instrument cluster question

Does the instrument cluster on a 76 Duster need to be grounded and if so to what. I read somewhere that it grounds to the steering column. Also it is easy to blow the voltage regulator for the instrument cluster by shorting any wires. Reason I am asking is my temp gauge isn't working nor is the volt gauge. Fuel gauge is working alright but I am trying to find out what the problem is with the temp gauge.