Hot ammeter

Mikes270dart said

So I should not do the bypass of the bulk head connectors? Hopefully have time this weekend to check the wiring. Thanks to everyone for your input.

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How much you do depends on what you find and what you want to do. Some of these standard instrument panels house their amp gauge and the headlight switch where water leaks from wiper pivot and windshield gasket can get to them. If you find a rusty water damaged amp gauge and/or some overheated wire casing there, I won't be surprised.
Replacing the amp gauge with a aftermarket volts gauge is easier in the rally panels but it has been done in standard panels with a little more effort.
Some owners simply seek a good amp gauge for their application. I've sold the last I had to a member here.
Beware of ebay listings for NOS amp gauges. If it don't look exactly like yours and the application says through 76 model, it may fit only the last few models. I forget what year they changed.