Gauge Cluster Lights

My dash lights did not work at all. During my researching of the Cruiser I had run across a reference to making the dash lights MUCHO brighter. I finally found the reference and pulled the cluster out to work on it. I also wanted to check the function of each gauge and to clean the housing. Here is the housing after I did all the work to it. CAUTION!!! Disconnect the battery BEFORE starting work on removing the cluster!!! If you don't, you WILL have a fireworks show when the amp gauge wires short out against the dash opening :-) After the battery is disconnected, disconnect the speedometer cable then the amp meter connections. Next unplug the two harness plugs and remove the cluster. See Fig. 1 for removed cluster.

Fig.1

Fig. 2 shows the larger shield you need to remove. I just used a pair of needle nose pliers to flex it back and forth until the welds broke.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3 shows the shield removed.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4 shows the smaller shield about to be removed.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5 shows the shield removed.

Fig. 5

After you have made these mods clean the housing thoroughly inside and out. Make sure to clean the glass on the inside. This would be a good time to paint the housing if that is in your plans

To ensure the lights will work pay particular attention to the sockets the indicator lights are in. Make sure to remove ALL the corrosion from the socket AND the housing where they plug in. Use a pair of needle nose to bend each tang of the mount out just a bit to make a tighter fit. You will be rewarded with lights that work EVERY time and are very bright.

Re-assemble the gauge and put it back in in the reverse order you removed it. You will be very impressed at the difference!

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