I pulled my instrument cluster out today to replace some bulbs and discovered a mess. The backing plate is disintegrating from age. I am trying to determine where to purchase a replacement. This is a 79 F250 Ranger XLT 2WD. It has gauges for oil, amp, temp and fuel. I know that both LMC and DC sell them but would like to hear if anyone has history with parts from either place, or if there is an alternative. Attached is a picture of the part number.

D8TF-10848-CA

Also, the printed circuit looks very good so I'm planning on reusing it. Again, any input from your experience

is appreciated.

 

Go to a wrecking yard and pull one from a mid 80's to '90 econoline. The material is different and doesn't crumble.

 

Very typical for clusters made over a couple of years time frame with that material. You can do as Whizzer suggests or just get a reproduction one. I used DC and it was fine.

 

That is not crumbled....X2 on what wizzer said, hit a JY. If not a DC part will be worth the $.

 

E1PZ-10848-A .. Hard Plastic Instrument Cluster Back-Use with Amp/Oil Pressure GAUGES / Obsolete

This was also the Ford "service part replacement" for the POS instrument cluster back that was made of a composition material that can TURN TO DUST before your very eyes!

1981/91 Econoline / Retro-fit: 1975/79 F100/350 - 1975/80 Econoline / 1978/79 Bronco.

NOTE: At one time, Carpenter had over 700 of this cluster back NOS as he bought all of FoMoCo's remaining inventory.

FYI: D6TZ-10K843-B .. Printed Circuit Board-Use with Amp/Oil Pressure GAUGES / Marked: D6TF-10K843-BA / Obsolete ~ A few available NOS

1976/79 F100/350 - 1976/91 Econoline / 1978/79 Bronco.
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Further note: There's another: E1PZ-10848-B .. Hard Plastic Instrument Cluster Back-Use with Amp/Oil WARNING LAMPS / Obsolete

1981/86 Econoline / Retro-fit: 1975/79 F100/350 - 1975/80 Econoline - 1978/79 Bronco.

At one time Carpenter had over 500 of these NOS

 

Thanks Guys, appreciate the help!

 

Mine was totally gone, crumbling as I touched it. Got mine from JBG along with the circuit board, nice piece no issues. Check to make sure your voltage regulator is ok, they are only $20 if you need a new one.