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INFO: 72 - 79 Gauge Clusters and Wiring

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Ranchero Fan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ranchero Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-January-2012 at 10:43AM
Originally posted by 73sportAZ 73sportAZ wrote:

CryPlease help, I have a 73 gran torino sport and am trying to upgrade the instrument cluster to the full set of gauges, I thought it would be sort of plug and play but I have quickly figured out this is not the case. I need a wiring diagram for the instruments. Does anyone know a site to get this info?
  Search in the "HOW to SECTION" of this forum, there is a sticky there on this with diagrams. It should cover your ?'s
Brian   1973 Ford Ranchero Big Block. ''THE OTHER WOMAN''
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote smhj Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-January-2012 at 10:36AM
Took my sports cluster off and half the bulbs are missing. Any know the the amps across the board?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73sportAZ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-June-2011 at 2:25PM
CryPlease help, I have a 73 gran torino sport and am trying to upgrade the instrument cluster to the full set of gauges, I thought it would be sort of plug and play but I have quickly figured out this is not the case. I need a wiring diagram for the instruments. Does anyone know a site to get this info?
AZteacher1973GranTorinoSport
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote crispy23c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-June-2011 at 1:27PM
Andy & Paul, I ordered the HiPo gauge LEDs today, I probably won't have time to install this weekend, but I am pumped to actually be able to see my gauges clearly.  Thanks for the advice, I emailed them a question and they answered within 5 minutes today.  Good guys, too!!!
~Chris
Chris P. '73 GTS FastBack 351CJ-4V Triple black


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-June-2011 at 12:48PM
I have a HiPoParts kit in my car as well. Works excellent. 
Paul
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BackInBlack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-June-2011 at 8:26AM
Regarding the light intensity of the dash lights in the previous post...

I also found that I had to replace the headlight switch.  The old reostat (variable resistor) in the switch was loosing over 3Volts to the dash lights.   I replaced the switched and only dropped about 0.3Volts.

I bought my LED dash kit from http://www.hipoparts.com/   They sell a complete kit with very nice instructions.   You can probably save $20 but you have to buy loose packs and will have extra left over.  I also bought the needle paint from them for about $2.50 (if my memory serves me.)  It was great talking to the guys there (i think his name was Bill).  He is a Ford guy and a cleveland engine fan.   I talked to him about cleveland engine builds for over 1.5 hours.   

I dont regret spending the little extra money.   The instructions were very helpful and well thought out.   I would buy from them again in a heart beat.   The kits came with all the error lamps, turn signals, dash lights....everything in the correct colors.   You can buy it as a blue led kit, but I chose the stock color that works with the diffuser caps in the instrument cluster.

Currently my tach isn't working correctly.  Its 500rpm to low and the clock doesn't work.   You can get those replaced at http://www.redlinegaugeworks.com/custom/.   Its a bit expensive.  they use the guts from a VDO gauge for the tach.  The did the gauge cluster for the PureVision Torino.

I figure if I have to spend that much money I might fabricate my own gauge cluster and use good gauges like Autometer, etc.   I'm undecided at this point and I rather spend the money on the rear differential at this point in time.

Hope this helps...The most difficult part of the gauge restoration is getting a "clear" cluster lens.  Most yellow badly and you can't buy replacements anywhere.

-John 
-John
1973 GTS
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eliteman76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-June-2011 at 5:53AM
Chris-
Night and day difference.
 
 
Makes a big difference early AM and also dusk.
 
I've had a fair amount of guys asking me locally, and any car/truck can benefit from an LED swap in the cluster.
For me, not that I would consider it a safety issue, but I sure like being able to see my cluster.
 
Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed Restomod
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote crispy23c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-June-2011 at 3:56PM
I blew out the whole gauge pack, cleaned every connection, blew out the cluster with air and careful cleaning with a microfiber cloth, selected best gauges... and the lighting is...meh.  Think I will replace with LEDs and be done with it.
Chris P. '73 GTS FastBack 351CJ-4V Triple black


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote occupant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-June-2011 at 7:22AM
Originally posted by 76 cougar 76 cougar wrote:

I wonder if you spray the inside with chrome paint if it would help.


That's what the 73-87 Chevy truck guys do. It works well if you tape everything right.

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/interior/dashlights.htm

This is on my to-do list but I'll be sourcing a better, non-crumbling, non-flaking, uncracked cluster to do it with. That and figure out why my lights don't work to begin with, which will be SO much easier in a garage.
08 Uplander LS, 262K, broken again
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eliteman76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-June-2011 at 6:04AM
I had done the swap to Blue LEDs on my cluster, removing the diffuser caps, but I had fought tooth and nail with my turn signal lights of all things.
I ended up keeping the 194 bulbs in the turn signal sockets.
Otherwise, no issues.
I took my cluster comletely apart, used a old toothbrush, and dish soap.
I had to clean my dash out before powertour, amazing how much body dust had settled in the dash that made things a mess. And keep in mind, my GTS was painted 2+ years ago.
 
Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed Restomod
Pondering: #99Problems
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BackInBlack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2011 at 1:38PM
I restored the cluster except for having any silkscreen work done.

Careful cleaning with damp clothes, very low pressure on the air hose, and careful use of a swiffer duster.    I used Plastic headlamp polish on the gauge lens.   Carefully repainted the gauge needles with the correct fluorescent orange paint.   the only problem I had is the trip meter numbers blew off while blowing out the dust.  My car is from the desert and it is hell on interiors.   

All-in-all turned out nice.   

I just finished my interior.  Looks almost new now.   I'll post some pics on my car link soon.

Oh BTW I replaced all the bulbs in the dash and interior with LED bulbs.   Looks great.   Stock colors so it all looks original.    The best thing I like about the LED bulbs is the reduction of the heat and the fact that if I leave a dome light on it doesn't drain the battery, leaving me with a dead battery.




Edited by BackInBlack - 19-June-2011 at 1:39PM
-John
1973 GTS
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 76 cougar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2011 at 1:21PM
I wonder if you spray the inside with chrome paint if it would help.
76 one owner Factory 460/moonroof cougar
1975 ford 2600
97 jeep TJ
96 jeep cherokee
2000 ford f350

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2011 at 11:47AM
Washing the interior of the cluster case helped a little.
Paul
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote crispy23c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2011 at 11:42AM
Anyone do anything besides putting in LEDs to brighten the cluster lighting?
Chris P. '73 GTS FastBack 351CJ-4V Triple black


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GA Army Vet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-May-2011 at 5:10PM
I had the same issue this weekend, I forgot to change the fuse.
1973 GTS-351c C6 28sp axle 2.73gears (looking to change)



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-May-2011 at 1:42AM
That's what this INFO thread is for. You are better off getting a '74 cluster. 

Worse case, Everything is there that you need to wire it from scratch if necessary. 


Edited by Psquare75 - 08-May-2011 at 1:42AM
Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD*
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote torkair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-May-2011 at 2:03PM
I'm wiring a 74 GT cluster into a 73 Sports roof car and need to know which wires need to be connected to each other for it to all work correctly.
72 Gran Torino "sport"- in progress

73 Ranchero GT- Q code-460/C6/3.25 open rear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BackInBlack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-April-2011 at 2:02PM
Yup...brake lights, blinkers...etc everything else working.  Gear shift and interior floor and headliner lights work.

Just the dash lights.  No voltage to the dash bulbs.

-John
1973 GTS
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lynchster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-April-2011 at 1:47PM
Originally posted by BackInBlack BackInBlack wrote:


Are there any other fuses or something I'm missing...

Thanks,
John
 
Brake lights working?
Chuck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BackInBlack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-April-2011 at 8:31AM
I have a problem with my dash lights and gauge lights, completely dead.   They used to work until I had the headliner replaced.  The installer shorted something out and blew out 2-3 fuses.   

I have since replaced fuses and replaced the headlight switch, thinking that the rherostat might have been blown.   Gauges work but the Instrument lights and the lights that shine over the knobs do not come on.   

Are there any other fuses or something I'm missing...

Thanks,
John
-John
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BackInBlack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-January-2011 at 3:16PM
Very helpful post!!   
 
Anyone know how to check and set the tachometer calibration?
 
My tach, when sitting in a normal position removed from car, reads about 500rpm for zero.   When I set the tach flat on a table on its back the needle reads 0.
 
I want to make sure this is calibrated before I put the dash back together with the restored gauges.
 
 
-John
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Damo70 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-December-2010 at 1:07AM
Hi Psquare
I have installed a dash cluster into my 75 gran torino, everything was working fine however no lights around fuel gauge, changed globes and all sorted. I connected all back together and blew a fuse for the cluster. Now I have no lights it and no oil/temp working. Any ideas as to what to do, I have checked the fuse replaced the 4 amp with a 3 amp as thats all the autoshop had. would this make any difference, should I change all the globes again, they look ok when you pull them out. No fuses on the cluster itself I need to look at is there? Any feedback appreciated as I had it all working perfectly.
Cheers
Damian
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote steeler80 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-November-2010 at 6:16PM
This thread is terrific. Thanks! I had found a 73 Ranchero with the gt gauge cluster and was wondering if it would work in my 74. Now I know.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GA Army Vet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-November-2010 at 2:46PM
What size tach fits in the 73 gran torino sport, spot on the dash? Something from summit, they have alot of sizes, I want something that will mount inside the empty spot.  Is there a spot in my wire harness to wire it in if it didnt come with it?
1973 GTS-351c C6 28sp axle 2.73gears (looking to change)



