Thank you very much for sharing this video it will going to help me a lot, I got a 78 ford thunderbird, I got it since September 1989 today on 2024 I still have it I just fixed the engine, and this video is helping me to fix the instrument lights, the car is running perfect but needs few things to work perfectly, I really appreciate your help with this video god bless you’ll.
Amazingly useful video. My only complaint is that alot of steps weren't really show in detail(ex. Cluster was shown already removed). But it's still good overal tutorial.
I have the identical unit on my 79 Ranchero. I'm attempting to get to the ignition switch. Will I have to remove the cluster to get to the ignition switch? Just a great video.
I think you just need to take the bottom steering column trim off to access the ignition switch. It's about halfway down the column as it goes into the dash. Hope you found the video useful! I need to publish some more.
@@LarsensGarage Thankyou so much for your reply. If you still have the Tbird, could you take a look at the column and give me an idea as to how to get to the ign switch. My Ranchero is identical to the instrument cluster video you posted. I've got to get this switch changed as I have to wiggle the key to keep it running. I have the steering wheel off but the switch is down deep in the column.
I'm traveling right now on business...but I can tell you that you need to use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the plastic trim surrounding the steering column. There are four or so Phillips head screws on the bottom. Then the bottom of the column trim just snaps out and remove downward. It should unsnap easy once you get the screws out. Then, the ignition switch is down the column near the panel on the wiper switch side. It is a rectangular connector with several wires connected to it.
@@LarsensGarage UGH, this is a strange one.. You can actually see the ignition switch in your video. It is located on the TOP of the steering column behind the instrument cluster. So I will use your video to take the cluster out to get to the ign switch. Question, your video didn't show where you went in behind the cluster to disconnect the speedo. I don't see any area to reach it from behind the cluster. Don
That, sir, is a FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! And the timing of it is . . . well, really hard to believe as I am thinking about swapping out the standard instrument cluster with a sport cluster (if I can find find a nice one at a reasonable price). would you happen to know - or if you don't, take a guess whether Ford installed one "universal" wiring and connectors (to the dash) for all trim levels, or am I going to run into challenges with rewiring things? I'm going to check out your website this weekend . . . Thanks again! this is incredible!
I've done that project before on another car. Unfortunately, you will need to do some rewiring. Here's what would be needed: - Wire up tachometer (2 wires) - Change out the oil pressure sending unit with a gauge sending unit (Standard PS60 or PS60T) www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=951017&cc=1139981&pt=4588 - Need to run 2 wires for the AMP gauge and perform a minor wiring change at the voltage regulator - Move 1 or 2 screw mounting clips in dash from one hole to another (Very easy) I believe that is it! I'll see about getting a wiring diagram for the tach and amp gage loaded on the website for you. May the force be with you on this project! :)
Hey, I have a question. I have a 1977 Thunderbird with the standard base instrument cluster. I have another instrument cluster, the sport one. Is it possible to swap out the base cluster and put the sport cluster in?
Yes, but there are a few changes you need to make to the wiring. You’ll have to wire up the tach and AMP gauge. Also, change out the oil sending unit for a gauge type sending unit.
That's a tough one. I don't know of any reproduction weatherstripping made for the 1989 Lincoln Town Car. You would need to experiment with possibly some weatherstripping for a 1979-1993 Ford Mustang or similar year Ford Bronco. Those are widely available as reproductions (npdlink.com and latemodelrestoration.com) and should be close but may need to be trimmed. If your weatherstrip isn't torn too much. I would first try and rejuvenate it with silicone spray. Apply the silicone spray about 3-4 times over a one week period and it may come back and work for you. Also, you should make sure your door lock strikers are in good shape. On these cars, a plastic covering over the metal striker on the door jamb dries up and falls off. Then, your door doesn't shut all the way and can create wind noise. Those strikers are available at your local parts stores or on rockauto.com. Hope this helps!
There are screws just above the glovebox, just above and to the sides the instrument cluster, and one on the top passenger side. Once those are out, the pad lifts and removes out of the car.
Wow, what a great condition survivor ! Nice when you have the skills to fix all the little nit noids that need fixed/adjusted on these old cars.
Thank you!
Thank you very much for sharing this video it will going to help me a lot, I got a 78 ford thunderbird, I got it since September 1989 today on 2024 I still have it I just fixed the engine, and this video is helping me to fix the instrument lights, the car is running perfect but needs few things to work perfectly, I really appreciate your help with this video god bless you’ll.
That's great! Glad you find it useful. I'll be posting a walk-around and drive video of.my 1979 Heritage Thunderbird.
