So, my instrument cluster works fine after upgrading the lame stock light bulbs to LED for a brighter cluster. Once I get all the bulbs in and turn on the ignition, the gauges work fine!
UNTIL I go to install the cluster back in the gauges stop working. I did repaint the entire dash earlier this year, and did give the cluster backing a fresh coat of white paint, so is the paint the issue? The contacts are clean of paint so it has a ground, but what gives?! Any tips/suggestions to help me get this one thing checked off my list?!
1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
‘68 302 Enguine/C4 Tranny

 

when you pull the cluster out does it function normally?
Is it the lights that go out or the gauges that dont read?

 

Yes, it functions normally, lights and gauges work. But once I try to secure, the gauges stop working...🤦🏻‍♂️

 

A wire might be getting pinched or something odd like that during install. I would try to install it running and see at what point it quits working and try to track down the issue that way

 

Thanks! I’ll give it a shot! (Keep you posted!)