Tachometer needle removal

[ktzdsl]

Anyone have any detailed info on how-to or how-NOT-to remove the tachometer needle on a 94 GTI tachometer? I searched and found that someone said NOT to use a kitchen fork, but with no solution. I just hate to ruin the device, while taking it apart for modification. Looking at it through my magnifying glass; it looks like it should be pried off rather than pulled off. But what do i know. Maybe it does not need to come off just to get to the circuit board for modification. Any ideas?

[the caveman]

It should just pull straight off. I just did the speedo on my  van last week, and although i took it off before, this time it was tight. I used a small pair of cutters and pryed it up from behind.

[Kantdrivefast]

use two butter knifes and gently twist under the middle of the needle. Thats how I do mine.

[ktzdsl]

Does the needle come off near the big round part of the needle or is there a shaft that comes with it?
I have taken all other screws and nuts off; and the circuit board is loose, the stud threads rattle in the holes, but the studs do not come out and I cannot get the board off.
So, I have the needle still installed, the face plate is loose and the bottom of the tach mechanism is out of the case, the red and blue wires are still connected and I cannot get the circuit board out of the case.
This is starting to get on  my one good nerve. Anyone???

[ktzdsl]

Did not have two butter knives, but use dinner knives instead. Will also develop a safety net to catch the flying needle when it does pop off. It flew about 2-3 feet up and landed about 2 feet away. Luckily I was working on a carpeted area and nothing else broke off. So, I answered my own question about the way the needle comes off and ow it is constructed. I was hesitant because the old clusters cost money and are no longer available.
Now to find the correct components and go to the next step.