OK.. help what is the trick to removing the dash with speedo and tach.  I am doing more damage than good.  Must be missing the trick.  Also once I remove who  do you recommend for restoring.  Speedo bounces from 45 to  100 plus and tach is dead.  Thanks... Phil

The speedo/tach housing is only held on with the screws.
There are three(I think) across the top, that go into the upper dash panel, two along the outside edge by the door, and two(I think) that go into the center dash/gauge panel. I have found it much easier to remove the upper dash pad first...it just gives you more room to move around, and look, plus it makes it easier to dis-connect the speedo cable, and some of the lamp wiring.
Some instances will require you to lower the steering column to get the dash panel all the way out. That involves removing the two nuts on the lower column support, under the dash.
hth

Adams' Apple2009-02-10 11:33:05

"DIDO"  Just took all the dash panels out of my 72 to repair broken parts and to dye the panels. And yes you have to take the lower steering column bolts out to get the drivers dash out. 

I know on my '76 you would have to lower the steering colunm and to get to it you would also take off the lower plastic dash part and remove the lower a/c duct. Corvette Magazine has some tech articles on removing and rebuilding the Speedo & Tach. www.corvettemagazine.com

Thanks to all.. I believe I will have to remove the upper dash as recommended by Joel.  I have it out and lowered the steering but still not room to disconnect wiring and cable.  Thanks again.  Also I found a place in Calf.  that would rebuild Speedo and Tack for about $150.00 each.  Car is all origianal as far as the block on back.  I have made a 383 strolker with trick flow heads, roller rockers, headers, and it has been completely off frame restored... I will post pictures of the restor process soon. 

When you follow Aaron's link, the Speedo & Tach article is the last one under "Popular Articles" to the right.  Those are the directions I used when I switched out my speedo. 

Agreed - it wouldn't seem like you need to take out that dash pad, but I did.

Good luck, and make sure when you start, you bring plenty of curse words - you'll need them!!!

Check with John at corvetteinstruments.com. He rebuilt all my instruments. He'll give you a quote over the phone. Seems to have done a good job except the clock quit about a month later, I think I should have went quartz. He's in Florida. Lonnie

Thanks again.. we are making some headway.  Also have decided to go ahead an update the AC to a new 134 .. it has been ordered on the way.  Wish me luck.. so close sometimes but so far to go.  The reply about needing "plenty of curse words" is right on the spot.

Do the same steps apply to a 78? Just wonderin since the article goes to 77? Bout to start doin that myself in the next week or wo and would like