OK, so...

It warmed up to around 40-degrees or so today so I decided to go out and work inside the truck to see what it would take to put an FM radio in the dash. Since I had to take the dash bezel off anyway, I decided to tackle the issue of some lighting issues I'm having with the instrument cluster...

I take the cluster out and the damn thing fell apart in my hands - more or less... It split in half across the top and the entire back of the cluster plate is hashed - Looks like one of the PO's used RTV to glue the bulb sockets in place so they wouldn't fall out...

LMC lists 2 different cluster plates:
49-6243 Plate "C" for clusters with warning lights and gauges.
49-6242 Plate "D" for clusters with gauges.

What do they mean by "warning lights"? The "brake" light?

It'd be cheaper to get a cluster from a salvage yard as that way, I'd also get another printed circuit and some more bulb sockets... However, I'd still have to rebuild the one I have because of the odometer, right? Even though this truck has a rebuilt engine, I can't swap odometers - am I correct?

Anybody done this before?

 

"Warning lights" means there is an OIL and ALT light in place of an oil pressure and charge gauge. The extra gauges were an option. You're correct that it'd be cheaper to get the panel out of a junkyard, but every panel I've ever seen at a yard has been cracked really bad. That plastic likes to crumble after years and years. As far as the odometers go, it just depends. Some states don't even keep track of mileage on the title after the truck is a certain age. The mileage only really matters when you're trying to sell it but even then it doesn't always matter, it just depends on the state. You would have to check your DMV's website. I think it'd be simplest just to swap over your old speedometer\odometer assembly though to stay as consistent as possible.

If I were you, I'd keep looking in the yards for a replacement cluster because even though a lot of the ones you'll find are going to be cracked, you have a lot of options because a broad range of Econolines use the same plastic cluster if I am not mistaken. Econolines are pretty easy to find in junkyards. Just get one that's the same style (gauges vs. lights) as yours, otherwise you'll have to change the wiring too. Don't waste your money on anything from LMC.

 

Why do you say not to waste your $$ at LMC. Need to know be4 I order anything.
Thanks

 

I got a replacement plastic cluster back from Bronco Graveyard last summer, worked like a charm.

If looking in a wrecking yard, look for an 80's model Econoline. Based on what Bill (NumberDummy) said in another thread, that's when Ford started using plastic cluster backs. Apparently, prior to that time (i.e. our trucks), the cluster backs were made out of some type of composite material, not plastic.

 

LMC is typically known for overpriced, low-quality foreign-made products. They're okay for little things, but that's about it. Site sponsors like JBG, Mac's, etc tend to be a better deal.

 

The wire harness for clusters with gauges are different than with lites. I did a cab swap and found this out. Stick with what you got. It saves you alot of time and hassle. I think it would be easier to swap your odometer into a different cluster. As far as LMC, I havent ordered anything from them, but from what I've read on here, I dont think I ever will. MHO.

 

I just typed all the answers to these cluster backs in another thread in this forum two days ago.

Thread: Instrument Clusters, post #18.

The deal is...the two cluster backs used on 1975/79 F100/350's (1978/79 Bronco's, 1975/80 Econolines) were made of a composition material and turned to DUST after several years.

One cluster back is used with ammeter and oil pressure WARNING (idiot) lights.

The other cluster back is used with ammmeter and oil pressure gauges.

In 1981, Ford replaced these two cluster backs with ones from the Econolines, which is made from PLASTIC, and do not turn to dust.

Dennis Carpenter bought all the remaining new stock from Ford several years ago, so he's the only source that has them.

If LMC or Bronco Graveyard is selling them, they are buying them from Carpenter.

You can get used PLASTIC cluster backs from the following:

1981/91 Econolines with gauges.

1981/86 Econolines with WARNING lights.
----------------------------------------
E1PZ10848A .. Cluster Back-use with Gauges

DENNIS CARPENTER has 305 = 704-786-8139.
---------------------------------------------
EIPZ10848B .. Cluster Back-Use with Oil and Amp WARNING Lights.

DENNIS CARPENTER HAS 135.

btw: The printed circuit boards used in these Econolines are the exact same ones the 1975/79 F100/350's (1978/79 Bronco's, 1975/80 Econolines) used.

Peeps walk right by Econolines in wrecking yards, because they don't know all these parts are identical.

 

I checked the Tips and Tricks link but didn't think to do a search (Doh!)... sorry...

Anyway, thanks for the information all, I will definitely be checking into getting one of those plastic cluster backs.

 

That's OK...the search function can be a PITA to use.

Two days ago I typed the info....but I've typed this same info at least 20 times on FTE in two years.