SamGrant951

For those that have done this or have had the vdo assembly out:

How far can you pull the assembly out of the dash with the connectors attached, I dont want to tear anything as Im sure the wiring is fragile. Do you just have to reach behind the unit and do it blindly, or can you pull it out far enough so that you can see what you are doing comfortably...
Thanks!!

Ski

Sam, some have done it with the steering wheel attached some with it off - I did it with the steering wheel off, 87 w/airbag. The cluster will come out about 8-10 inches. The connectors have side locks on them, they come loose pretty easy. If I remember right, there were three. The wire has been that way for so long that they pretty much line themselves up when you go back. Good idea to clean your bulbs since you've got it out, check your reflector lenses for cracking(light tunnels).

A hint on the needle puller if you got one; Make a pencil mark on you old cluster so you can judge where the needle will end up after install on the new look. Take a drive and check your gauges before installing trim pcs in case of a F up.

SamGrant951

thanks..will try and finish tommorow morning!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

SamGrant951

I tried for about a half hour just to get the gauge assembly out of the dash. Ive heard its a tight fit, but for some reason mine is impossible it seams. I tried every angle and could only release one plug, and it seemed like something was going to break in the back because it was not budging more than 2in. f-ing porsches so i put it all back together then drove it for 20 miles, the damn thing idles at 1350, at WOT in 2nd gear it felt like it lost 40hp around 5 grand (hesitation)
But-Still quick and the corners were fun as always...
I guess Ill just throw on the new stoneguards, hardwire the V1, attach the pillar gauge pod and call it a weekend.
I really need to get the belts done..hopefully soon.