Gauge Cluster Backing replacement

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Nov 23, 2013 | 02:16 PM

Mustangking1

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Tuned

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 419

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From: Oklahoma City

Gauge Cluster Backing replacement

Hello.

Just ordered a new gauge cluster back from Jeffs Bronco Graveyard.

While I am waiting for the part to come in I am researching how the best way to replace it?

I tried searching but couldnt find anything on this site.

How do the actual gauges like the temp gauge, oil pressure, fuel gauge come off the old cluster then how it is installed onto the new cluster?

Nov 23, 2013 | 02:22 PM

fmc400

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Austin, TX

The gauges thread through the back of the cluster using two studs each. Be very, very, very careful removing the nuts on these studs. Don't loosen them directly; instead, hold onto the end of the stud with pliers and then work the nuts loose. There's not much holding the studs steady in the gauges (just thin, old plastic). Very delicate mag wire is soldered to the back of these inside, and you don't want to wiggle them. There's also a gasket behind the speedometer that may need to be replaced when you swap the speedometer over.

Just a word of advice. Some of the replacement clusters are made of very translucent plastic. When one light comes on (like a turn signal or fasten belts, etc), it lights up everything around it. I had to paint the insides of the light cavities on my replacement cluster to keep the light from bleeding through. Mine came from LMC, but there's a good chance it's the same part (only one or two overseas factories reproducing these). I would have much preferred to get a factory cluster from a later-model Econoline, but all the vans in my local JY had gauge clusters, and my truck has idiot lights.

Nov 24, 2013 | 12:50 AM

rockittsled

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From: Florida

if you changed the senders, would there still be a difference in the wiring that would prevent the gauges from working?

Nov 24, 2013 | 08:32 AM

fmc400

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Austin, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockittsled

if you changed the senders, would there still be a difference in the wiring that would prevent the gauges from working?

Changed the senders with what?

Nov 25, 2013 | 01:58 AM

rockittsled

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From: Florida

I am assuming that there is a difference between a sender for a idiot light and sender for a gauge

Nov 25, 2013 | 07:29 AM

fmc400

MSEE

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 10,386

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From: Austin, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockittsled

I am assuming that there is a difference between a sender for a idiot light and sender for a gauge

Yes, both the senders and the wiring to the instrument cluster are different (in particular, wiring that relates to the charging system).

Nov 25, 2013 | 08:06 AM

Wbruiser2

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 280

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From: Alabama

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmc400

Just a word of advice. Some of the replacement clusters are made of very translucent plastic. When one light comes on (like a turn signal or fasten belts, etc), it lights up everything around it..

I had this problem with one I got from JBG. Their explanation was that it was made in China. Fortunately they had a "made in the USA" piece in stock and squared me away.

So to caveat: once you get everything installed in it, make sure you test it out in the dark before you put the dash back together.