Well folks,
Went through gauge cluster this weekend, and despite being very very careful the plastic breaks down to near powder.
Replaced AMP gauge with new VOLTS gauge, and again despite being very careful, had some mistakes made.
Drilled new hole and right through existing solder on circuit board......DOH!
Nothing that a little wire and solder could not fix.
But, regarding the existing plastic that everything mounts to, not much to say except now saving up for a new Dakota vintage looking gauge set.
This poor old plastic took a real beating in the AZ desert heat the past 18 years, and got no justice but alas, it must go on serving for awhile longer.
Took out the heater fan switch, Mongo228 opened it up and cleaned contacts, gave it a good once over service check, and back together again.
(yes, despite the mounting points being near gone, I was able to mount the heater controls)
A drop of WD40 on pivot pin for cold/hot temp selector, and pivots like brand new now.
One of the lens holders was melted, from hot bulb, so switched out with opposite side blank.
Had to modify something to hold the melted blank in the metal face where it mounts, so got creative with a piece of aluminum security strap and my bench vice. Nice and snug, and should outlast me, or the cluster itself.
Prepped wiring in the dash to accept the new Volt gauge, and checked new gauge on battery to be sure it works as intended.
Cleaned up the fuel & temp gauge contacts, checked wires serving those, and all checks out that they should work properly when cluster goes back in.
Glued 2 lenses back into the housing. Had to borrow a super fine tip makeup brush from my wife so not slopping glue where it was not needed. Thanks honey for the contribution to the cause
New bulbs and it will be ready. Looking to re-install this next weekend
20221119_142219 by
Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
20221119_142131 by
Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
20221119_133645 by
Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
20221119_133748 (1) by
Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
20221120_134441 by
Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), Edelbrock clone 1406, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified