1977-1982 Gauge Cluster Restoration

Even though I was not planning to do a complete gauge cluster resto for my 1981 Corvette, what started out as a freshening up was a full restoration.
However, I opted for a modern Bluetooth radio instead of a traditional two-shaft unit.
In this hour-and-a-half video, I take you from the very basics such as removing the cluster from the dash to complete disassembly of the panel, cleaning, painting (twice), more cleaning, all the way to cutting the bezel to fit an aftermarket JVC radio.
And finally, putting everything back in the Corvette.
Because of the number of topics covered and the length of this video, I broke it into specific chapters to make it more user-friendly.
I hope you find it helpful.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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CONTENTS
0:00 Instrument Cluster Removal
0:07 Removing the Gauge Pod
1:38 Disconnecting the Console Dome Light
3:36 Unplugging the Gauges
5:25 Instrument Cluster Inspection
7:12 Instrument Cluster Disassembly
10:16 Removing the Cluster A/C Vents
16:48 Prepping the Bezel for Paint
20:20 Painting the Bezel
23:40 Instrument Cluster Air Vents
30:35 Bezel "Chrome" Pinstriping
36:42 Installing an Aftermarket Single Din Radio
55:49 Radion Wiring 101
1:04:59 Make Sure All Wires Are Connected Properly
1:06:14 The Instrument Cluster
1:14:31 The Cluster Dome Light
1:18:53 Installing the Head Unit
1:20:14 Reinstalling the Instrument Cluster
1:31:39 Testing the Radio and Instrument Lights
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CORVETTE PRODUCTS (sponsored)
⚡ JVC Bluetooth Stereo: amzn.to/44TI929
⚡ GM Radio Adapter: amzn.to/3rfmTX1
⚡ Chrome Metallic Tape: amzn.to/3LoS09p
⚡ Solder Seal Connectors: amzn.to/44YsFdo
⚡ Landau Black: amzn.to/3PfXOTK
⚡ LED 194-White Bulbs: amzn.to/46dD0Dh
- 68-82 Corvette Repair: amzn.to/3devEEW
- How to Restore Corvette: amzn.to/35B6L0R
- 1968-82 Corvette Resto: amzn.to/2QvvIGQ
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
I am a DIYer, and the repairs and work shown are for my benefit and entertainment. If videos appear to give technical how-to advice, that is not my intention.
Working on a vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a mechanic.

[@ajmaresca2165]

Quality is job 1. Your attention to detail in every aspect of this job and the video itself. Not only did you walk us through all the necessary steps to perform the job. The camera work was great and the occasional comic relief video clip inserts were also a good addition. Great job. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with us.

[@76vette]

Thank you so much for taking that one to comment, and very glad to hear you found the video informative as well as entertaining. I really appreciate it. 😊👍🏻

[@rafaelroman7685]

Well done job

[@jamescasello8100]

You do nice work. I notice that you like everything clean and neat. Nice job

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@bradenvesser4370]

This is the first video I’ve seen of yours, and it is amazing. The amount of detail you go into is super appreciated. Love the video, please keep making them. You’ve gained a subscriber. Can’t wait to check out your other stuff.

[@76vette]

Thank you for the kind words, and for watching my videos. 😊👍🏻

[@eduardoperez7797]

Thanks for your time on doing this helpful videos really appreciate it.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@stfitness-du4bq]

Excellent video, I just completely restored my light cluster gauge on 77 C3 and even got my clock to start working again to my surprise. Also clicked the subscribed bell, you made me a fan. Thanks for posting learn a lot from you.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching and for becoming a subscriber! 😊👍🏻

[@AshleyMoore-qr3py]

Looks awesome!!

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻

[@greglondon5414]

I have been watching everything that you have done that I know of and you especially helped me repair the door handle return spring. Yes a few clips did easily fall into the door SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX!!!

[@76vette]

I always check the safety deposit box for any cash someone may have dropped in there. So far, ZERO dollars! Lol 😆 Thank you for watching. I really appreciate you! 😊👍🏻

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome video! I can reference this because I need to fix my fuel gauge on my 79, it works but shows way over full and 3/4 of a tank when empty. I've been wondering how hard pulling the center gauges would be!👍 And especially thanks for the links to the products you used!👍

[@76vette]

Glad to hear you found it helpful 😊👍🏻

[@madfemurfast]

Amazing. I do not think I could do anything close to this.

