81 280ZX digital clock removal

[Project X]

Hi, I’m rehabbing an ’81 280ZX. I’m trying to remove the combination gauge (oil/volts/digital clock) & the

shop manual says to get it out through the glove box area. My problem is the digital clock’s 1.5” stem for stopwatch function is in the way. Anybody know how to remove the stem? It’s a working clock so I don’t want to brute force it off in order to get the gauges out.

I searched the forums & most references seem to be dealing with analog clocks that don't have that pesky long stem.

Thanks.

[sblake01]

According to what I've read in the ZX manuals it comes out forward, digital or analog. After removing the steering wheel, combination switch, lower covers, unplugging the harness and AC vacuum tube, and removing the instrument console bracket covers.

[zbane]

You shouldn't need to brute force the unit out. Just remove the glove box access door, the stem it connects to, and collapse the glove box to remove it. (sounds easier than it is, but it's not too bad). Then undo the wiring harness on the passenger side of the unit (closest to you). Unscrew the only screw holding the gauge cluster in, and gently pull it toward you. The other end is secured in a metal clasp of sorts, but it doesn't apply any pressure. Just wiggle it back and forth (toward the firewall/toward the passenger compartment) and move it toward the glovebox area...

Slow and steady is the key!

[Project X]

Thanks for the tips. I wound up also removing the center AC louvers so I push on the plastic ducting, and finally got the cluster out, digital clock stem & all.