69 XR7 instrument cluster light diffusers are located

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

does anyone know where the light diffusers are located in the cluster , and how to get to them ?

2

Here’s a couple of images from WCCC:
image

image’
The whole dash will have to come out, and the actual gauge cluster and housing will have to be removed ( i.e. - disconnection of the speedometer cable and the main wiring harness clip ) in order to separate the ‘two halves’ of the gauge cluster assembly ( the front ‘mask’ and plastic housing + lenses from the rear metal housing ). You will then see the rear of the gauge cluster metal housing as in the image.
Depends on what you want to do with the blue plastic diffusers how you proceed from there. Here’s the link to the West Coast Classic Cougar dash and gauge removal video - up to the 3 minute mark deals with the drivers side / gauge and cluster:

Good luck with the task.

3

have the cluster out and in my hands … how much has to come apart ? i see a set of 7 screws around the outside rim of the metal into the white plastic , or does the whole thing have to be completely disassembled ? (gauges etc)

4

I believe that is correct. To take out the screws on the back of the metal housing will allow the white plastic housing ( for the gauges ) and the front faux wood grain mask and lens bezel units to be detached from the metal back housing. If I recall the various gauges and their lenses will remain attached to the metal housing, as they are each separately screwed into the rear metal body as well.
I will check tonight ( I have a spare XR-7 gauge cluster ) just to confirm. Here is the page from the MPC:
image

5

thanks for the blown up drawing . i see there are a total of 5 diffusers according to this diagram . would you know if i could jump the lighting part of the circuit board with 12 volts , or does it have to be knocked down to like 9 volts to test the circuit ?

6

Dash lamps can take up to 12V, no sweat.

7

thanks i guess i’ll dive into this part of my project .

8

the whole cluster has to come apart to replace the light diffusers . they are under the face of the gauges . what a difference the LED lamps new diffusers make . i’m very happy with the outcome . looks great .

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9

I agree with dieslon. I have been really happy with the LED dash lights as well.

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