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Walys60
October 6th, 2015, 09:07 PM
Okay, here is the whole story...

Shortly after rescuing my 60 from sitting for 22 years and getting everything worked over mechanically and the old 305 running beautifully, I started in on some 'simple' stuff just to keep busy while I get through the red tape of getting a building put up on my vacant lot next door to really get some work done.

One of the low hanging fruit was the gas gauge not working. I immediately discovered the sending unit was in pieces so figured that was the fix. After installation of the new unit, it still did not work. I got the troubleshooting guide out early one morning (a good reminder that I aught never to do anything of consequence before 9am) and had I realized what I was seeing, I would have determined that the gauge was bad within 5 minutes. However, I kept poking at until I ended up dragging my screwdriver over the wrong thing and ended up burning the trace on the circuit board.

Out comes the cluster and I soldered a piece of wire across that part of the trace and put her back in. However now, in addition to the already bad fuel gauge, my temperature gauge doesn't work. I have a feeling I blew that along with the trace (sigh).

Now the question(s)...
Ideally, I'd like a new/replacement gauge cluster that didn't have my screw-up soldered to the back of it. I found a cluster on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/131553572921?item=131553572921&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr but I asked and he can't guarantee that the gauges actually work. So I might be getting a good board, but still have bad gauges to deal with. Thoughts or opinions?
Assuming gauges don't work on either, is there a way/place that repairs them? are there aftermarket original looking gauges out there? I've seen a lot of them I could use, and a lot of custom stuff in this forum, but as plain as this panel is, I really want to stick to original as possible on it. This was my Grampa's truck and I have extremely fond memories of sitting in that cab on the way to camping as a kid.

Sheesh, for a new guy I sure am wordy. Sorry about that. Maybe I better stick to less than the 'whole story' next time.

Thanks everybody. Lot's of help already!

Funky61
October 7th, 2015, 01:32 AM
Hello Walys60,

Another option (maybe I think) is to get a cluster from the other years (63-66?). Those should be more plentiful and in better condition. I think the gauge housing should unscrew from the back (the white part) and you can reattach it with your hardware and bracket, to your stock panel. They look to be the same but I have not done this (disclaimer). Kudos for keeping it original.


I believe the EBay unit is overpriced IMO. 3708
3708iii

bigblockv6
October 7th, 2015, 02:25 AM
That would be the 62-66 instrument cluster, will work just fine in a 60-61 truck:ok:

Walys60
October 7th, 2015, 02:26 AM
Holy cow, that's awesome, had no idea. Okay, I'll expand my search then...Thanks much!

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

Walys60
October 7th, 2015, 05:06 PM
Well, looks like I'm slightly better off so far. Found a single gas gauge for $100, a completely refurbished cluster for $400 and a used cluster for $100 plus shipping. Not the greatest deals possibly, but at least I'm finding them now!

Anyone have any other sources for these, or just pretty much scour the bone yards?

Funky61
October 7th, 2015, 05:54 PM
Post a WTB in the Marketplace section of the forum

Walys60
October 7th, 2015, 06:40 PM
Okay, sure, will do.