to warm up, then refit the needles, so you know you've got them back where they were.

No other risks really as long as your gentle. Yell out if you ever want a hand getting it apart...or back together! :)

Thinking of getting some white dials and the polished rings in the group buy so if I get them I'll be calling you :P

I just don't trust myself, I know i can break something! lol

Thinking of getting some white dials and the polished rings in the group buy so if I get them I'll be calling you :P

I just don't trust myself, I know i can break something! lol
honestly if you have to force it to come out its not unscrewed everywhere but if you have removed all the screws it will fall into your hands! no breakie's

hmm sounds good then

So are there cables I have to remove from behind the cluster? Also would it be as simple as placing the new dials over the old ones?

So are there cables I have to remove from behind the cluster? Also would it be as simple as placing the new dials over the old ones?
That depends on how the dials are designed, if their designed to replace, then you just pull the old ones out (they'll be glued on) and put the new ones on, if their designed to sit on top then you just stick them on top.

As for the cabling, when you remove the cluster surround (two screws at the top, then pull towards you from the bottom to undo two clips) they'll be 2 or 3 cables attached with looms to disconnect, one on the left for the speed alert buttons, and either 1 or 2 on the right, one for dimmer, and the other for cruise if you have it. Un-plug those 3 looms and remove the cluster surround.

Then there is 2 screws either side of the cluster, top left and right, bottom left and right. Be sure you remove the right ones, theres also some screws holding the clear cluster cover on, you don't want to remove that yet. Once you've undone those pull the cluster towards you, it fits into 2 large prong type connections on the back. Once you've pulled it out a bit you'll notice a single loom connecting to the top of the cluster. Undo that one and its free and ready to remove.

If you haven't already done so drop the steer column to its lowest setting as well, makes it easier to remove the cluster. From memory you need to tilt the cluster back as you pull it out to slide it out between the wheel and dash. Tilting it back won't harm it, just don't shake it around and try to keep it upright as much as you can.

sounds easy enough! thanks