I am confused because the mechanic said he blew all the gauges. I tested power up to the fusible link and it was fine. IMHO I should have power to the car even if the gauges don’t work;correct? I am also wondering can you blow out individual gauges? The temperature gauge the needle is gone. I am having trouble finding the replacement cluster and the mechanic said that is where we have to start before finding out why there is no power.
OK. lets unconfuse this. You're right and the paid professional is wrong. It happens. Not all mechanics are good with electrics and even fewer know the power routing of some specific and make and model they don't work with all the time.
I'd look for replacement gages as needed rather than a whole cluster.
But your strategy is correct. Continue tracing in until you discover the break in the battery feed line.
Honestly, get a multimeter. It will make it easier and safer than using a test lamp. The advantage is you don't have to have the battery connected. Also you can check for continuity within various sections even if they are not connected to the battery.