I read on the forums that the later model 02s woodgrain instrument cluster dash can be removed to reveal a black crinkle finish plastic present on earlier 2002s. If this is correct what is the procedure for removing it????

Many thanks in advance, Al

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

I wouldn't say that the procedure you mention is easy, or safe. If you are in an accident you want all that stuff to stay in place. There is real glass in front of the gauges, and I wouldn't recommend that the end result is the same as using a 72 or 73 gauge cluster, or just paint the wood finish black with some medium black or crinkle finish paint.

If you check around you can find a 73 or 72 gauge pod relatively cheap and use that instead.

While you have it open, here's some good information you can follow on how to clean all that up on the inside and put in new bulbs.

http://www.my2002tii.com/how_to_dash_gauges.htm

Chances are your car has 33 years of crud on the bulbs and they are real dim.

http://www.my2002tii.com/images/gauges/gauge-back.jpg

It can be removed with a little pressure from the back (after removing everything inside the cluster) but you still need three round bezels from 73 or earlier models, to hold the glass covers. You are better off getting an earlier model cluster, as my200tii suggested. I already went through this process on my 74tii and don't recommend it.

Something I read in the forums suggested it was easier. I was under the impression it just snapped off, thanks for the heads up. My car is pretty much restored, the only thing left that really bothers me is the fake and cheesy finish of that plastic woodgrain! Must have been an afterthought of some German engineer that he thought was a bright idea at the time.

sand it and paint it