Dash Cluster Question - 68 Barracuda

-
MrJLR

MrJLR

Built, not bought
FABO Gold Member
Joined
May 14, 2015
Messages
5,619
Reaction score
6,714
Location
Menifee, California
I'm replacing my under-dash wiring harness...
Pulled the dash and gauge cluster out of the Barracuda and found this cut wire on the back....is it safe to assume it's just a ground? What is the rusted out nuts that say "RED" under it?
Quite a bit of rust on the nuts holding it as well.....

I'm going to replace all the bulbs while I'm in there - any easy way to test them before I reinstall?

Anything else I should do or check while I have it out ?????



Thanks in advance!

Jeff
 
Those two terminals are your amp gauge terminals. You should consider getting yourself a schematic so that you can properly identify the circuits. Once you understand the circuitry, testing is very easy. You should also consider soldering all your pushpin connections as they are very delicate and they break very easily. Additionally, you should consider installing an external voltage limiter. The voltage limiter on these cars is located inside of the gas gauge and is responsible for regulating 12 V to 5 V to power all other gauges. The voltage limiter in these cars is usually responsible for non-operable or in accurate gauge indication. there are many threads on – restoration on the site. Do a search and thoroughly research your options.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    81.8 KB · Views: 648
Those are for the ammeter gauge. The red is the input from the battery terminal on the alternator, the other is the output from the gauge.

Note: make sure that you disconnect the battery before working on those terminals. They are hot.
 
MrJLR said:
I'm going to replace all the bulbs while I'm in there - any easy way to test them before I reinstall?

Anything else I should do or check while I have it out ?????



Thanks in advance!

Jeff
Click to expand...


To test the bulbs, get a continuity tester and put a probe on each wire, it should make a sound if the bulb is good, no sound if it is bad.

Also get some 00 to 0000 fine steel wool and clean the circuit board connections/contacts.
 
You can also hook up a 6v lantern battery to test some of the lights/board while its out.
61ff that dash looks great!
 
61forfun said:
Those two terminals are your amp gauge terminals. You should consider getting yourself a schematic so that you can properly identify the circuits. Once you understand the circuitry, testing is very easy. You should also consider soldering all your pushpin connections as they are very delicate and they break very easily. Additionally, you should consider installing an external voltage limiter. The voltage limiter on these cars is located inside of the gas gauge and is responsible for regulating 12 V to 5 V to power all other gauges. The voltage limiter in these cars is usually responsible for non-operable or in accurate gauge indication. there are many threads on – restoration on the site. Do a search and thoroughly research your options.
Click to expand...

I have the schematics but I'm not very good at reading and understanding them.....
I will search out info on the voltage regulator....good tip!

It's pretty confusing to a novice.....
 
Does anyone have a link or source to the correct RTE voltage limiter for my car?
 
61forfun said:
This is the one I used. Available on Ebay
Click to expand...


Thank you!
Purchased!

I have been reading up on this....I have to remove my fuel gauge and bend back that piece of metal on the old limiter so it can't make contact any more....

Does anyone have any info on wiring up this exact unit?
Also - Do I remove the radio noise suppressor ?
 
Yes you remove the noise condenser. I posted the backside of my dash so you could clearly see how to install the external IVR.
 
61forfun said:
Yes you remove the noise condenser. I posted the backside of my dash so you could clearly see how to install the external IVR.
Click to expand...

Oh....ok! Got it....ignore my question in the other thread then....thank you so much!

:coffee2:
 
Just wanted to let everyone know that I did the voltage regulator today. It was SIMPLE. Hardest part was opening up the fuel gauge so I could disable the old regulator.

Also, tried my best to re-crimp the face back but ended up "tacking" it in 3 small spots with Gorilla Glue. It ain't going anywhere.

Anyway, easy job with the pictures and advise.

Thanks all

Jeff
 
MrJLR said:
Just wanted to let everyone know that I did the voltage regulator today. It was SIMPLE. Hardest part was opening up the fuel gauge so I could disable the old regulator.

Also, tried my best to re-crimp the face back but ended up "tacking" it in 3 small spots with Gorilla Glue. It ain't going anywhere.

Anyway, easy job with the pictures and advise.

Thanks all

Jeff
Click to expand...



Awesome job Jeff!!! Did it work? Any issues? Gauges, lights all work?
 
While your back there solder the pins to the pc boards and gut your ammeter to a voltmeter and use the ammeter face for originality. And add led bulbs.
 
61forfun said:
Awesome job Jeff!!! Did it work? Any issues? Gauges, lights all work?
Click to expand...

Waiting for my new bulbs...supposed to be here Wednesday.
How can I bench test it?

I'm on vacation for another week. ....I hope to have the dash back in the car before I go back to work!

Jeff
 
MrJLR said:
Just wanted to let everyone know that I did the voltage regulator today. It was SIMPLE. Hardest part was opening up the fuel gauge so I could disable the old regulator.

Also, tried my best to re-crimp the face back but ended up "tacking" it in 3 small spots with Gorilla Glue. It ain't going anywhere.

Anyway, easy job with the pictures and advise.

Thanks all

Jeff
Click to expand...

Awrsome I will be doing the same thing whenever I get around to it.
 
Dash out....and back taken off



Fuel gauge out...face taken off





I just bent the arm on the old regulator so it won't make contact anymore. ..

Before



After



New regulator mounted and wired...



Then I just put it all back together. ....looks like a lot of parts, but it's really simple.....

Jeff
 
Thanks for.posting pics Jeff. Great job. Another "upgrade" im going.to attempt is soldering a piece of copper housewire to the inside of the existing copper posts. Should help sturdy them.
Another option is to use a length of old under dash harness so it gives you that much more room to pull bezel out in future. If need be. kinda llike an extension cord, if that makes sense.
Nice work.
 
Where can you get led bulbs for those type of sockets? Wonder if it illuminate the gauges better
 
ratvon said:
Where can you get led bulbs for those type of sockets? Wonder if it illuminate the gauges better
Click to expand...

You can get them on ebay, several vendors and yes they are very bright. I did mine in Coke bottle green and they look spectacular compared to the incandescent bulbs, plus they burn MUCH cooler, way easier on your harness.
 
I got my bulbs today - Sylvania 168s. ..supposed to be a little brighter???
So now I can install my harness, dash, steering column and seat again!

Jeff
 
I bench tested mine using a battery charger for power. Be sure to use the right circuit. Continuity tester is a great help. .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top