Dash it all!!

[wwwcad]

Okay, this weekend's project (and it will probably take a week!): Remove entire dash on the 912 to repair or clean up gauges and repaint black metal surrounding the gauges.

Anyone have a good reference or first hand knowledge of dash and gauge removal?

Thanks,
Bill

[C. Clark]

Hi Bill,
The gauges are easy, sort of. You must remove the protective cardboard type piece from the front that hides the heater unit. My Porsche is a 69 so my knowlege is limited to that. OK, I removed the plastic heater / blower unit completely, it's held down with snap ring type fasteners, the cables must be disconnected, that a little weird but doable and a wiring block near the blower. Once you have that stuff out of the way you'll be able to see the back side of the gauges. Each guage has two finger nuts holding a U bracket on the back of the guage, pressuring against the inside of the dash. Remove the U bracket on the clock first. Once the bracket is off gently push the guage out through the hold in the dash. The guage will move forward far enough to see were and how the wires are connected. I used colored poster paint to color code the wires and connects, labels would work too as long as they don't fall off. Next comes the speedometer, that a little tricky but again doable, Unscrew the cable from the back, return to the inside and disconnect the milage reset knob, the knob has a tiny set screw in the center that must be removed to get the speedo out I used one from my computer repair kit, rather small, available at any Radio Shack type store. Once this is removed the rest is a simple mounting nut and it will push through the dash,do the U bracket thing, mark the wires. Now it gets alittle easier, on my car I could take the finger nut loose from the speedo hole in the dash, next is the tack, once it's out try and work from the hole left by it, oil and fuel are next, fuel was tricky for me but workable, tight spaces.
I just re-read your post, removing the dash I believe is over kill, I cleaned and repainted mine in the car, just mask everthing off very carefully and completely. Taking out the dash involves I believe removal of the windshield, to get the dash pad off, The bolsters or knee protectors are removed with a 7mm socket, two nuts each side, on the passengers side remove the glove box, much easier.. no big deal.
I didn't mean to write a book, I hope I have been of aid to you, I did all this to my 912 with no dash removal, I would do that as a last ditch fix.
Good luck,
Chas

[wwwcad]

Hi Chas,

Great stuff! After I posted my note, I went out to the garage and pulled both the windshield and rear window (seals were bad and caused some rusting problems at each end). Once I did that, I could see how the top of the dash is held in and removed that.

Since I had to remove the windshield anyway, I decided to take all of the gauges out as well as repaint the black part of the dash. With your instructions, I should be able to take it all apart now. My gauges have rusted bezels and some dirty glass, so I will do a total tear down of them as well. Yep, it's overkill, but I intend to disassemble this thing entirely only once. I'm seriously considering a total paint job once I take everything off of it. I have a lot of time this summer, so I'm going to make the most of it.

Thanks again!!

Bill

[craign]

Bill,

There are 2 very well known places out here in CA that re-do VDO gauges. North Hollywood speedometer and Palo Alto Speedometer. they can clean, calibrate, replace glass etc etc etc.

Craig

[wwwcad]

Hi Chas,

Thanks for the info. I heard about them on Bay912. I hope to do the cosmetic work myself. I'll check their web sites and see what they have to offer.

Hey, I saw a neat post in the technical particles here where a 911 or 912 owner (don't remember which) replaced all of the faces of his gauges with white ones and they were beautiful! I'm thinking that could be a cool thing to do myself.

Bill

[C. Clark]

Bill,
I replaced my gauge faces, it's easier than you might think. Your right about the posting, the tech articles here have stuff on this as do the 911 PP boards, Dave at Bay 912 may have it as a project thing too. The process is similar to opening a tin can, very carefully though. When you get into this don't forget to replace all the gauge bulbs.
Good luck,
Chas.

[wwwcad]

Hi Chas,

Yep, the Pelican article is excellent. I have the window out, the dash off and will take the gauges out today and start cleaning them up.

I had some trouble finding the gauge faces, but did locate them. I was hoping to find new bezels as well since mine are rusted and I'd rather replace than repaint. Any idea where one might find these things? I've been all over the internet and haven't come up with replacement parts, even at Siemens, the VDO manufacturer.

Thanks,
Bill

[mcruickshank]

Did you try Foreign Intrigue up in Maine.

http://www.foreignintrigue.com/

I have found them very helpful on NOS parts.

Are you documenting you rebuild with pictures and such? The postings about your project have me interested in seeing the progress. Any chance you might build a web site?

-Mark

[C. Clark]

Hi Bill,
Where did you locate the 912 faces? I found them to be pricy in the traditiona catalog stores.
Chas.

[wwwcad]

Hi Chas,

I could only find them in Tweeks at $139!! Ouch! If I find anouther source, I'll post it. I still may do it, it depends on how the gauges look when I get them out this afternoon. I am really fond of the white look, even thought it isn't stock Must be these 50 year eyes need the extra readability!

Mike,

Thanks for the idea. I have been taking a few pictures here and there as things progress, but a web site might be fun. I'll give it some thought. At this point, I've only taken pictures of any process that I felt I couldn't remember or reconstruct at a later date.
For instance, I took a lot of pictures of my Weber carbs tear down so I could remember which jet and little piece went where. Even with a manual, the color pics are superior to the line drawings. I'm still using 35mm film. I wanted to buy a digital camera but engine parts for the 912 won out! I wish now I had taken pics of tearing out the windows! It was too easy really.

Thanks,
Bill

[Efrain68912]

Bill, why don't you send the gauges to be restored? North Hollywood Speedometer is restoring my temp gauge, and changing it to a numbered temp/oil pressure gauge. I got the idea from Jeff Trask, who had his done a few months ago.

nhspeedometer.com

[wwwcad]

Hi Efrain,

Maybe that would be a good way to go. What are they charging you for the temp gauge? I do remember reading about it on Bay912. I have a tendancy to do everything myself to save a few bucks (have a daughter starting college in the fall, yikes!) and enjoy the rewarding feeling of accomplishment that brings. I also know when not to exceed my average mechanical aptitude!

I love learning how things are put together and what makes them tick. It's also a good experience for my restoration partner, my son. He's learning a lot right along side of me. We're not in any particular hurry with the project. He can't drive for another 2 years anyway! But I'm ready now!

Thanks,
Bill

[Green 912]

I have seen very good work from both of the above gauge repair/restore companies. Recently saw a set of gauges from N. H. Speedo. The set was full custom for a 356 outlaw and looked very impressive. The printing and symmetry was perfect. The gauges were used/ restored but looked new front and back. With both shops there is no stigma of low cost! Excellent work but would make your $140 little more than a good start. On the other hand you get rebuilt not just face-lift back. If your gauge set works now perhaps you can save some $ DIY.

The 911 “S” gauge package is a nice upgrade if you can find a set.

When you get your replacement gauge faces look them over and shine light through them as well. Some are not well printed and look bad when backlit as they would be at night. Take your time and work in real clean environment! It is easy to mess up tachs and speedos but it can be done right by following the directions.

[steve rush]

I bought a set for a '77 911 for $45 on ebay....didn't notice application / 912, but quality was good and quick shipping.
***had a friend use the orange color and did not like visibility, I used white and like visual and new faces