repairing dash gauges?

[kielbasavw]

65 valiant. Is there any writeup or tricks to removing dash send repairing some gauges? My Speedo needle goes crazy once it hits about 50mph. Also temp gauge works half the time, sending unit is new. Bunch of bulbs are out.

 

[70DartMike]

Remove the 4 screws holding the gauge cluster to the dash, reach up under the dash and unplug the ignition (bottom right), the gauge cluster plug (middle), the speedometer cable (left - you'll have to un thread it), and remove the 2 nuts to remove the wires for the ammeter. You may have to drop your steering column in order to have enough clearance to get the gauges out.
The speedometer cable may just need re greasing. Your temp gauge could be a bad voltage regulator, bad ground, or even bad gauge.
To replace the bulbs, just twist out the sockets, and replace the bulbs.

 

[clifftt]

If you decide you're in over your head (like I was),check out Redline Gauge Works. On my '64, the regulator is built into the fuel gauge, its not a separate component. I sent mine to Shannon at Redline Gauge Works, reasonable charge and reasonable turnaround.

http://www.redlinegaugeworks.com/

 

[RedFish]

Disconnect the negative battery cable before you start.
The later model bulb sockets will allow brighter bulb option and fits the same opening in the panel. I also service these panels and guages. Modify the fuel gauge for solid state regulator, convert ALT' gauge the VOLT gauge, as much or as little as you want or need.
Good luck with it.

 

[BillGrissom]

If you see the speedo needle bouncing, it is probably because the spinning magnet has worn the bore so it wobbles and catches the cup. Fix it before it grabs the cup and does damage. You can remove the magnet assembly and send it to a speedo shop to rebush better than new. At least I did so for my 65 Newport ~1992.

Ditto on changing to an electronic "voltage limiter" ~$30. You can do it yourself and find photos on ebay to disable the old one in your fuel gage (search above term).

I put LED bulbs in my cluster when I had it out to last longer and less current. Also read up on resoldering any loose pins in the circular connector.

Re the ammeter, clean the terminals good and use dielectric grease. You can ignore the many comments on melting the bulkhead connector since yours had dedicated lugs (if identical to 65 Dart).