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1) The replacement is from a 1967 122. Is there any difference beside the chrome front piece? It seems like I can just snap that off.
Not really. Some had clear lenses on the instrument lights and others had green but they are interchangable. You'd be a glutton for punishment for changing the face plates and expecting to get the new one on properly.
2) The paint/coating is peeling even from my replacement. I plan to take the rest of the dark gray coating off. Brass is underneath. Anybody have success chroming where the brass shows? I think that would look great. A good/bad idea?
I personally think that's a bad idea. Reflections from sunlight in that area are terribly distracting. I had an instrument cluster that was polished "brass" and I was glad to replace it when a better one came along.
3) I have heard it is not an easy job. I am fairly thin and agile if that will help. What are tips you have in making the most efficient swap? How many hours should I plan? Does Haynes have good instructions for removal/replacement?
It's actually easy. Mark wires before you pull things apart. Be careful with the gauge George mentions, or just pull the gauge itself out of the complete unit and attach it to the new one. It's just 2 bolts (or maybe they were thumbscrews) that hold the thing in. Same with the cluster as a whole. It helps to take off the dash pad. I changed mine in about 90 minutes. Be sure to wear safety glasses because the jute firewall pad will be shedding pieces every time you touch it and your face will be right underneath. Haynes mentions almost nothing about this, but it's pretty easy regardless.
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Justin 66 122E
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