1940 Chrysler Royal Instrument Panel

[TommySellers]

Need to replace glass panels and two gauges in the instrument panel.  Cannot find any instructions on how to remove and replace the glass or remove and install gauges.

 

I do not want to start this effort until I know what needs to be done.  Shop manual does not mention how to remove the panel.  Any written or verbal instructions appreciated.

[keithb7]

I too am interested in hearing about dash removal. If its possible.
 

I own a couple of ‘38 Mopars (Chrysler and a Plymouth) I’ve yet to tackle dash disassembly. I’ve spent a fair bit of time on my back, with the front seat out, looking up behind there. Re-wiring and such. I should know by now how to get a dash out. As you mentioned, there is no mention of the topic in any service manual that I’ve seen yet.  
 

Perhaps the dash doesn’t entirely come out? It would be nice if it did. 
 

[TommySellers]

Understand the issue about being on your back looking up into the dash trying to figure out how to remove the instrument panel.  The bottom two gauges (amps & fuel) can be removed from the back.  However, the top two gauges (temp & oil) are too large to get out of the hole on the back of the panel.  It is though the top two have to be removed from the front.  Still cannot get to the glass.  Confused, needless to say.

[JACK M]

I have a bare dash that was out of a 46, likely similar.

I could look at it and see where there may be mounting holes and possibly a picture if you are interested.

It seems to me that there was the two bolts at the lower corners and some screws under the windshield molding.

Not to difficult to pull that molding and have a look.

[JACK M]

So, I just dug thru some old pics. You can see the tabs along the upper side of the dash.

Those would be under the trim as I suggested.

The 46 is a split window.

 

Edited August 24, 2021 by JACK M (see edit history)

[TommySellers]

Finally got the instrument cluster out.  The trick was to get all the gauges out, which by the way, all can be removed from the rear of the panel.  I had to detach the oil pressure tube and get some slack in the temp cable before getting the gauges out.  I then detached the odometer trip reset switch.  Once everything was clear, the cluster came out through the opening in the dash.  Caution:  you must be very careful removing the gauges.  They do not come straight out.  They must be removed at an angle so the gauge face can clear the opening.

 

After the cluster was out, I disassembled the cluster by taking it apart and removed the glass.  The cluster housing consists if 3 pieces.  A little cleaning, put in the new glass, reassembled and it’s ready to go back into the dash.