anyone know how to take the dash out of an 83 i need to get behind to gauge cluster to replace some lights. the dash pad and everything is loose but i dont want to break anything and i feel there is a trick or something to get it out?

__________________
1983 Ford Ranger / 2.3L / 2WD

Fog Lights-Cleared Turn Signals-Composite Headlights- 8k HID - Tach & White Face Gauges - L.E.D. Gauge Lights - Front and Rear Sway Bar - New Carpet

On my 89 the little bezel around the gauges just pulled off and then you unbolt the gauge cluster and it's out

__________________

Thats what it looks like is supposed to happen but theres kind of like a lip on the dash pad over it and it definately doesn't come out easily, seems like the dash pad is supposed to come off first, im not sure, i'll just keep playin with it

__________________
1983 Ford Ranger / 2.3L / 2WD

Fog Lights-Cleared Turn Signals-Composite Headlights- 8k HID - Tach & White Face Gauges - L.E.D. Gauge Lights - Front and Rear Sway Bar - New Carpet

When I took the cluster out of my 87, I broke a couple of nipples, but I never had a problem with it not seating correctly.

The main thing I have found, is if you can reach up under the dash and disconnect the Speedo cable, it comes out easier.

__________________
1992 Ford Ranger STX
4.0 5-speed 4x4

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2.4L AWD

k thanks

__________________
1983 Ford Ranger / 2.3L / 2WD

Fog Lights-Cleared Turn Signals-Composite Headlights- 8k HID - Tach & White Face Gauges - L.E.D. Gauge Lights - Front and Rear Sway Bar - New Carpet

Sounds like you have the general idea, when I painted my gauge bezel I found it easier to remove the whole dash. But that's just me.

__________________
1984 Ford Ranger Reg. Cab 2.0L 4SPD 2WD 3.73 8.88 Rear End, No cat 2 1/4 exhaust piped to side exit Diesel tip

once you got all the screws out from the defroster and all that did it just pull out?

and also do you have pics of the bezel painted because i was thinking of making mine black while it was out

__________________
1983 Ford Ranger / 2.3L / 2WD

Fog Lights-Cleared Turn Signals-Composite Headlights- 8k HID - Tach & White Face Gauges - L.E.D. Gauge Lights - Front and Rear Sway Bar - New Carpet

Yeah. The whole thing just pulled right out. And when I get my camera back I'll post some pics ASAP

__________________
1984 Ford Ranger Reg. Cab 2.0L 4SPD 2WD 3.73 8.88 Rear End, No cat 2 1/4 exhaust piped to side exit Diesel tip