97 Civic EX - 'missing' coolant temp needle

[daveimme]

I just picked up a 97 civic and though the radiator has been replaced, the needle on the dash for the coolant temp is not there (fell or broke off, not sure) but I did see the PO did copy over the dash interface with white background and most likely he broke it but not owning up to it. Do I need to find another cluster? or replace that gauge alone?

I refuse to drive the car until I have this one gauge working; all other gauges aren't nearly as important.....

Also, if I remove the cluster, I did see two bolts at the bottom after I removed the trim...are they the only screws that need to be removed?

I'm new here...so thanks in advance....

[Greenblurr93]

you can either get a new cluster, or i BELIEVE you can disassemble the cluster and remove just the guage you need.

[daveimme]

Thanks.....I did check with the dealership and they said that the temp gauge itself ($44) can be swapped out. I will go to the local LKQ junkyard and see if I can find a cluster (in great shape) at a comparable price or jump for the gauge.

Does anyone have first hand experience removing the cluster? That is, are the two bolts at the bottom the only thing holding the cluster in place? Thanks.....