Jim,

That seems like an overly elaborate production. I simply grab the levers;
think of my ex-wife; then pull. They come right off and I get a feeling of
intense satisfaction!

BenT Flyers

On 2/24/06, Jim Felder <felder@knology.net> wrote:
>
> John,
>
> You'll probably get a lot of replies to this because there are lot of
> personal tips and trick involved, but basically like this:
>
> Have on hand a wide bladed sharp knife or other thin, strong tool for
> prying the faceplate (bezel) away from the dash, a couple of index
> cards and a pair of bent needlenose pliers.
>
> First loosen the bezel from the dash. Stick an index card under it and
> use a wide knife blade or similar to pry the ends away from the dash.
> There is a plastic pin that friction fits into a corresponding hole in
> the dash on each end of the cover plate. Pry carefully. If you break a
> pin, prepare to look for a replacement cover because they are difficult
> to glue. Be really careful with the bulb and wire. If your faceplate is
> not now illuminating, this is a good time to replace the bulb.
>
> The index card keeps you from scratching your dash.
>
> The reason you're pulling the bezel away slightly first is to
> facilitate getting the knobs off the levers.
>
> The rubber knobs you see in front are molded over plastic that in turn
> fits over the metal levers and as such form an extension of the levers.
> The trick is to NOT grab them by the knob, but instead reach behind
> them with the curved pliers and clamp the flat part that fits over the
> metal control levers. Now you'll see why you should loosen the bezel
> first.
>
> As the knobs come off, line them up on the dash so you won't have to
> figure out which go up or down upon reassembly. when they're all out,
> there's your lever assembly.
>
> Upon reassembly, put the faceplate over the levers loosely, push the
> levers back on as you took them off (with the pliers) and then push the
> faceplate home.
>
> Jim