E30 Cluster Repair Tabs
Description
Do you own a BMW E30? Did you remove your instrument cluster to replace the odometer gears only to realize the mounting tabs were cracked? Do you have a crippling addiction to old BMWs? Is there a tote full of instrument clusters in your basement or shed with split or broken mounting tabs? Have you seen the various cluster repair tabs being sold and thought, "That's great but I need like 7 sets"? If you answered any or all of those questions with yes, I'm your guy! Introducing the open sourced E30 instrument cluster repair tabs. After looking at Race German and TCEuropean and MyClassicParts charging between $19 and $52 per car, I did the math and realized I would probably never get around to buying them. So I did the easier thing, sit at my computer for a few days with a non-cracked cluster in my lap re-creating the OEM shape in photoshop, adding the locating blocks, and test printing/fitting. Installation is simple. Once you have the tabs in hand, fit them roughly into the existing tab supports (ramp looking things) and stick a small screwdriver or screw through the hole so the new tab's mounting hole lines up with whatever you have left of the original. Mark the edge of the locating block and the hole if you're going to use screws. This will ensure the replacement tabs line up with your dashboard when you reinstall the cluster in the car. After that just cut your existing tabs off at the seam between the housing and the lens, and install the tabs using either glue or screws, I went with 3/4" machine screws because I had them and I didn't want to send a deck screw into my tachometer. Check the pictures above for install references. This whole thing was done in Photoshop and 3D Builder from the Windows Store. My working file is included, it's the .3mf and it is not pretty. Feel free to remix or use these on customer cars but don't go selling them on eBay or Etsy. The whole point is that they're free, don't ruin it. Good luck, have fun, and happy E30ing.
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