how do u get everything out? starting from nothing...what panels etc etc...

 

If you're talking about the gauge cluster check this page out. It's an explorer forum but it gives a very good and detailed instructions on how to get it out and whatnot.

 

That seems like way to much work! That's just me though.

 

I'm glad i read that!
I was going to put a new bezel trim peice inside my gauges. Silver bezel trim. I have been holding out on it for awhile, b/c of whats involved. But, doesn't look to bad. Slighty time consuming.

 

yes its very time consuming...lol

 

ok, just had mine out a few weekends to go so I could change the color in the gauge clusters.
Tools needed: either 7mm or 8mm sockets, I cant remember. and a rachet
first thing you have to take out is the radio bezel, I never took mine all the way out just enough to get the other panels out, you know the two bolts under above the a/c controls. I pulled mine out partially and let rest on my shifter.
then pull the bottom piece out. there are 4 7mm bolts on the very bottom, 2 hold the hood release in. the rest are clips, pop that out. there will be a metal plate, you will have to loosen it enough to get the two bolts on the bottom of the upper paneling. there are the two bolts behind the metal plate, then two at the very top of the panel. it pulls out. besure to disconnect the wires from the headlight switch and dimmer switch.
Then the gauge cluster is held in by 4 bolts, there were 3 wire harnesses that I disconnected.

 

sorry no pics, didnt think to take pictures when I was doing it, it was one of those, last minute decisions of "hey, I want to change the color of my cluster, and did it, haha, I get a lot of things done like that.

 

its not that bad. but then again ive done it way too many times!

 

I just loosen the heat shield, I don't take it off, cause I can still slide the plastic around the cluster over the shield. Less work for me! I've had my cluster out plenty of times putting guage faces on and replacing clusters.