Gauge overlay or face replacement

[MNYota]

Hey all,

Just got a new (to me) 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5. I had an identical 2000, but it was totaled last summer. Found another and I have a quick question.

The tachometer gauge overlay was bubbled up when I bought it. I'm guessing a bulb got hot or the sun damaged it? Either way, I'd like to replace it.

My two problems:

I can't find a replacement gauge overlay. All I can find is expensive "white" gauge face overlays. Does anyone know where I can find a black, stock looking replacement?

I'm not sure I'd be up for the challenge of replacing the gauge overlay. Has anyone done this? How hard is it? Do you need special tools?

Thanks in advance for any help you all can offer!

 

[99 sr5 highlander]

I have my old complete gauge cluster that I would be willing to take apart if you are interested. The overlays are in good shape.

 

[sportrunner2001]

I have my old complete gauge cluster that I would be willing to separate if you are interested. The overlays are in good shape.

I think the 99's cluster might be a little different than the 01-02. I've looked on ebay and other places for new overlays and they split the years into 96-98, 99-00, and 01-02. it might be the same if you have multimode though I'm not sure. I have one bubble but I just try not to look at it too often haha

quick ebay search for a new cluster is anywhere between 100-300 bucks, OUCH!

EDIT* [MENTION=51355]MNYota[/MENTION], nice Runner by the way! looks just like mine used to

 

[99 sr5 highlander]

The gauge clusters are different, however I am 99% sure that the tach overlay is the same. Btw, the biggest and really only challenge of replacing the overlay is removing the needle. Other than that it's just removing the trim around it so you can get to the cluster, and the two small black screws holding the overlay on.

 

[sportrunner2001]

I just noticed that OP was talking about just the tach overlay and not all four of the gauge areas. Your right I'm wrong haha they should be the same between 99-02 for the tach

 

[MNYota]

Yes, that's all I need. My tach overlay is bubbled up for some reason. I'll take a look when I get in there. But, it hasn't changed and isn't getting any worse.

Either way, I'm not sure if I need to change the entire tach face or if I can simply find a stock tach overlay and replace that.

Sounds petty, but it bugs me every time I drive it.

 

[kc08]

I've got the same issue on my 1999 4runner limited. Were you ever able to track down a tach overlay or did you have to completely replace the tach... or cluster altogether?

 

[repo]

I've done this. I didnt want white overlays so i bough a whole cluster from ebay. You cant swap the whole cluster because the mileage will change, and different years have different connectors. Different years also have different background patterns so look very closely at the pics so you get a pattern that matches your other gauges.

I used a kitchen fork to very carefully pull off the needle. Then i swapped the guage backer over and installed the cluster back in the dash without the needle or the cover, hooked up a bluetooth obdii reader and carefully pushed on the needle to match the rpm. Then installed cover.

If you get an exact year match for your cluster you might be able to just swap the circuit board which stores the mileage which would be easier