Over the weekend I installed the chrome gauge trim rings from Stack Racing. It looked simple enough, just remove the gauge cluster then remove the clear plastic housing and just pop the inserts in. Well let me tell you, in my case, not so simple. So here is my installation guide to really get these things to work.
I began by removing the headlamp knob by pulling it into the "on" position. Once it is pulled out all the way rotate the knob until you see the small slit. I released the small clip by using a small flathead screwdriver pushing outward and pulling. Once you have the knob off, don't forget to turn off your lights.
Next step is to remove the two screws on the instrument gauge bezel. In my case, the screws were 7mm. Once those are off, gently pull the bezel straight out. Now you should be looking at just the instrument cluster.
There are four screws, again 7mm, that hold the cluster in place. I like to have a small pen-type magnetic tool next to me while undoing the screws to prevent a screw from falling behind the dash.
Now that the cluster is unbolted, you can pull the cluster out about half way then you need to disconnect the harness connections. There are only two (at least on my '96 GT) and they require no tools, just a little pressure with your fingers. After the connections are undone, remove the cluster from the car and head for the work bench.
Next step is to remove the 8 Torx screws that attach the black plastic with the clear lens from cluster itself. Once all 8 are removed set aside the cluster and have a look at the black surround/clear plastic.
On my car the clear lens does not separate from the black part. This makes it very tough to install the gauge rings. I tried to pup them in with the bezel in one piece, but no go. So the following steps deviate from the Stack Racing install guide.
With my dremel tool in hand with a metal cutting blade attached, separated the clear part from the black part. BE VERY CAREFUL!!! I cannot say that enough, as you do not want to crack the lens. DO NOT JUST TRY TO PULL OFF THE LENS!!! Take you time and find the glue attachment points and cut them off. Once those are cut, you should be able to remove the clear part. Remember to clean up the edges where you cut by sanding them down.
Next I tried to pop the gauge rings in, but found them to either no go in all the way and pop out, or only go in a little bit and no lay flat. So, with an exacto knife, i trimmed the little "flaps" on each gauge ring so they would lay flat and go in all the way. Now to do that you need to glue them in place. DO NOT USE SUPERGLUE!!!!!! Doing this will result in the plastic discoloring and just look plan tacky. So I raided my model car supplies and used "Quick Grip". This isn't a product placement, just showing you what works. It comes in a Green and Yellow tube and can be found at places like hardware stores, hobby shops, or even some grocery stores. The rule with gluing is if you think you have used enough glue, you probably used too much. So use the glue in small amounts. I placed small dots on each of the back of the rings then once in place, placed a small bead around the back of each to the mating surface. This stuff dries pretty quick and if you do have too much on there, it is easy to pick off and remove excess.
No using that same glue place a small bead around the entire area you cut off to ensure the clear plastic stays attached to the black plastic. Once that has dried, install the 8 torx screws and now you are ready to install your cluster with the newly added gauge rings into your car.
Start by reconnecting the harnesses (you can't get these two wrong, the are different sizes), once those are connected install the 4 screws hold the cluster into the dash. With those installed, gently insert the gauge cluster trim bezel back into position followed by the two screws that hold that into place. After that, take the headlamp know and notice how the metal stock that comes out from the dash has a triangle shape to it, mate that end up with the knob and press it into place.
Now you are ready to start up the car. Check for needles making contact or hanging up. Also make sure the gauges with lights on are working to unsure electrical connections are tight. You are done! Go out and enjoy your new gauges.
~REVIEW~
Overall, I guess I am happy with Stack Racing's Chrome Gauge Bezel inserts. I have to say though, i am disappointed in the way they are advertised. They don't really install the way the say they do. Without removing the clear plastic piece, the task is very difficult. I am sure you could just pop them in and call it a day. But the results are not as clean. Price seems about right, although it might be neat as part of a package, match it up with a set of Stack Racing's white face gauges, or part of the billet interior kit. Once the bezels were in i was happy. I like the way they added just the right flair to the gauges without going crazy. With the black face gauges, it really does give it a retro look. When the back lighting is on, it really pops.
So would I recommend this product? YES, but...do take the time and go the extra mile by removing the clear plastic.
Does you Mustang need this product? It depends, if you like the black face gauges , then yes. It is a cheap mod, under $50, and with the rights tools and patience, can be done in an afternoon. It is a great cheap modification to you Mustang's interior.
