Speedometer trapped in dash cap--HELP!!

[XjakobX]

I installed a BDA full face dash cap over the weekend..then was setting the gauges back in place till I got the new backlit gauge faces from SpeedHut. Unfortunately, the speedometer popped back in behind the dash cap and now I can't get it back out the front.

Anyone else had this problem? The dash cap looks so much better than the dash that was there, i really don't want to tear it up if I can avoid it, not to mention the 100$ I'd be out.

I was thinking of trimming the dash foam behind the gauge cup and pulling it out the back of the dash, but I'd rather not cut up the dash, even if it can't be seen normally.

Anyone have any ideas?

[FastWoman]

Well, if you DO end up pulling the full cap off, you might consider replacing with a half cap if it will do the job. The instruments are still removable with a half cap, but it's a squeeze!

But yes, others have dealt with this same issue. You should be getting some advice pretty soon.

[BallZ]

The advice I am about to give is only what I have heard, you have to remove the dash in order to fix the gauge.

[Zed Head]

You might be able to take a thin fairly stiff sheet of something like Mylar (transparency sheet), make a tube of it, wrap it around the speedometer body and get the speedometer to slip back out. Lubricate with soapy water or Armorall.

Or take some packing tape (again smooth material, with lubrication) and tape up the lip that it catches on when trying to push it back out. You could even build a small ramp of tape up to the lip on the dash cap. Anything to turn the lip in to a smooth transition. The cap is probably flexible enough to expand out if you can get the body of the speedo over the lip. Or wrap tape around the front of the speedo face to take the edge off and give something to wedge it in and pull it through the hole. Again, with some sort of lubrication. Get the idea?

Just some options.

[olzed]

Zed Head's idea sounds the go.

[ZCurves]

Zed Head is spot on. You might try a piece of Poster Board. The trick is to bridge the transition from the Gauge Bezel to the Dash Cap - AND be patient!!!.

I also have the EL gauge faces from Speedhut. Very nice quality and they are great folks to deal with! Highly Recommended.