How Do I remove these tach wires? And My Removal Suggestions ...

ajmarton · 04-13-2008, 07:08 PM

(89 911 Cab) I am removing my instruments and can't figure out how to remove these wires in the back of the tach. I assume I pry the metal lip around the spring loaded red thingy that the wire goes into? But there appears to be no space between the back of the tach and the lip so I thought I would ask before I mess up. Should I just used a blade or is there a better "tool" for the job.

Also, for anyone wanting to remove their instruments - here are some observations that worked for me:
(1) Pick a hot day (100 degrees here today in Los Angeles) so that the rubber is soft and flexible;
(2) I used plastic trim removal tools from Eastwood and created a slight gap between the rubber lip and the dash and then sprayed silicon (water based) lubricant into the gap and and created more little gaps with the tool and while the tool was pulling away the rubber lip I would spray more lubricant around that lip. Wipe up the excess lubricant that trickles down the dash. Let everything sit a little bit. Gently keep going under the lip with the tool all around the instrument so the lubricant gets to the dash behind the rubber.
(3) Use the trim tool to pry the instrument out by starting on one side and then going to the opposite side and prying it up. Keep going back and forth and pull carefully on the instrument.
(4) Once the instrument is out a little more spray some more lubricant and you can grab the instrument and rock it until it comes out.
(5) Once it is out you can push the next one out from behind going through the dash. Once the instrument moves out slightly add some lubricant and it should start to give.

Hads930 · 04-13-2008, 07:21 PM

Those are the lights, the whole red piece comes out.

ajmarton · 04-13-2008, 07:27 PM

Do I just pull on the red plug (appears to be spring loaded) or do I have to pry it out by sticking a blade under the metal lip around the red plug?

Hads930 · 04-13-2008, 07:44 PM

Can't recall now that I think about it, I know I used a boxcutter. Do not remember if I put the blade under the metal ring or used it to pull the red parts out. My gut says I pulled up the metal ring. If you can't figure it out, call the guys at N Hollywood Speedo in the A.M. they were very helpful. Good luck.

ajmarton · 04-13-2008, 08:30 PM

Did you end up using Hollywood Speedo? If so, what did they do for you. I have heard mixed things about them but would like to go there as I can drop off the instruments vs. shipping them.

Hads930 · 04-13-2008, 08:49 PM

They fixed the trip counter. Apparently it breaks when you reset it while moving. No problems with the shop. Only problem I had was a miscue on the shipping but nothing to speak of.

ajmarton · 04-13-2008, 09:39 PM

Okay, I got them out with a little Deoxit. You DO HAVE TO REMOVE THE METAL SLEEVE AROUND the red piece. It may take a lot of effort depending on age of your 911 and the last time the bulbs or instrument was removed.