Instrument panel??? Won’t fit

[scoots90245]

I have no idea how I was able to remove the instrument panel cluster but now it won’t go back in I’m wondering if I bent the sheet meta? I am trying not to crack the plastic instrument panel or bend the sheet metal.
Has anyone else had this problem
thank you

 

[scoots90245]

The left side doesn’t seem to want to come close to fitting

 

[Fastereddie]

Yeah it’s tricky for sure. I’ll try to explain. You have to start the bottom in first and slide to the right. Then the top will lean back in. The lower left section you’re talking about actually goes behind and below the metal. I’ll try and find a pic.

 

[scoots90245]

I watched an LMC video the guy just placed it right in no issues I’m going to try what you’re saying seems like I go to bend the metal out a little bit

 

[Fastereddie]

This is all I could find online. Don’t have any pics of mine at that stage.

 

[TJ1978]

You have to kinda slide it in, you cant just push straight in. Start at the steering column and work up and in. Sometimes from the lower left then up and in

 

[scoots90245]

Awesome Thank you
Needed a break before I bent the steel or cracked the plastic. Chasing my four-year-old on her scooter when I get back to the house I’ll give it another attempt
Thank You

 

[scoots90245]

Done for today going to check LMC or truck shopTo buy a new instrument cluster gauge housing

 

[TJ1978]

Jb weld that back in place... I remember it being a bit of a bitch getting it back in. Also that plastic ages and gets even more brittle.

You can always zip tie it to something.... heheh

 

[Wes Harden]

yeah the price on those is $$$, I super glued that back on mine. held very well.

 

[frankin5]

Go to a Hobby store and get CA model glue and an accelerator.

 

[scoots90245]

So close before SNAP

 

[kennyw]

They all snap off there. Don't worry about it.

The trick to installing these dashes is to roll it into place. Start the lower left corner behind the sheetmetal with the top tipped towards the steering wheel.

 

[dyeager535]

Second Kenny...if you can't install it with absolutely minimal force, you are not lining it up properly.

And I've never busted a tab on mine. Don't ask how many time mine has been removed and reinstalled.

 

[scoots90245]

I swapped out the cluster Gauge housing with a used one finally with your suggestions I was able to get it in however the tab on the far left side I cracked during installation hasn’t broken off yet though thanks again for everybody’s help

 

[jeff in co]

Fiberglass repair or gorilla hair fiberglass can also be a good fix on the tab.

 

[TJ1978]

Jb weld...

 

[scoots90245]

Now that the cluster is back in the fuel gauge needle goes up as I accelerate ?????
The dial doesn’t move at all in park accelerating but in drive when the car is actually moving the needle goes up towards full

 

[scoots90245]

Guess I’ll be removing it again so I’ll try the JB weld or gorilla glue fiberglass stuff

 

[scoots90245]

update*****
prob unrelated to gauge coincidental timing I think? The gauge is now super sensitive to acceleration as well as hills so i'm guessing it is something to do with the float inside the tank.
I will search the fuel gauge forums
Again Thanks for the help on the cluster