65 Newport Instrument cluster removal

Ocalanewport

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My odometer not working on ny '65 Newport,
20210515_100027_HDR.jpg
so I have to remove the instrument cluster. Anyone out there done that before? Can you tell me what you did? Thanks a lot.
 
Before going to the trouble of pulling the cluster, check the speedo cable. If the odometer still runs, the cable is still good. As noted pulling the cluster is a PIA. Read and understand the procedure in the FSM. Download for free at www.mymopar.com. You will find the manuals in the Tools/Reference section of the web site. Be sure to carefully remove the gear position wand before dropping the steering column or you will destroy the wand. Take some blue painters tape and wrap the top of the column so that you do not scrape the column when pulling the cluster. The rag joint should be disconnected before dropping the column so that it does not get damaged.

Dave
 
Thank you Dave, I downloaded the manual. That will be a great help. The odometer still won't turn, so I guess I have to send it off to a shop. I did order a new speedometer cable, the old one was damaged at the transmission.
 
You can buy the odo used and new on eBay. I'll see if I can find a link.

Edit: it was this vendor on eBay - he was selling a couple a while ago. He's got parts etc., so it may be worthwhile reaching out to him.

mechdrv on eBay
 
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Did this on a '66, found every sharp corner behind that dash I could and my hands looked like Id fought a bob cat. Second time I dropped that cluster i used a Dremel and a sanding drum on every sharp corner. I didn't need to drop the column.
 
You can buy the odo used and new on eBay. I'll see if I can find a link.

Edit: it was this vendor on eBay - he was selling a couple a while ago. He's got parts etc., so it may be worthwhile reaching out to him.

mechdrv on eBay

I see one from your vendor which should do very nicely here. One of These Daze, I should reinstall my speedo/cluster, but I like my old Stewart Warner/ Clark Bros , Autometer stuff so much, I don't really miss the original.
 
Did this on a '66, found every sharp corner behind that dash I could and my hands looked like Id fought a bob cat. Second time I dropped that cluster i used a Dremel and a sanding drum on every sharp corner. I didn't need to drop the column.

It's really pretty easy to work a '65-66 instrument cluster, provided you can stand on your head below the steering column, carefully spin that cluster around the column, and move it in or out. I'd advise checking all the pins for voltage, continuity, and such before the yoga session starts. In addition to human flesh, old vinyl insulation can get nicked by sharp metal back there too! Due care needed.
 
It's really pretty easy to work a '65-66 instrument cluster, provided you can stand on your head below the steering column, carefully spin that cluster around the column, and move it in or out. I'd advise checking all the pins for voltage, continuity, and such before the yoga session starts. In addition to human flesh, old vinyl insulation can get nicked by sharp metal back there too! Due care needed.
In addition to the 4 screws holding the upper trim above the cluster, and I remove the bottom piece with the vent knobs, are there screws on the bottom of the steering column holding the top part of the column? Are there many screws holding it on the dash?
 
In addition to the 4 screws holding the upper trim above the cluster, and I remove the bottom piece with the vent knobs, are there screws on the bottom of the steering column holding the top part of the column? Are there many screws holding it on the dash?

There are 2 small (5/16x18 I THINK) bolts holding the steering column in a bracket which you may or may NOT need to loosen up. Now that I think about it,these may need that to help you wiggle the panel out. You DO have a FSM which you ARE reading religiously for this, right? This job went pretty easy, even with a bunch of burnt wires, splices and other amateurish atrocities committed under my dash over the previous 50 yrs. That surprised me, sho 'nuff!

Aside from those 2 bolts and that little clamp, there is nothing supporting the steering column. Be advised.
 
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