Lincoln Mark VIII Gen 1 Gauge Cluster Removal

Tools needed:

9/32" socket 1/4" drive
1/4" drive ratchet
5.5MM socket 1/4" drive
3" or 6" extension 1/4" drive
Stubby phillips head screwdriver
Your fingers

Lets get started:
 

1. Start by removing the headlight knob.                                                                                              

2. Then remove the headlight control surround by prying (with your fingers) gently from the far left side of the panel, but be VERY, VERY careful when removing this panel, there is a light that attached to the back of the panel...remove the light by twisting it and pulling it out.                                                                                                                

3. Now remove the two 9/32" bolts that hold the cluster surround to the dash, and the two 9/32" bolts that hold the headlight switch in place.

4. Now remove the 2 phillips head screws that are just above the gauge cluster that hold the cluster surround to the dash.

5. Pull the far left side of the cluster surround and unplug the dimmer/auto lamp switch.

6. Gently and easily pry the cluster surround away from the dash board.....be careful not to pry the wrong way or you may break your surround¹.

7. Now remove the four 9/32" (this is where the extension comes into play) bolts (be careful not to lose them when removing) that secure the gauge cluster to the dash board.

8. Pull the gauges towards you starting at the top....lay the gauges face down and remove the cable behind the gauge cluster by squeezing the 2 tabs together.

9. Now pull the gauges out of the car, but before total removal unclip the wiring harness you removed in the last step from the back of the gauge cluster.

10. Now remove the 5/16" bolts that hold the clear plastic to the gauges.

11. After the clear plastic has been removed, gently pry the gauges from their respective slots. They are held in place by metal tabs for the electrical connections....just be careful not to break any of them.

12. This would be a good time to either take a picture of where your needles are on your gauge assembly, or draw a picture so that you can refer to this when you put your gauges back together so that your needles are not off of their mark.

13. Using a fork (cheapest and easiest thing to use.....with out breaking anything) gently...without moving the needles from their resting spot...pry back with the fork using the bottom of the fork for leverage and remove the needles.

14. Now peel back the original gauge paper (not sure what to call it) remove the gauge faces.

Now just perform these steps in reverse order....you may need more glue to hold the gauges into place....but I have not run into that problem as of yet.

If you have any questions/comments please feel free to e-mail me at the link provided below.

¹ - You can gingerly pop out the vents on the cluster surround with a small headed flat blade screw driver. Make sure to wrap the head of the screw driver with Electrical tape so it doesn't damage the surfaces that it will make contact with. After the Vents are removed you can then EASILY reach into the void and "pop" the trim out.


Submitted by:
Author: Ray Urso (drgnfrm) wykdmk8@hotmail.com