How to remove FD instrument cluster..

[mark-ashley]

Was browsing throught the extensive RX7 listings in ebay and found some replacement dash bulbs that are blue much like the Audi\'s and VW\'s..
 
So, i\'ve bought them and will be replacing early next week, maybe boxing day if nothing else is going on...
 
I\'ve downloaded a guide and the mazda service manual diagram but was just wondering if anyone had any tips regarding removing the cluster, things to watch out for etc...
 
Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated !

[nuki]

be carefull when pulling the clock "dome" as it can crack quite easy. when i removed my clocks i took all the panels off just to make sure i didnt snap anything.
 
gear plastic
radio plastic
heater plastics
steering surround
under steering tray
etc etc.

[mark-ashley]

Wikkid, i shall bear that in mind, gonna set aside a couple of hours so i don\'t rush and .... it up !

[SCOOMER]

Post some pictures up when your finished :yes

Scott

[yehreally]

...put a cloth on top of the indicator stalks once the cowel is removed or you may end up scratching the front of your instrument cluster.....:2Rolleyes
 
(and unclip the plugs/wiring from the back of the cluster when you can get your hand in as they generally hold the unit in place too :2Mad).

[SiH]

Dash bulb\'s alone won\'t work I\'m afraid dude - there\'s a tint on the film behind the gauges.

To get them blue you need to disassemble the clocks, then strip the tint off with acetone.
Then the blue will shine through. Otherwise they\'ll probably just be black or some random colour.

[karl_tate]

was just going to say the same si, i was going to do mine, got them all stripped down but it looks just too much hard work/patients for me :Giggle

[mark-ashley]

Dash bulb\'s alone won\'t work I\'m afraid dude - there\'s a tint on the film behind the gauges.
 
To get them blue you need to disassemble the clocks, then strip the tint off with acetone.
Then the blue will shine through. Otherwise they\'ll probably just be black or some random colour.

Bugger, thats annoying......

[mark-ashley]

http://www.negative-camber.org/crispyrx7/dash.htm
 
This is the guide i was going to follow to get the gauges out, so the tint is on each individual clock / dial ?