Eagerly awaiting any new 79 Bird videos!
Sounds good David. Anything in particular?
Excellent video! Has (almost!) given me the confidence to upgrade my bulbs.
Great! Thanks for letting me know and good luck with your project!
I'm jealous of the condition of that cluster housing! Mine crumbled to dust - had to rebuild it from scratch out of acrylic.
Yeah. I've had that happen before as well. Glad to hear you were able to reconstruct.
Amazingly useful video. My only complaint is that alot of steps weren't really show in detail(ex. Cluster was shown already removed). But it's still good overal tutorial.
Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the constructive feedback. Much appreciated.
Thank you very much.Great video
Glad you liked it! Please subscribe if you haven't already to stay updated on more videos. Thank you.
I have the identical unit on my 79 Ranchero. I'm attempting to get to the ignition switch. Will I have to remove the cluster to get to the ignition switch? Just a great video.
I think you just need to take the bottom steering column trim off to access the ignition switch. It's about halfway down the column as it goes into the dash.
Hope you found the video useful! I need to publish some more.
@@LarsensGarage Thankyou so much for your reply. If you still have the Tbird, could you take a look at the column and give me an idea as to how to get to the ign switch. My Ranchero is identical to the instrument cluster video you posted. I've got to get this switch changed as I have to wiggle the key to keep it running. I have the steering wheel off but the switch is down deep in the column.
I'm traveling right now on business...but I can tell you that you need to use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the plastic trim surrounding the steering column. There are four or so Phillips head screws on the bottom. Then the bottom of the column trim just snaps out and remove downward. It should unsnap easy once you get the screws out.
Then, the ignition switch is down the column near the panel on the wiper switch side. It is a rectangular connector with several wires connected to it.
@@LarsensGarage UGH, this is a strange one.. You can actually see the ignition switch in your video. It is located on the TOP of the steering column behind the instrument cluster. So I will use your video to take the cluster out to get to the ign switch. Question, your video didn't show where you went in behind the cluster to disconnect the speedo. I don't see any area to reach it from behind the cluster. Don
That, sir, is a FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! And the timing of it is . . . well, really hard to believe as I am thinking about swapping out the standard instrument cluster with a sport cluster (if I can find find a nice one at a reasonable price). would you happen to know - or if you don't, take a guess whether Ford installed one "universal" wiring and connectors (to the dash) for all trim levels, or am I going to run into challenges with rewiring things? I'm going to check out your website this weekend . . . Thanks again! this is incredible!
I've done that project before on another car. Unfortunately, you will need to do some rewiring. Here's what would be needed:
- Wire up tachometer (2 wires)
- Change out the oil pressure sending unit with a gauge sending unit (Standard PS60 or PS60T) www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=951017&cc=1139981&pt=4588
- Need to run 2 wires for the AMP gauge and perform a minor wiring change at the voltage regulator
- Move 1 or 2 screw mounting clips in dash from one hole to another (Very easy)
I believe that is it! I'll see about getting a wiring diagram for the tach and amp gage loaded on the website for you.
May the force be with you on this project! :)
Thank you sir! And your website is great - I really enjoyed looking your collection!
Hey, I have a question. I have a 1977 Thunderbird with the standard base instrument cluster. I have another instrument cluster, the sport one. Is it possible to swap out the base cluster and put the sport cluster in?
Yes, but there are a few changes you need to make to the wiring. You’ll have to wire up the tach and AMP gauge. Also, change out the oil sending unit for a gauge type sending unit.
Can you suggest the best weather stripping for a 1989 Lincoln Town car please help
That's a tough one. I don't know of any reproduction weatherstripping made for the 1989 Lincoln Town Car. You would need to experiment with possibly some weatherstripping for a 1979-1993 Ford Mustang or similar year Ford Bronco. Those are widely available as reproductions (npdlink.com and latemodelrestoration.com) and should be close but may need to be trimmed.
If your weatherstrip isn't torn too much. I would first try and rejuvenate it with silicone spray. Apply the silicone spray about 3-4 times over a one week period and it may come back and work for you.
Also, you should make sure your door lock strikers are in good shape. On these cars, a plastic covering over the metal striker on the door jamb dries up and falls off. Then, your door doesn't shut all the way and can create wind noise. Those strikers are available at your local parts stores or on rockauto.com.
Hope this helps!
Is this the same for a 78 Murcury Cougar
Yes it is. Exactly the same.
How do you remove the dashpad?
There are screws just above the glovebox, just above and to the sides the instrument cluster, and one on the top passenger side. Once those are out, the pad lifts and removes out of the car.
@@LarsensGarage Thank you!