Gauge Ring Installation

Time to install: 60 mins

Tools Required: Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers, something soft to pry with - I used the handle of a nail clipper, since it's flat but rounded, microfiber cloth (optional)

This is a very easy project, you just want to have a gentle hand, so you don't scratch up your plastic. If you want, you can spread towels on the dash and other areas to help protect it.

Just a few notes, if this is your first time, you may also consider cleaning the plastic lens that covers the gauge. Plastic polish, and a good cloth to clean up dust inside will help. I highly recommend microfiber towels, once you try them on this and your windows, you'll NEVER go back!

I got these off Ebay for $35 USD. Good deal, and nobody makes brushed aluminum anymore.

Here's a pic of the finish, sharp edging, not rolled or smoothed, with a brushed finish. You'll also notice the ring has ridges so it's a nice pressure fit. No need for any adhesives to keep the rings in. Your kit may include some tack or gorilla glue/snot to keep them in as well.

Underneath the steering column cover are three screws you need to remove.

Once the screws are removed, pull the top and bottom or the cover apart. It should come apart very easily. Then you just remove the top potion, you can leave the bottom as is.

This is your sneak peak before attempting to remove the gauge cluster. Notice the location of the 5 panel clips. The two bottom ones are where we'll start, and can be undone with the prying tool (such as a flathead screwdriver) that you'll use next.

Instead of a flathead screwdriver, I used the end of a nail clipper, since the edges are rounded to avoid scratching the interior. Use whatever you want, but on the sides of the steering column push in, then down to pry the gauge hood out from its clips on both sides.

Starting from one end to the other, start pulling away - with a firm hand, but gently! It will slowly pull out for the remaining 3 clips on the back.

The guage's rear is white plastic, and mounted by 4 screws on the corners.

This is a picture through the windshield. There are three harnesses. Just push down the button on each harness and pull each out. You should be able to remove the whole cluster now!

The clear cover is held on by locked tabs. Go around the cluster and press down, and push each tab back out of its mounting position.

Pop the new gauges in. Installation is the reverse. For all of the screws, you don't need to tighten too much, you don't want to strip the threads or crack the plastic.