Anyone want to get their cluster apart?

[SonicSteve]

i dont know if it has been done but im happy with mine thought id share. the cluster is kind of a pita to get apart so if anyone has question let me know.

 

[seanp1]

I have no desire to take mine apart but it looks like you have it down pat. Very interesting color scheme you have going on

 

[SonicSteve]

I have no desire to take mine apart but it looks like you have it down pat. Very interesting color scheme you have going on

Well ive never seen it done and actually. its extremely sketchy getting it apart for the first time. if i explained it to someone it wouldnt be so bad

2012 Sonic LTZ HB White 6Au 1.8l

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Actually yes please, I'm planning on doing some trim customization in the coming months and I want to do the cluster surround as well. PM or post here, I'll keep an eye on this thread!

 

[SonicSteve]

Actually yes please, I'm planning on doing some trim customization in the coming months and I want to do the cluster surround as well. PM or post here, I'll keep an eye on this thread!

Ok well heres the deal. Im gonna try to explain this as easily as i can. if you have questions ask. dont snap the damn bezel its probably about impossible to order.

So first take the cluster cap off. pry toward drivers seat and up. it will snap right up and slide it off

the window trim around the scree can be pryed out around all sides carefully and it will simply pull out. those clips are small and dont have alot of hold

Pull the steering wheel out as far and down as possible. theres the soft vinly cover and a hard plastic cover directly under the cluster. push the left and right side of that hard cover toward the center of the steering column. those clips are soft as well.

2 7mm screws are exposed behind that cover. pull those out ... at this point you have 2 options. you can leave the cluster in place and continue with instructions, or you can unbolt the last 7mm screw right up top and do it with the cluster in your hand. i would suggest leaving it attached. you will have more leverage.

now the fun. top left of the cluster bezel. pull here and look for the clips.
i will post a pic of the back of the cluster. you need to locate these clips and push the white locking clip out of it. push toward the center of the cluster from all sides to unlock those clips.

refer to the picture for clip locations. from there pull easy on it and take it apart slowly. it will come apart. although it does require a little force and patience. if you stuck just reply here. or just text me. 563 594 8688

 

[SonicSteve]

first pic shows the top left corner of cluster has no clips. just a little retainer. the other pic shows locations of all clips

 

[HollywoodTurbo]

that looks really good. What paint did you use

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Thanks for the how-to and pics! Appreciate it a lot.

Gotta get a few things fixed on my TBSS so I can drive it full time, then I'll start tearing into my Sonic.

 

[SonicSteve]

that looks really good. What paint did you use

Thanks man. I stick to krylon and valspar only. and actually i only use valspars clear. ive painted just about everything you can imagine out of a spray can and i get great results.

So this thread can become a how to get great paint as well lol?

Im using a krylon cover max ultra flat gray primer(its a new krylon) i like that primer alot. although on the piece in the pic theres no primer used. the silver parts in our cars have a good primer on them already

im using krylon fusion for a color coat which is the "for plastic" line. i wouldnt however shoot directly onto any plastic ever for any reason. i dont care what paint you have it wont work as well as a primed surface.

my clear is valspar anti rust armor. This clear is a specific one that i like because its very thick. its deceiving however because it seems like you have crazy bad orange peel and it sprays on like spatter. not like the wattery clear coats that gives you runs instantly. this clear is very thick and you just gotta spray and trust it.

thats about all. i hate rust oleum with every inch of my being. they made a major formula change a year ago and i had a ton of problems. i couldnt get it to lay right no matter what.

switched to the krylon and it shoots great.

a few notes. if youre having trouble with gatoring or fisheye or spread in your paint. swap out to a semi gloss or a flat for the color coat. it will lay easier and when you clear it no one will know the difference. turns out just as glossy.

dont sand into the plastic or youll need to fiberglass the pores shut. and lastly. rubbing alcohol and a microfiber will save you alot of headaches... wipe everything down as well as you can.

Happy painting :banana:

 

[HollywoodTurbo]

So you didn't sand it down? I've sanded into textured dashes and used automotive paint from a paint gun to get the smooth look I wanted.

 

[SonicSteve]

So you didn't sand it down? I've sanded into textured dashes and used automotive paint from a paint gun to get the smooth look I wanted.

i sanded it yes to get into the primer below and out of an actual gun yes you can paint just about anything. i was simply saying as far spray paint is concerned for those who dont have access to a paint gun or booth. or those who dont have experience in painting with a gun.

 

[SonicSteve]

What do you think...