79 ford gauge light socket problem
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
79 ford gauge light socket problem
The back of my gauge cluster is all brittle, and the plastic that holds the light sockets in place is crumbling away, so the lights are not making good contact with the printed circuit.
I was wondering if there is a good way to fix the problem, I was going try taking a plastic washer, and try and glue it around the socket hole to fix the problem. I bet that someone else has had the same problem, and was hoping to get some good ideas on fixing it.
Thanks in advance, Ron
1979 Ford F-150 Custom 4x4
I was wondering if there is a good way to fix the problem, I was going try taking a plastic washer, and try and glue it around the socket hole to fix the problem. I bet that someone else has had the same problem, and was hoping to get some good ideas on fixing it.
Thanks in advance, Ron
1979 Ford F-150 Custom 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
79 ford gauge light socket problem
Solder 2 wires from the bulb holder to the printed circuit or to the feed wires from the loom to get it to light, then use some clear silicon to hold the bulb assembly in cluster hole. If the bulb burns out, its no biggy to tear away the silicon to replace it
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
79 ford gauge light socket problem
There are many threads here on this subject. This is a common problem. The main consensus seems to be to replace the plastic piece. Some people have been able to find NOS parts.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
79 ford gauge light socket problem
You could get the backing panel from a 80's - 90's full size ford van too - "should" be the same. I think it was mentioned in the past that they are still available from Ford.
Marty
Marty
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Waipahu, Hi
79 ford gauge light socket problem
Originally Posted by wafordtech
That part is readily available and cheap, about $15 if I remember.
Don't have part # in front of me but can get it if you need.
Don't have part # in front of me but can get it if you need.
Please provide the part # for the $15 item and point me in the right direction where it be purchased from.
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Waipahu, Hi
Will it be a direct fitup to the cluster assembly ("mask" per shop manual) and printed circuit?
Any surprises we should know about or btw in regards to "should"?
Any surprises we should know about or btw in regards to "should"?
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
You've got to be carefull about buying a replacement housing. I know I've got about 6 of them in the attic that don't fit my truck. Try our sponsors and also try Ford. Someone here got his from Ford not too long ago.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 581
Likes: 2
From: Somerset, Pa
I have an extra one but unfortunatly I live an hour farther away from you than I was before, I am in somerset now.
The extra one I have is a 100mph one from a 76 so the plug in is different but I do have a cut off plug in if you feel like splicing your wires.
The extra one I have is a 100mph one from a 76 so the plug in is different but I do have a cut off plug in if you feel like splicing your wires.
