jet911

I tried to take out my tach over the weekend with no success. I have an '86 Coupe with 97K miles on her. The tach has been acting up, so I wanted to ship it off for repair, however I can't get it out. I've tried flat screwdrivers behind the rubber gromet holding the tach in, one on the left/right sides, then pulling straight out, it will not move. I tried two butter knives as well, it will not move. Any other suggestions? I've looked through the trunk and it looks like quite a process to remove everything to reach it from behind, if indeed you can reach it from behind. The dash is perfect and I'm very paranoid about denting/marking up the dash around the tach. Any suggestions will be appreciated!

TIA.

Regards,
Jim
'86 Carrera Coupe

Peter Zimmermann

Hi Jim: The large, flat-bladed screwdriver method has always worked for me. Do one side at a time until you notice slight movement, and then alternate side to side. I've run across some incredibly tight ones, but they've always come out. Use care to get the screwdriver between the rubber bezel gasket and the material on the dash face, push in and pull back at the same time. Once it's loose you might have to remove the steering wheel and upper column cover to get the tach all the way out - most of the time a liberal spray of aerosol silicone will do the job.
Pete
An additional thought - try the speedo, if it just pops out put your hand behind the tach and apply pressure...

jet911

As always Pete, Thanks!

oto60

I just did mine....... I had to remove the wheel. Depending on the steering wheel you have.. If its stock it may be able to squeeze out..... I had to take mine out since I have a MOMO. Either way removal is pretty easy.

jet911

I've had the steering wheel off a few years back to replace the high beam switch. Maybe the key is to take the wheel off first before I even try again. This will give better direct access to work vs. working around the steering wheel.

Thanks again!

theiceman

while you have the wheel off check the bushing and replace if necesary.

Shahrams

I always use one or two spoons to remove the gauges.

jet911

Great ideas, thanks gents!

ron mcatee

I suggest you put some tape on the dash where you are to put the screwdrivers. Any marring will be done to the tape and not the dash. If there's any sticky stuff left from the tape, use some "Goo Gone" or a little solvent on a rag to wipe of the residue.

Diamond Blue

Working from the back side of the gauges I used a 3 wood driver through the trunk. The grip end of course. Easy to control the pressure you put on the gauges. Oh, and if you don't play golf, any thing like a broom handle will work. No risk of damaging the dash. If you do damage to the dash, it is always right there to look at.

jet911

Great ideas folks, thanks! If I have the time, I'm going to try again this weekend.

Edgy01

The longer it has been in there the harder it becomes. Keep in mind that the rubber is all that holds it in. Over time, obviously, it gets a little less pliable. I always use to start with the clock. If you can get the clock out (usually not too bad) you can then get the speedo out, and finally the tach.

Peter Zimmermann

Jim: Just read your thought regarding removing the wheel first. Don't! You will lose the only way you have to apply leverage to the screwdriver... Good luck with it!
Pete

jet911

Hi Pete,

Okay, I'll follow your advice and leave the wheel on until I have to remove. Thanks for checking in!

Regards,
Jim