i haven't been able to find any posts that help me out, so hopefully someone can point me in the right direction...

i'm trying to remove the gauges (temp, speedo, rpm, fuel) from my 2001 prelude SH, a used car that i just recently got a pretty good deal on. I want to do thits because the previous owner installed some of those eBay backlit white-faced gauges that light up bright blue/green at night, and i'd like to replace them back to good ol' stock black/amber.

i actually found the exact set on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QrdZ1

First question is... how do i get to the gauges to remove them? I've tried removing the two screws holding the upper part of the glass console, but it seems something is still holding on, and i didn't want to tug too hard and snap off any tabs or anything.

Second question... Has anyone (un)installed these types of gauges before? what exactly needs to be done to remove them? the gauges are actually wired to a small switch (to change from blue to green), and a **** to control brightness of the backlight. not sure how complex this wiring is, so any heads up about removing this setup is greatly appreciated...

oh, and also, if anyone knows where i can score a stock 5th gen gauge set so i can replace these eyesores (IMO)... (i'm guessing that they're not simply hidden underneath the aftermarket gauges)... please let me know!

thanks

 

anyone have any suggestions? thanks

 

After you take off that top part, I'm pretty sure there are 3 screws holding the gauges down. You'll have to take off the wiring harnesses(2, I think) before the gauges will come out.

There is probably only a couple of wires running to the toggle switch, or whatever is controlling the light change. I'd just clip it if you aren't going to keep it.

 

I can't help you with your question, but I can applaud your efforts to De-Rice your car. It's refreshing to see someone who has no desire to be fast or furious...

 

 

keep em stock

 

heh... yeah, i'm trying to get them back to stock. sometimes i just think that making a mod JUST for the sake of being different than stock, disregarding whether or not it looks good, is kinda pointless... these gauges being a good example IMO. but nothing wrong with customizing and personalizing... as long as its tastefully done

So i still need to figure out how to take off the gauge casing, seems like those two screws should do it, but not sure if there are more hidden screws or if i need to pull at some specific spot. Once I can look inside I'll have a better idea of what kind of setup I'm dealing with as far as wiring.

This seems like a pretty easy question, no? Does anyone know how I take off the dash gauge casing?? Will posting a pic of what I'm asking help to clear up my question?

Thanks

 

These exploded diagrams might help...

http://www.hondaautomotivepart...PANEL

http://www.hondaautomotivepart...RNISH

 

takeing the guage assembly off is easy, the problem is if you just want to take the glowing faces off cuz they are most likely glued on top of the stock ones so your best bet is to replace the whole thing

 

any suggestions on how to take the assembly off? (what screws/clips i need to look for?)

... and what do you mean by replace the whole thing? what are you referring to

Thanks for the help




Modified by fidiv at 5:22 AM 12/4/2005

 

The black plastic surround that is around the gauges is held in by 2 screws at the top and 2 clips on the bottom. The clips are a lot like the ones on the radio surround plastic so they can be pretty tight. Just be careful when you snap them loose. After thats off there are 2 or 4 screws (cant remember exactily how many)holding the cluster in place. After they are out there are 2 plugs that plug into the bottom of the cluster. Unplug those and the cluster should be free. There are probably wires for the aftermarket gauges too but just cut them if you dont want to use them anymore. The clear plastic over the gauges just unclips along with the black plastic underneath that. The clips are pretty easy to see so you should be ok with that part. Once that stuff is off you should be able to remove the aftermarket gauges. If they aren't glued on and you dont need to save them just use a pair of wire cutters or a small pair of scissors and cut a pie shaped piece out of each one in towards the center of each needle so you can slide the old gauges out from behind the needles without damaging them. Hopefully this will kind of help you out.