HOW TO: VT/VX 3 window instrument cluster upgrade

[DaveHAT]

For VT/VU/VX Commodore owners, one of the most recommended upgrades that can be done for Exec, S Pack, SS etc owners is to install a 3 window instrument cluster with the added trip computer and fuel usage etc functions. I have done this on my VTSS but when I undertook the upgrade there was no really detailed description of how to do it, particularly one with pics which would have been most useful. Anyway here's my version which I hope anyone considering this upgrade might find useful.

Step 1: Remove the Stereo headunit.
Removal of the headunit is simply a matter of getting a coat hanger, cutting it up and bending it so that you have 2 pieces such as this:
http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/vx_radio_removal.jpg

Then gently ease the headunit out, reach behind and unplug the aerial lead and wiring loom.

Step 2: Remove the gearshift surround.
Gently pull up on the gearshift boot/surround (it's only held in by plastic clips)and you should get this:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/1.JPG

No need to remove the shifter boot, just leave it loose.

Step 3: Remove the power window switch (if fitted)
Reach inside the hole where the shifter boot was and gently push the power window switch out. This will reveal the wiring loom which is a plug that comes away easily such as this:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/1a.JPG

Step 4: Removal of the lower facia panel.
This is where things can get a bit fiddly. Look in where the accesory plug (mobile phone charger thingy) is and there should be a rubber mat. Remove it and you should see 2 screw like this:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/3.JPG

Remove them. Now pull GENTLY (agree Luke?) upwards on the console facia, it is only held in by retaining clips which need to be popped but DO NOT force it. It should come away easily.

Step 5: Remove the small storage panel under the stereo.
With the gearshift facia removed you should be able to see these 2 screws:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/4.JPG

As well as securing the storage pocket these screws also hold the dash facia in.

Step 6: Remove the secret hidden screws.
Above the top of the instrument cluster there are 2 screws that screw into the crash pad section of the dashboard like this:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/6.JPG

Remove both screws.

Step 7: Remove the last 3 facia screws.
Drop the section under the steering wheel (where the fuses are) down and it will reveal these screws:
2 to the right of the steering column
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/7.JPG
1 to the left:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/8.JPG

Remove all 3 screws.

[DaveHAT]

Step 8: Now the tricky part, with all the screws securing the facia removed...
GENTLY pull the facia away from the dash
http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/11a.JPG

There are 4 spring clips that need to be released seen here:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/10.JPG
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/9.JPG
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/11.JPG

Step 9:
Reach behind the now loosened facia and disconnect the plugs from the trip computer, hazard lights, fog lights and headlight switches.
With these unplugged, the upper facia can now be gently eased away from the dash.
Dropping the steering wheels might help here.

You should now have this:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/12.JPG

NOW TO REMOVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER:
There are 2 gold screws (one on either side) which need to be removed.
http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/13.JPG
http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/14.JPG

Don't do as I did and drop the bloody screw and spend the next hour trying to retrieve it...

With the screws removed you can now ease the cluster forward away from where it sits.
Reach around behind the cluster, find the loom and unplug it. It's a squeeze and release connection:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/15.JPG

OK so if all has gone to plan you should now have this:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/16.JPG.

RE-INSTALLATION:
Re-Installation of the new cluster, dash facias and surrounds is simply a matter of reversing the order that you have just followed to remove the old cluster. Plug and play as it were.

TIP:
When reinstalling the upper dash facia make sure the small storage container under the headunit goes in AFTER the upper facia, otherwise it won't sit flush. Also, it's better to double check all the connections to the switches etc and make sure they are securely connected as you go. Nothing worse that getting everything reinstalled only to realise that you forgot to plug the headlight switch in....

Here we have the finished product:
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/medium/17.JPG

I hope this rough guide may be of some help to people wanting to do this modification and please bare in mind that THIS IS JUST HOW I DID IT, THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GUIDE OR APPROVED BY HOLDEN ETC. I have done this install a dozen times previously with no problems to date.

Disclaimer:
If anyone wishes to use this guide to perform the install, the owners of trackchat bare no responsibility for any breakages or problems that may occur along the way.

[SSUte01]

Nice work there Dave. Yes I agree ;)

Good write up. Worth while mod IMO

Did you get another new one for yourself or is that somebody elses? Cos it looks as though one three window is replaced with another or did you simply change the facia. Either way good, thorough how-to guide

[DaveHAT]

Nice work there Dave. Yes I agree ;)

Good write up. Worth while mod IMO

Did you get another new one for yourself or is that somebody elses? Cos it looks as though one three window is replaced with another or did you simply change the facia. Either way good, thorough how-to guide

:lol:

Yep, I stumbled across this instrument dial in Tiger, "at the right price :yep: and fitted it to my exisiting cluster.

[scat2k3]

Dave, thats a brilliant writeup. One of the best step by step guides I've read.

Even though its not directly applicable to my thing, there are lots of steps and tips in there that apply to any VT onwards cars for dash component removal.

Well done. :thumbs: :bravo: :thumbs:

Cheers,

Scott

[DaveHAT]

ADDIT:

The new instrument cluster will require programming via Holden's tech 2 device to make it work properly and integrate with the vehicle BCM module using this information:

CLICK ---> Instrument cluster programming ( www.excelerate.com.au/downloads/tigerss/instrument_program.pdf)

[35R]

excellent write up Dave, well done mate.

[Scotty]

Dave,

when is the Speed Shop available for an install?

Josh has given me a HSV 3 window cluster for my car.

[NickS]

Dave,

when is the Speed Shop available for an install?

Josh has given me a HSV 3 window cluster for my car.

That'd be the old "fast" cluster too ... :hide:

[DaveHAT]

Dave,

when is the Speed Shop available for an install?

Josh has given me a HSV 3 window cluster for my car.

Hrs of business are 9am - 4pm most Sat.

Better do it soon as the shop will be closing for renovations.

You'll need to get to a Holden dealer after it's installed to get the cluster reprogrammed to suit the SS. The "low 12 sec" cluster you have will be setup to suit the climate control of Josh's "high 12 sec" GTTTS. Not a big drama but will have an X in the left trip computer window until the programming is corrected.

[NickS]

Hrs of business are 9am - 4pm most Sat.

Better do it soon as the shop will be closing for renovations.

Finally extending the speed shop into the lounge room hey Dave ... top idea.

:yep: