LMC Truck Dash Cluster Install - Gauging Change

Here's the dash cluster in action. The tach is at 2,000 rpm, the fuel gauge is at a little over a quarter tank, and the temp and oil gauges are reading as well.

Removing the original radio consists of pulling the knobs off, and then undoing the nuts on the shaft mounts followed by unbolting the support bracket attached to the speaker mount. Next, the speaker is removed by unbolting it from the mounting bracket.

A test fit of LMC Truck's AM/FM stereo dictated the opening in this particular dash needed to be opened slightly with a file. Damage to the AM/FM's chrome face can result if a force-fit is attempted.

With stock-style knobs and face it's hard to tell the difference from an original GM radio. The USB port is a hanging plug that easily tucks into the ashtray when an iPod is not in use.

The quick way to adjust the radio face as flush as possible is to assemble the front, and then take up the slack on the shaft mounts from behind. Note the adjusting nuts and washers shown in this view.

Mothers' California Gold car wash works great for restoring the original appearance of the dashboard, but a good silicone and wax stripper like Eastwood's PRE should be used as the first step to color-changing the padded vinyl dash with Color Bond.

The next step to achieve an extremely durable finish is to spray on Color Bond's adhesion promoter and then allow it to tack-dry before applying the color coat.

Not a lot of masking is required because Color Bond dries almost immediately after being sprayed, thus the amount of overspray produced is minimal. Leaving the windshield unmasked allows plenty of light to see the surface, and is easily cleaned with PRE, a single-edged razor blade, or 0000 steel wool.