I converted the gauges on my 66 to Autometer. Wasn't really in the mood to go down that road right now, but converting to LED might make sense. Is it really all that much brighter??

 

Before LED I could barely see some instruments.

After LED I can see all instruments at night and they look nice.

Very noticeably brighter.

Hard to photograph; notice some areas are over exposed:

 

Scootchu,
Let me know if your successful I am having the exact same problem, I really dont want to cut or heat up but looks like i may not have a choice

Thanks
Mortman

 

would be nice to have a DIY stiff leg ram wedged up against dash while removing cluster.

 

Okay I trimmed the pad a bit in the back where it turns down to a 90 degree angle. I heated the inside corner of the pad and the cluster went in a lot easier and it seated farther in. That lip was keeping the whole assembly from going all the way in. It was a good 1/4 of an inch away from the metal dash.
Here are some shots of the new steering wheel.

 

Nice

 

That looks great Man!

I agree with upgrading to an electronic instrument cluster voltage regulator while its out, but NOT going to LED. I don't like how they look and they cast shadows on areas of the cluster.

 

That looks pretty good. WHen I have seen LED on 65-66 its not as good. The incandescent illuminate much more evenly.

 

I trimmed the top left corner of the dashpad. It was a new pad and the lip just protruded into the cluster area too far. I also had the windshield out and I setup clamps that pulled the pad up towards the drivers a pillar and left them overnight.

I can also attest to the led lighting. What a difference.

 

You can test and tune cluster lighting on the bench...fun

Colored LED can be intense.

You might like white LED w/ colored bulb covers.

I noticed some are now making dimable LED.

No plans to change my stock 64.5.