Dash Help
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 3
Dash Help
Hello All
I just got a 2001 F250 and am wondering how hard it is to replace the clear plastic lense that protects the spedometer and guages. I wanna change it because it looks like the previous owner sprayed something on it to clean it but unfortunatly made it foggy, so I can barely see the guages. If someone could tell me how to get the dash appart without breaking anything it would be greatly appreciated.. Also wondering if they just sell the lense or if I gotta buy the whole thing?
Thanks Luke
I just got a 2001 F250 and am wondering how hard it is to replace the clear plastic lense that protects the spedometer and guages. I wanna change it because it looks like the previous owner sprayed something on it to clean it but unfortunatly made it foggy, so I can barely see the guages. If someone could tell me how to get the dash appart without breaking anything it would be greatly appreciated.. Also wondering if they just sell the lense or if I gotta buy the whole thing?
Thanks Luke
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
The dash bezel should just pull off- start over by the radio and tug on it until it pops free. It seems like 02 there were a few screws that had to be removed.
As for the lens, I don't think you'll be able to buy just that piece. I would just go to a junkyard and buy a cluster out of a truck with a good lens. That would also give you a chance to mess with a few and see how the dash bezel comes off.
As for the lens, I don't think you'll be able to buy just that piece. I would just go to a junkyard and buy a cluster out of a truck with a good lens. That would also give you a chance to mess with a few and see how the dash bezel comes off.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
On my 99, there are two screws holding the dash bezel on. They are located at the top of the radio opening so you need to remove the radio to gain access. Once those are out, there are just multiple clips to be (carefully) pulled straight out.
No idea on the lens being easily replaced.... If it is that bad, you may want to try some things before resorting to replacing the entire cluster. You have nothing to lose...
I've saved clear plastic covers using the following techniques:
- Try different types of plastic polish (Plexus, Meguiars, etc)
- Try a plastic headlight re-conditioning kit. It includes various fine grits of sandpaper and a final polish.
- Sand with 800 grit and paint with a clear spray paint.
Always test on a non visible part of the lens (like the edge)! Some solvents in some polishes and paints will attack some plastics and make a terminal mess. I do not know what type of plastic Ford used on the cluster cover.
No idea on the lens being easily replaced.... If it is that bad, you may want to try some things before resorting to replacing the entire cluster. You have nothing to lose...
I've saved clear plastic covers using the following techniques:
- Try different types of plastic polish (Plexus, Meguiars, etc)
- Try a plastic headlight re-conditioning kit. It includes various fine grits of sandpaper and a final polish.
- Sand with 800 grit and paint with a clear spray paint.
Always test on a non visible part of the lens (like the edge)! Some solvents in some polishes and paints will attack some plastics and make a terminal mess. I do not know what type of plastic Ford used on the cluster cover.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I think mwsF250 is on the right track with the cleaning. To remove the instrument cluster you'll need to get the Ford radio removal tools available at most auto parts stores for a couple of bucks and pull the radio. The plastic dash unsnaps so you can remove it. You'll need to unplug the passenger air bag switch and headlight switch to completely remove the upper dash piece. There are 2 screws pointing up directly above the radio after it's removed that you might want to loosen, but it's not required you do so (at least on my 02)
The instrument cluster is held in place with some screws that are easily seen at this point. The problem is, the instrument cluster is a sealed unit that contains the odometer. With the laws dealing with odomoter fraud, I don't think a junkyard is allowed to sell you one. If you're handy and a little creative, you could probably get the plastic off of there and glue on a new piece of clear acrylic, but I don't know that you'll be able to find a replacement lens.
The instrument cluster is held in place with some screws that are easily seen at this point. The problem is, the instrument cluster is a sealed unit that contains the odometer. With the laws dealing with odomoter fraud, I don't think a junkyard is allowed to sell you one. If you're handy and a little creative, you could probably get the plastic off of there and glue on a new piece of clear acrylic, but I don't know that you'll be able to find a replacement lens.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
You can purchase a new "Cluster Lens" for $33.49 Direct Ford Parts. See this link:
Direct Ford Parts Genuine Ford Truck Parts Lincoln Mercury Parts OEM Ford Parts and Accessories
Direct Ford Parts Genuine Ford Truck Parts Lincoln Mercury Parts OEM Ford Parts and Accessories
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I think mwsF250 is on the right track with the cleaning. To remove the instrument cluster you'll need to get the Ford radio removal tools available at most auto parts stores for a couple of bucks and pull the radio. The plastic dash unsnaps so you can remove it. You'll need to unplug the passenger air bag switch and headlight switch to completely remove the upper dash piece. There are 2 screws pointing up directly above the radio after it's removed that you might want to loosen, but it's not required you do so (at least on my 02)
The instrument cluster is held in place with some screws that are easily seen at this point. The problem is, the instrument cluster is a sealed unit that contains the odometer. With the laws dealing with odomoter fraud, I don't think a junkyard is allowed to sell you one. If you're handy and a little creative, you could probably get the plastic off of there and glue on a new piece of clear acrylic, but I don't know that you'll be able to find a replacement lens.
The instrument cluster is held in place with some screws that are easily seen at this point. The problem is, the instrument cluster is a sealed unit that contains the odometer. With the laws dealing with odomoter fraud, I don't think a junkyard is allowed to sell you one. If you're handy and a little creative, you could probably get the plastic off of there and glue on a new piece of clear acrylic, but I don't know that you'll be able to find a replacement lens.
On the odometer fraud, once the truck reaches a certain age in most states its exempt from an odo reading. My old 95 puked the PSOM which stored the mileage and I had to replace it as the PSOM also sends the speed info to the PCM and was royally screwing with my trans. I bought another cluster that was within about 100 miles of actual for my truck, but it wasn't necessary as it was odo exempt. I wanted it to be close to accurate though, and yes I did disclose to the buyer that the cluster was replaced and mileage was not actual but dang close.
The lens on the cluster attaches with screws and is easily replaced, which is why I suggested a scrapyard cluster. Changing the lens would be less time consuming than cleaning up the old one since you have to pull the bezel and cluster to remove the lens anyway.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
You can purchase a new "Cluster Lens" for $33.49 Direct Ford Parts. See this link:
Direct Ford Parts Genuine Ford Truck Parts Lincoln Mercury Parts OEM Ford Parts and Accessories
Direct Ford Parts Genuine Ford Truck Parts Lincoln Mercury Parts OEM Ford Parts and Accessories
Outstanding post.... I'll be ordering one as well. My lens is hazy from the PO cleaning with papertowels or kleenex.
Thanks!
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
Glad that I could help!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
There is one or two screws behind the radio, but they don't actually hold the dash in place, they just help keep it from vibrating around the radio. You shouldn't have to remove them, the dash should just slide right out over them because the dash is slotted around them. I actually had to permanently remove the screws and clip when I installed my double din stereo and it didn't make much of a difference.
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