Installing A Gauge Overlay
Skill Level Step-By-Step Instructions
Medium The following instructions will provide you with all needed information to install the new gauge face overlay you have purchased.  However if you are not mechanically inclined, you may want to seek professional installation assistance from a local speed shop or similar business.
  • Figure #1 - Gauge Reading Worksheet - Print This Out!

Step #1 (Tachometer Equipped Vehicle)

To insure proper replacement of the Speedometer gauge indicator needle you need to know its relationship to your Tachometer. Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.

  1. Put the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet in you car along with a pencil.  Start the car and let the engine reach normal operating temperature to be sure the choke is off.  Now look at the indicator on the Tachometer when the car is at idle speed. Record this data in the space provided on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.
  2. Now you’ll need to go for a test drive and check the relationship between the Tachometer and the Speedometer.  Note the relationship between the two at a particular MPH and gear.  For example, in my 5-speed 2.4L the Tachometer reads exactly 2000 RPM in 5th gear at exactly 50 MPH.  Wheel and tire sizes, among other factors will cause a variance from car to car so note yours carefully. Record this data in the space provided on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet. 

Step #2

  1. To insure proper replacement of the Temperature gauge indicator needle you need to know its position in two circumstances. Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.
  2. Find an open road like an interstate where you can maintain highway speed upwards of 50MPH. After several miles, your car should maintain normal operating temperature.  Note the position of the Temperature needle at this time. Record this data in the space provided on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet. Open the hood and the windows in the car.  Start the engine and let the engine run while carefully watching the Temperature gauge climb.  Pay particular attention to hear when the automatic cooling fan comes on. When the fan starts note the position of the needle at this time. Record this data in the space provided on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.
    3.

Step #3

To insure proper replacement of the Fuel gauge indicator needle you need to know its position before disassembly. Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.

  1. The best way to do this is to start this procedure when your car’s fuel level is exactly on one of the (5) graduation marks. Start the car and note the position of the Fuel needle at this time. Record this data in the space provided on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.
    2.

Step #4 (After Removing The Dash)

  1. Locate and remove the (3) T-15 screws around the radio trim plate that hold it in place.
  2. Locate the large wiring harness and plug on the right side of the instrument cluster assembly and unplug it.
  3. Now the trim ring can be removed by gently prying it from the small clips around the radio area.
  4. Be careful not to break these clips. With the trim ring removed, you now have access to the gauge cluster assembly.  Disconnect the two plugs on the top of the gauge cluster.
  5. Locate and remove the (2) T-15 screws that hold the gauge cluster.
  6. The cluster assembly is now loose and can be removed by lifting it straight up.

Step #5

Now you have the entire gauge assembly free to disassemble and install the new gauge face.  Take your time with these steps to insure that your gauges will work properly after installation. Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.

  1. Remove the (5) T-15 screws around the outer rim of the gauge assembly and remove the clear faceplate.
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  2. Using a small flat screwdriver gently…….gently……gently pry up on the indicator needles to remove them.
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  4. Now you have to remove the stock face which is a decal-like plate glued on….very tight! Go ahead and remove the (2) outer panels, they just pop off to get them out of your way. To remove the stock face, peel it up on one edge and  peel it off.  Yes this is very aggravating so just take your time on it.
  5. Be careful not to damage the small pins that the needles fit on, and any of the electronic circuitry! The remaining glue on the clear back plate will help secure the new face and does not need to be removed.
    6.
  6.  

Step #6

Now that you have the stock face removed ,the alignment holes in the new faceplate with aid you in this step so don’t worry it will look great. Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.

  1. First note the four alignment holes and small notches on either side of your new face. The gauge assembly has small pins for each of these that will align the new faceplate for you. Sit (don’t press) the new face plate down onto the clear backing plate, making sure the alignment pins sit in the small notches on either side of the new face.
  2. Gently rub your finger back-and-forth across the new face to stick it down, but DO NOT press it down hard.  This will cause the slots in the clear backing plate to show through on the new face, which will detract from the appearance.
    3.

Step #7 (Optional)

Now that you have the needles removed you need to modify them for easier viewing in the day. The needles do need to remain mostly clear because they illuminate for easier viewing at night.  Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.

  1. First get the model paint and brush ready for use.
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  2. Put a small amount of the paint on your brush and paint just the tips (about ¼”) of all the needles.  Allow these to dry about 1/2 hour before handling.

Step #8

Now you have the new face installed you are ready to re-install the needles in their previous positions.  The accuracy of your gauges will depend on this very important step. Use the data obtained from steps 1,2, &3 to assist you with this step.  Follow the directions below to assist you in this procedure.

  1. First get the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet in the car with you. Sit the gauge cluster back in the car by itself and reconnect the large plug on the top right side.
  2. You will be able to see that the needles have “stops” on the backside that engage the edges of the respective holes on the gauge face.  Placing the needles so they rest on the stops with the ignition off is not a good way to get them back on in the previous positions.  These however can be used as a starting point on some of the re-installation of the needles.
  3. Carefully place the speedometer needle in place on its drive pin so it rests on the left side stop.  Press it down ever so slightly, but not too far as you may need to move it a little later on in the procedure.
  4. Start the car and allow it to idle down to its normal idle RPM range.  Using the data from Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet, gently place the tachometer needle in the correct position on its drive pin.  Correct placement of this needle will help ensure the accuracy of the speedometer.
  5. Using the data from Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet, gently place the fuel in the correct position on its drive pin.
  6. To replace the temperature needle you will need to use the procedure previously used in Step #2 in recording the data on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.  When you hear the cooling fan start, gently place the temperature needle in the correct position on it’s drive pin, using the data from the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.
  7. Now turn off the car for about 5 minutes and note the position of the needles.  The speedometer and tachometer needles should be in the resting position on their stops. Restart the car and note the tachometer position at normal idle RPM.  It should be in exactly the same position as recorded on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.  If not turn off the car, remove the needle and reposition as necessary.
  8. With the car running, you’ll need to check the temperature needle position using the cooling fan start-up as a reference point, along with the data from Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.  If the needle’s position is not correct turn off the car, remove the needle and reposition as necessary.
  9. With the car running, you’ll need to check the fuel needle position using the data from Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.  If the needle’s position is not correct turn off the car, remove the needle and reposition as necessary.
  10. Now you are ready to take a test drive to check the speedometer accuracy and re-check the temperature needle’s accuracy.  For safety and accuracy go to an open road like an interstate so you can use your cruise control (if equipped) and achieve a constant speed of at least 50MPH for the test drive.  Like the steps used in preparing the data on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet, note the speedometer needle position in relationship to the tachometer.  Drive using the same MPH and gear that was used in obtaining the initial data. The positions should match the information recorded on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.
  11. If the data does not match you will need to stop (in a safe manner) and reposition the speedometer needle as required.  Repeat this procedure as necessary until the readings match to help insure your speedometer’s accuracy.
  12. After driving for a constant speed above 50MPH for a few miles note the position of the temperature needle.  The position should match the information recorded on the Initial Gauge Reading Worksheet.  If the data does not match you will need to stop (in a safe manner) and reposition the temperature needle as required.

Step #9

After checking and rechecking your gauge cluster’s accuracy, you are ready to reassemble your dash.  Reverse the directions for reassembly and you’re done.

Here’s the completed assembly installed: Figure #18
Tools Required
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Small Flat Screwdriver
  • Torx T-15 Driver
  • 7mm Socket
  • Model Paint & Brush
  • Pencil

 
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