Probably not 'Technical' as such, but still a problem.

In front of my speedo (as in most cars) is a small hole with the tripmeter reset button protruding through it. I'm sure you know the hole I mean. :happy:

I have noticed that mine has a nice little pile of dust sitting in the bottom of the enclosed instrument cluster where dust has fallen in through that little hole!!! :tired:

Does anyone have some sneaky little secret of how to get that dust out? Like feeding a drinking straw attached to a vacuum cleaner in through the whole lol

It's minor, but annoying to look at!

It's a '98 TF dash.

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr296/ballaratdragons/dust.jpg

I've only taken apart 2nd gen Clusters (which dont suffer from this problem because of the inverted facing plastic) But if you take the cluster out you should be able to take the clear plastic off, and give it a good clean, then re-assemble and put it back in.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61149&highlight=removing+dash+cluster

that thread might be of help to you.

Though if you're stuck Ill let you know the next time I'm in town and I'll swing by and give you a hand.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61149&highlight=removing+dash+cluster

that thread might be of help to you.

Though if you're stuck Ill let you know the next time I'm in town and I'll swing by and give you a hand.

Thanks Tuff & Nemesis.
This bit is handy: "two screws at the top, then pull towards you from the bottom to undo two clips . . . 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"

I'll have a crack at it. If the mission fails I'll let you know lol.

Thanks
Ken

Fairly easy to do mate, pull it out, unscrew the clear part, then unclip it. You might as well paint the backing while its out, makes it look a little cooler :) Do it a darkish satin silver (TL centre console kind of colour) you'll love it :)

Use a microfibre cloth if you plan on cleaning the plastic cover while your at it, you'll never stopping kicking yourself if you end up with fine scratches on the plastic using the wrong material, I know it because someone had done it to the original cover in my old car.

Edit: Your also missing a little rubber grommet thats meant to go around that trip reset button to prevent the dust getting inside, if I can find a photo I'll show you what I mean.

yup definately go to the wreckers first to get the rubber grommit around the trip reset needle.

I have the same issue - there's supposed to be a rubber grommit? Never had one on mine and I've owned her for 10 years now... Keep meaning to take the panel out and clean it, will do this weekend.

tuffy... just out of interest, how do you take apart a 2nd gen one without snapping the tripmeter thinger?

TE,F and I am sure h did not have it, was only in the J from memory

Remove the cover, vac it out and use a very soft brush to help it move, get the grommet from a wreck and you are good to go

tuffy... just out of interest, how do you take apart a 2nd gen one without snapping the tripmeter thinger?

You don't have to snap it, just yank it out hard and straight

I've been to the $1 peep show in the valley too, it is a dirty place.