Topic: What is the best way to install a new bezel and instrument lenses?

[65springtime]

I got the new bezel and new instrument lenses from NPD and took the screws out of the old bezel and thought just the bezel and lenses would come off but something is holding it back and the whole gage wants to come with it. What needs to be done to get the old bezel and lenses out of the way so I can install the new ones? This is on my 1965 Coupe. I could not find anything on this in the FAQ section. Thanks

[65springtime]

Man, where was my head? I did not thing about the odomitor(sp) needs to be unhooked and I guess the other wires for lights etc.  Oh well.

[65springtime]

Guess I will have to get my Son-in-Law or Grandson over to see if they can get their arm and hand under there to unhook the speedo. I can not get my arm or hand in there. Guess this is where skinny arms come in handy.

OK, my Son-in-Law came over and it took him a while but he got his arm up in there and unhooked it. He had to get on the driver side of the steering wheel to get to it. I told him I can get the rest and mark all the wires etc. Well, guess I answered my own question. the only way to get to it is from the left side of the steering wheel. Waste of time trying to get you arm up from the right side. Anyway, got it out. 

[66GTKFB]

Remember what I said about removing the seat? Well remove the seat (yeah I know, it's a bench type). Then you can reach up under the dash with your left hand and disconnect (and reconnect when the time comes) the speedometer cable. "Skinny" does not make a difference, I'm 6ft 240lb, but removing the seat does (heh heh heh).
Jim

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

Man, where was my head? I did not thing about the odomitor(sp) needs to be unhooked and I guess the other wires for lights etc.  Oh well.

When I removed mine several times now. Skinny did not help. I did remove the dash pad first to get the cluster tilted enough to unhook everything from the back. If you want plenty of working room pull the steering wheel. . . . I'm thinking about removing it again to install LED lights. The plus side this time is that I'm changing the original steering wheel to a wooden one. . .  . . .   

[65springtime]

Joe,
   You say you are changing over to LED lights. Where are you getting them and are you going with clear or colored? I was thinking blue would be nice. I have not pulled any wires off of the gage at this time. After my Son-in-Law got the spedo unhooked I left it for tomorro. Had to leave. Need to mark them so I know where each wire goes and do not know how many LED's I would need if I go that route. They sure do not give them away. Do you know anyone who has these in there gages and do they really make a big difference?

[65springtime]

Remember what I said about removing the seat? Well remove the seat (yeah I know, it's a bench type). Then you can reach up under the dash with your left hand and disconnect (and reconnect when the time comes) the speedometer cable. "Skinny" does not make a difference, I'm 6ft 240lb, but removing the seat does (heh heh heh).
Jim

Jim,
  He had no problem getting the speedo off once he found the best place to stick his arm. I too am 6ft but 235lb. I can see where taking the seat out would really help. If I decide to work on the heat blower etc. I will take the seat out. With my Son-in-Laws help of corse.

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

Joe,
   You say you are changing over to LED lights. Where are you getting them and are you going with clear or colored? I was thinking blue would be nice. I have not pulled any wires off of the gage at this time. After my Son-in-Law got the spedo unhooked I left it for tomorro. Had to leave. Need to mark them so I know where each wire goes and do not know how many LED's I would need if I go that route. They sure do not give them away. Do you know anyone who has these in there gages and do they really make a big difference?

Most Mustang catalogs have them. I'm going colored by I'm not sure what color. Steelers/Ravens game is starting, catch you in a few hours. . . 

[65springtime]

I got the gage out and there are so many bulbs that not sure which ones get the LED lights. I made sure I marked all the wires so I will put them back in the right place.

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

I got the gage out and there are so many bulbs that not sure which ones get the LED lights. I made sure I marked all the wires so I will put them back in the right place.

Steelers won. . . . 

Check out www.mustangproject.com for what's available. You will get a kit that includes everything you need. Also check out www.cal-mustang.com they have the light kits and they also have glowing instrument sets. If you wanted to change to white or silver faces for your guages they have sets for that also.

Joe. . . 

[66GTKFB]

I'll stick with incandescent bulbs. I started my collection of spares about 15 years ago - 1895, 1891, 1816, 1057, 97, 6012, 4415, 1142 - even a lot of 40W and 60W 120V lights for the house. Sorry guys, the government has lost any credibility in its mandates.
Jim

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

I'll stick with incandescent bulbs. I started my collection of spares about 15 years ago - 1895, 1891, 1816, 1057, 97, 6012, 4415, 1142 - even a lot of 40W and 60W 120V lights for the house. Sorry guys, the government has lost any credibility in its mandates.
Jim

Agreed. . . . 

[65springtime]

OK, I went ahead and ordered the blue LED's from Mustang Project so will see if I like them or not. Got the kit. If I do not care for them I can always go back to the incandescent bulbs. But will not know until I try them. I will not put the gage back in until I hook the battery back up and try them a night to see how they look. Just hope I like them.
John

[65springtime]

I am wondering if I should go ahead and order the voltage regulator while I have the gage out. Do these really need replacing?

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

John,
Let us know how the blue LED's work. I'm leaning towards the glowing set-up since it will allow a change in the hue's. I also Like the white gage faces. Decisions, decisions, decisions. . . .

I only change my voltage regulator when it goes bad. Not sure if there is an advantage of changing it just because. Glenn if your reading this let us know your thoughts.

Joe . . . . 

[65springtime]

I will surely let you know how I like them. Guess you are right. If it is not broke, do not fix it. Have not heard from Glen in a while.

[65springtime]

I just read some bad news. Glen (Soaring) has died. He was 67. Rest in peace Glen. John

[BlackShadow]

The new voltage regulator are junk they don't last very long at all. Some where I have the plans to make your own I know there a website with this info too. If your regulator is working just keep it would be my advice.

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

I just read some bad news. Glen (Soaring) has died. He was 67. Rest in peace Glen. John

That was some surprise. He was a big help to many of us. He was a couple of months younger then me. . . .