I could use some help! I removed the speed and tac. cluster pannel to install white gauges. Before I removed the cluster pannel all the light worked fine. after I installed the white gauges in the cluster pannel and reinstalled it into the car the light does not work. The gauges work, the high beam indicator light works, and the turn signal indicator works. I have checked the fuse and the fuse is good. When I put a test light to where the fuse should go I get nothing. What could I have done to loose power in the fuse box? What do I need to do to fix this?

 

it's possible the flexible circuit "board" on the panel back has some traces that are bad. it they are, they were probably going bad and may in fact have only functioned because they hadn't been disturbed in a long time and the lamp holders themselves may have been aiding in the connections. while it can be repaired if you can find the broke traces by soldering "jumper" wires across the broken legs, it is easier and probably much more reliable in the long run just to replace it. you should be able to find a new one at any of the many parts suppliers for between 40-60 dollars.

if you don't think the "board" is bad, then double check to make certain that it is properly aligned and that the contact "strips" are all in the proper place to make contact with the lamp holders.

it is possible that the main harness connector isn't connecting to all the "master" connection strips on the circuit board since it is also pretty flexible and can be mis-aligned.

before you go tearing up the fuse panel, etc. i would start with that flexible circuit piece.

BTW as a suggestion as long as you have the panel out, you should consider replacing the regular bulbs with LED bulbs. they will last loads longer and light significantly cooler which is a good thing on these older cars whenever you can reduce heat to the electrical components. i changed every dash bulb in my 78 about a year ago and have been very satisfied with the results. in addition, i like the fact that the chances of me having to tear any of it down to replace bulbs have been greatly reduced.

 

Thanks for your reply, I have removed every thing and the curcuit board does have a lot of bad places on it. I order a new curciut board for $45. I will see if this fixes the problem when the new on comes in, I am sure that it will. On the fuse I clean the contacts with sand paper and every thing in the fuse box is working fine, so I know now that this is not the problem.
On the LED light bulbs I did install then when I had every thing out the first time, just need to get the lights to work so that I can see how much better the look.

 

jt
i'm sure the new board will solve your problem