[@76vette]

You’d be surprised. 😊👍🏻

[@vince_s]

Wow that came out looking great. Your attention to detail and patience is next level. Thanks for showing us your process and parts used. This has motivated me to fix issues with the dash in my car. Years ago I used "chrome" paint on the gauge bezel, vents and glove box. Looked horrible and always regretted it. Now that I've seen how nice your pinstriping looks I will be buying a couple of rolls in different sizes, and I'll be cleaning all of that up and repainting the entire bezel (in landeau black of course.) I'm not sure whether you know or not, but there are aftermarket 2-knobber, shaft mounted radios available that include some of the features of modern radios such as bluetooth while keeping the vintage look. No dash cutting necessary. They're more expensive than your standard JVC/Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, etc, but they're out there. Thanks again for another great video.

[@76vette]

Thank you for the kind words, Vince! 😊👍🏻 Yes, I looked at classic-looking radios but was unable to justify the expense, and that’s why I went with the JVC unit. Glad my video has given you a few ideas and motivation, and Thank You for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@zeddie9625]

Looks fantastic!! Great idea also on the wiring kit vs chopping wires up... thanks!!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@mikebroszczak5767]

your camera work and detail comantary is excellent good job .

[@76vette]

Thank you for the kind words. 😊👍🏻

[@kenmcdonaldii3887]

This is so helpful. I just purchased this exact car/colors except mine is an automatic. I took it out for the first time in the dark and I had no lights on my gauges. Wow was it dark inside the car. I just ordered the LED lights and with your detailed video I believe that I will be able to get them working.

[@76vette]

Glad to hear the video was helpful, but also make sure the flex circuit board is ok as they’re known to fail. Good luck! Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@kenmcdonaldii3887]

I thought that I would check the fuse first. Unfortunately it wasn’t the fuse, but it did take me about 20mins to get the fuse reinstalled. The fuse panel is not located in the best place. I ordered a new board as a precautionary for when I take it apart. Thank you!

[@micheltremblay1667]

You have just convince me to swap my radio. Thank you.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@davidmcmenamin9701]

Awesome video.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@user-rj9ki9ub1m]

Great job and detailed video. Where did you get your chrome tap? I will need that on my 72

[@76vette]

I listed and linked every item in the video description. The tape is Chrome Mylar Metallic Tape: amzn.to/3LoS09p

[@jesusvazquez5821]

I was working on my 82 corvette restoring the interior I disconnected the gauge cluster and now none of the interior lights turn on, my dash lights won’t turn on either. Does anyone have any ideas? I though it was the fuse so I put a new one and nothing. They were working before I started messing with the gauge cluster

[@bluesxt]

Were the instrument led’s you installed white like the ones you linked? If so, then that blue plastic piece must be what’s making them look so blue when lit up. I’ve been debating whether a true white illumination would look good at all, if not better than blue.

[@76vette]

Yes. White. And the reflector, as you mentioned, is what’s giving them that bluish hue. They look good IMO, but it may also require replacing the speedo and tach bulbs.

[@user-rj9ki9ub1m]

Where did you get your led interior lights for your 76? Great video and camera work.

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻 I used BA9S-CWHP5 Cool White bulbs for all the instruments. They offer other colors as well. I bought a box of 20 which gave me a couple extra bulbs... just in case. For the courtesy lights, I ordered two 1156-CW18-T LED bulbs. I ordered those from SuperBrightLEDs.com. For the dome light, I ordered 42mm Serundo Auto LED bulbs from Amazon, amzn.to/3rwFVYr

[@user-rj9ki9ub1m]

Thanks for your help. Great detail videos and camera work. Not many videos on car restoration do a great job like yours. My 72 is paint and the engine ready to be installed in a week. Should be done by Christmas. 😊

[@76vette]

@@user-rj9ki9ub1m That will make it a very special Christmas then. 😊👍🏻

[@inell6]

Do know what GM used for that chrome strip. Was it a chrome paint? Your tape looks great, just wondering how long it will last.

[@76vette]

I’m guessing they used some kind of paint. I’m sure the tape will last a pretty long while.