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TechMdawg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-May-2010 at 1:19PM
Because of this post I may have to remove my instrument cluster to clean and possibly replace the bulbs with led lights, lots of great and interesting work.THANKS!!!!!!
Tech Mdawg                 1975 Ford Torino Elite
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote neejah Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10-April-2010 at 1:21PM
Originally posted by GRAN1976TORINO GRAN1976TORINO wrote:

Would you happen to know what wires off the engine to firewall "cluster" would specifically be dedicated to a 1976 Torino water temperature sending unit? I have replaced the gauge on the dash (standard version - not sport cluster) as well as the actual sending unit on the engine and it still wont work. I even tried "shorting" out the sending unit in hopes to "ping" the gauge but still no-go. I am wondering if I need to just run new wires. Thoughts? Thanks!

I'd have expected that the wire colours are as shown above - the water temp wiring runs to a four pin connector near the wiper motor, I'd check for corrosion in that first. Do a continuity check on the short under hood harness to the sender & back to the clocks - it should tell you which area has the problem - it could also be in the firewall multi plug. Is the PCB on the rear of the clocks OK?
If the worst comes to the worst I wouldn't see a problem running a new wire in!
Good Luck
Neil

Originally posted by picon3 picon3 wrote:

Neil,
Wow, that was a lot of work!  Cudos to you and for posting the info.
Paul~

A while sitting with a multi meter! Hopefully it might help someone else out.......although it just confirmed the fact that I'd like to get my hands on the "mechanic" that did some wiring on mine Wink........just spent today sorting out the under hood stuff, and tidying it up!
Cheers
Neil


Edited by neejah - 10-April-2010 at 1:24PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote picon3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10-April-2010 at 12:50PM
Neil,
Wow, that was a lot of work!  Cudos to you and for posting the info.
Paul~
1972 GTS 351CJ-4V black/black
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote GRAN1976TORINO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10-April-2010 at 6:01AM
Would you happen to know what wires off the engine to firewall "cluster" would specifically be dedicated to a 1976 Torino water temperature sending unit? I have replaced the gauge on the dash (standard version - not sport cluster) as well as the actual sending unit on the engine and it still wont work. I even tried "shorting" out the sending unit in hopes to "ping" the gauge but still no-go. I am wondering if I need to just run new wires. Thoughts? Thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote neejah Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-April-2010 at 1:33PM
For posterity (fitting a '74/'76 cluster into a '72) -

Pin PCB Connections ('74-'76) Car ('72)
Purple/White (Brake) Purple/White
2 Red/White (Eng Temp) Red/White
3 Blue/Red (Illumination) Blue/Red
4 Black (-ve supply)
5 White/Blue (Right Turn Ind) White/Blue
6 Green/White (Left Turn Ind) Green/White
7 Green/Black (High Beam Ind) Green/Black
8 Black - Don't Splice (+12v) Black - Don't Splice (+12v)
9 Yellow/White (Oil Pressure) White/Red
10 White/Red (Fuel) Yellow/White
11 Green/Red (No connection on PCB) Green/Red
12 Yellow/White (Top RH Warning Lamp)
13 Green (Btm RH Warning Lamp)
14 Red/Yellow Dash (-ve) Red/Yellow Dash (under hood conn.)

Notes: Pin 14 & Pin 4 I routed to a new ground - the harness for pin 14 terminated in an underhood connection which didn't go anywhere.
Pins 12 & 13 I haven't connected at the minute - I might use them for a shift light at some point in the future.......didn't really care about the fasten seat belt warning!

Hopefully it might help someone in future.........

Neil




Edited by neejah - 08-April-2010 at 1:36PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote neejah Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29-March-2010 at 3:14PM
Does anyone have any idea what the pin outs are for the clusters? I've been wiring up a 73 cluster into a 72 which obviously have different connectors........but I don't think that the wiring color code remained the same between the years (I could be wrong tho......but I connected the color codes from the 72 onto the 73 connector, and the indicator & brake warning lamps illuminated together) ideally if someone has a list with the pin outs for a 72 ( with color codes) and 73 it would be good.
The wiring diagram leaves a little to be desired! Either that or it's me in the garage with a multimeter and a pencil tracing the PCB!
Thanks
Neil


Edited by neejah - 29-March-2010 at 3:16PM
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