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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Tom4388 on 14 January 2010, 17:21

Title: how to i change dials?
Post by: Tom4388 on 14 January 2010, 17:21
Hi all,

i've been wanting to change the black dials in the mk3 for a bit now because i'm not keen on the black ones  :huh:
so instead of buying a brand new set of dials i've gone down the cheap road ---> recession! lol
and just bought the white plastic dials that replace the existing black ones.

but...... i dont know how to change them :laugh:
does anyone know how to do it or has done and could give me a quick guide on how its done

cheers
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Tom4388 on 14 January 2010, 17:25
spelling mistake  :nerd:


(how to change dials? )
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Deano2711 on 14 January 2010, 18:21
Hi Mate     Bit of a lengthy process Mate. Firstly to remove the clocks you need to remove the blanking plate on the left hand side of the clocks on the dash with a flat head screwdriver (carefully). Undo the screw behind it. Remove the blanking plate near the light switch to the right hand side of the clocks. Remove the screw from behind this. The clock surround will then carefully pull away from the dash. There are a couple of clips at the top. You may need to lower the steering wheel to get this out completely. You then need to unscrew the two screws that hold in the clocks, one to the left and one to the right. The clocks will then just need to be navigated out of the space towards the steering wheel. There is also a connector at the back of the clocks. Remove this and the clocks are out. The easiest way then is to unscrew the gold coloured screws around the see through plastic cover on the clocks (star shaped screws I believe). Then very very carefully pull off the needles (DO NOT TWIST THEM AS THEY SNAP VERY EASILY). Your new dials will then fit over the existing clocks and then replace needles and plastic cover and replace the clocks in the dash.  Please note that the needles being replaced could lead to them giving inaccurate readings and you may need to have a second attempt.

That is how to change the faces....but would it not be easier to change the entire cluster for a set off E.Bay or on here??  This way you would get the looks you want with minimum disruption and accurate readings at the end of it.

Cheers     Deano
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: VR6-Joe on 14 January 2010, 18:28
What about the headlight switch Deano? You forget that part? :grin:
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Tom4388 on 14 January 2010, 18:32
cheers man it does sound like a lot of hard work  :shocked:
if i bought a completely new set would i need to get the miliage changed on it? and stuff

cheers
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Tom4388 on 14 January 2010, 18:38
i didnt know i could move my stearing wheel up and down lol
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Deano2711 on 14 January 2010, 18:40
What about the headlight switch Deano? You forget that part? :grin:


Remove the blanking plate near the light switch to the right hand side of the clocks. Remove the screw from behind this.

This is the same part Mate.


As for changing the mileage on new clocks....depends how fussy you are!!!!!!!
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Deano2711 on 14 January 2010, 18:42
What about the headlight switch Deano? You forget that part? :grin:

I also forgot it when changing my clocks and it snapped  :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: DrewGTI on 14 January 2010, 19:13
What about the headlight switch Deano? You forget that part? :grin:


Remove the blanking plate near the light switch to the right hand side of the clocks. Remove the screw from behind this.

This is the same part Mate.


As for changing the mileage on new clocks....depends how fussy you are!!!!!!!


there is no blanking plate on the right hand side. . its the headlight switch.


as for mileage, i'd be very fussy as mine has 60k on clock  :drool:
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Deano2711 on 14 January 2010, 19:32
What about the headlight switch Deano? You forget that part? :grin:


as for mileage, i'd be very fussy as mine has 60k on clock  :drool:

Granted Mate....60k is excellent but no doubt you paid higher end of the price bracket for the Mark 3 ??
Most Mark 3's have an average of between 120 to 160k on the clocks.  I changed my clocks and let Chris at R Tech try to alter the mileage with no joy. I just have the correct mileage jotted down and kept the old clocks as proof. May not matter to everyone.

Cheers      Deano
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Andy-H on 15 January 2010, 14:36
Removing the clocks is not too difficult to do.

At this point, you're halfway there so if you have the dials, you may as well do it  :smiley:

You then need to split the clocks, carefully remove the dial needles, place the facias on and rebuild  :wink: simples

(http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp270/andy-mk3/Picture222.jpg)

I also painted the needles as well while they were apart but used model enamel as cellulose would have melted the needles  :sad:
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Tom4388 on 16 January 2010, 16:22
right so i have the dials.....
and i've taken out the blanking plate on the left and the headlight switch surround.
and taken out the screws but how do i get the plastic and the glass surround that covers the dials out to get to the dials?
the stearing wheels in the way. is there a way of moving it down out of the way or do i just have to squeeze past it lol

Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: kells on 16 January 2010, 16:42
tilt it forwards, its on a hinge at the bottom both sides, reach behind to the left you will feel the plug, its about 2 inch wide, unplug this then pull the dials out, they fit without moving te steering wheel,

my mum could change the dials... its that simple mate  :smiley:
Title: Re: how to i change dials?
Post by: Tom4388 on 16 January 2010, 21:28
lol nice one

can she come round and do it for me ?
her and my mum can have a brew and a chat lol