Removing instrument panel trim???
#1
Removing instrument panel trim???
The trim around the instrument cluster is loose on my '96 F150. It looks as though most of the plastic posts are broken. All the ones I've found in the junkyard are the same way. How do you remove this piece gracefully? It seems to clip on, but the clips don't look like they will come apart once installed.
#2
If you're talking about the black instrument cluster panel, it's a very graceful procedure.
I removed the factory panel from my 1994 F-150 once to install a tach. It went back on just like it came off. It never gapped loose or anything. Then, I accidentally broke my tach out and got tired of staring at the sore-eyed hole, so I went and got another panel from a junkyard 1995 F-150. It hasn't fit right since. I don't know if the clips are bent back or what... But, nonetheless... When I find another one, I'm going to be careful when removing it and careful when reinstalling it.
The only way that I know to go about it is cautiously and carefullly...
Nightrain
I removed the factory panel from my 1994 F-150 once to install a tach. It went back on just like it came off. It never gapped loose or anything. Then, I accidentally broke my tach out and got tired of staring at the sore-eyed hole, so I went and got another panel from a junkyard 1995 F-150. It hasn't fit right since. I don't know if the clips are bent back or what... But, nonetheless... When I find another one, I'm going to be careful when removing it and careful when reinstalling it.
The only way that I know to go about it is cautiously and carefullly...
Nightrain
Last edited by Nightrain; 07-29-2006 at 04:21 PM.
#3
#4
Yup, we're on the same page...
I never thought about that screw trick that you mentioned above. Sounds interesting, though...
I was bidding on a LIKE NEW bezel on eBay, but I stopped at $50. To me, that's ridiculous for a used panel, although they're almost $150 new from LMC Truck. But, I ain't paying that either...
Nightrain
I never thought about that screw trick that you mentioned above. Sounds interesting, though...
I was bidding on a LIKE NEW bezel on eBay, but I stopped at $50. To me, that's ridiculous for a used panel, although they're almost $150 new from LMC Truck. But, I ain't paying that either...
Nightrain
#5
#6
The **** isn't that bad... Just takes a bit of figuring out.
Pull the **** all the way out, just like you're turning your lights on. Look right down on the shaft that the **** is connected to. While you're looking at it, turn the **** like you're dimming your dash lights until you see a little "notch" in the **** shaft. When you find that, take a small flathead screwdriver and press down on the little latch inside of the notch while you pull out on the ****.
You have to be firm, but gentle.
It might take you a few minutes, but that stub'ern thing'll eventually come off!
Good luck!
Nightrain
Pull the **** all the way out, just like you're turning your lights on. Look right down on the shaft that the **** is connected to. While you're looking at it, turn the **** like you're dimming your dash lights until you see a little "notch" in the **** shaft. When you find that, take a small flathead screwdriver and press down on the little latch inside of the notch while you pull out on the ****.
You have to be firm, but gentle.
It might take you a few minutes, but that stub'ern thing'll eventually come off!
Good luck!
Nightrain
#7
Yep, a lock spring on the light switch will cause most of your cursing. Other things that help, a spring hook tool. Ask the kid in the install bay at Best Buy or the like and they will have them for this.
Even with a spring hook tool, you will break a few. I have had perfect luck by super glueing the parts back on after they break. Bonus is that they hold even better after they have been glued.
I would also recommend the $10 for lock pick tools from Crafsman. Every man should own a set.
Mike
Even with a spring hook tool, you will break a few. I have had perfect luck by super glueing the parts back on after they break. Bonus is that they hold even better after they have been glued.
I would also recommend the $10 for lock pick tools from Crafsman. Every man should own a set.
Mike
Trending Topics
#9
#10
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
alvald83
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
07-13-2010 12:48 AM
Ford_NDN
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
03-25-2010 12:12 PM
Shane in WI
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
07-22-2009 11:10 AM