I normally don't watch videos that are this long to boot however you did your homework and are very informative thank you very much I ended up switching a my fuel gauge my MPH g because it was 100 mi an hour gauge... And have a bunch of extra parts thank you very much you did some awesome homework
Great informative, thorough video. Bought a 73 a couple weeks back and only the speedometer works. Ordered a circuit board as I could see damage on it. Going to test my gauges tomorrow using your method. New gauges are pricy, might have to find some used if they don't work.
Awesome! I'm glad you found so much valuable information from this video! If you end up needing a gauge by chance, look me up on the Dent Nation group on FB! Best of luck!
Thank you! Honestly, this video took several hours and research to make! It's been nearly a year since I did all of this, and even today, in 26 degree weather, my cluster works fantastically!
How did you fix your driver side turn signal light that stays on when the turn signal is not switched on? I think its at 28:45 in the video. Thanks in advance!
One of my front turn signals (on the front of the truck, in the grille) is dimmer than the other. The dimmer bulb is the same indicator that stays on inside the cluster. By replacing the bulb socket (Dorman P/N 85898) at the front of the truck, my bulb regained its brightness, and the indicator light went out! A quick and cheap fix! Best of luck!
When you remove those lights behind the cluster…. if you look carefully under the tabs that touch the instrument panel. You will notice that there is a concave little spot underneath.. what I did to ensure proper contact of those little tabs is to lift them up ever so slightly. Once that is done., then take a hot glue gun and put a little tiny drop of glue under both tabs of the affected lights. Put the light back in and you will notice that your lights will then work properly. Now , I can’t tell you how long this will work, but logically speaking I can’t ever see an issue happen by doing so. I’ve been messing around with this for a couple years now , and finally came up with what I feel is a 100% proper repair. I hope this helps everybody because all the videos online are telling you to check connection, etc. etc. I don’t have any connection issues except for where the light pushes on that electrical circuit . And what’s nice about this repair is that you’re not altering the dash cluster. you’re only putting the glue onto the light behind the tabs and if it doesn’t work, it’s a super easy fix to try again. ( just put a little bit more glue next time if need be.)
Not a bad idea at all! I typically find that just by slightly bending the tabs, and cleaning the contacts, that is enough to make a drastic change in connectivity. I do this with every cluster I lay hands on, to ensure proper connectivity. I never have an issue with a bulb not illuminating after doing so.
I have a '78 F250 and had the cluster out for dead lights. I tried swapping to LED but in the process noticed several burned areas on the printed circuit. Have you ever seen that, and any idea what can cause that? I'm unclear if it's a printed circuit problem or something elsewhere in the truck meaning a new printed circuit will also burn. I also have a turn signal that comes on steady with headlights on so I was thrilled to see your comment on the turn signal socket replacement under another comment! I'll check that out.
Hey Rob! I've definitely seen burnt circuits on the printed circuits, and 95% of the time it's always on the ALT circuit. As far as a cause goes, I'm not sure why that is. The ALT circuit is the only one that sees a constant 12 volts. Maybe if the alternator overcharges, its too much for the printed circuit? I'm not sure. But I do have extras and spares if you're in need of one. Just let me know and best of luck! I'm glad you found the video helpful! Check my page out on FB @BJ'sClassicClusters!
Thanks for the video. My cluster is fell apart in my hands this last week as I pulled it out to see why it was not working. My truck is a 77 with the same cluster as the one you bought that didn’t match with the light warnings rather than the gauges. I cannot just buy the same year and plug and play I am guessing from your video. What van did you pull it from, is it the large older Ford vans so I can look in my local pic a part. I may have missed that in your video.
If you're uncomfortable tackling this yourself, I have actually started doing them for others. Check me out on FB/Insta: BJsClassicClusters But, to answer your question, new housings are available for purchase new. They typically run around $100+. You can find a warning light cluster from a 76-79 truck or 76-91 Econoline. Assuming everything on that cluster still works, of course.
You can purchase everything online for the gauge clusters. I got a 79 F150 with a newly installed gauge cluster with led lights. The old bulbs didn’t light up very bright as the led now
So I got a gauge cluster out of a 1985 econoline van and everything is the same but the wiring in my 79 f150 wouldn’t work because the f150’s plug isn’t as wide as the econoline wiring pigtail
Sounds like you have a 4 gauges vs. 2 gauges/2warning lights mismatch. If you get ahold of me at BJ's Classic Clusters on Facebook, I can hook you up with the cluster you need. I'll even take the Econoline cluster as partial trade.
By the way I made a mistake the 76 had dummy lights for the oil and temperature that's why the den would not work so at 76 with the clusters all four gauges with the speedometer cable probably would
Hey I just discovered your video and I love it. I also just got a 75 f100 (custom) and discovered that when you activate the high beam lights, both headlights turn off. When you go back to low beams, they come back on. Any idea what it could be.
I'm not sure what they go to but my 78 has cruise control in the steering column and tilt steering the 76 did not have tilt and it has an aftermarket cruise control that is mechanical and electronic the mechanical goes into the original speedometer and then back out of the box the mechanical box with a speedometer cable that goes to the transmission after that
I've heard of the 78/79 cruise control on the wheel, but have not yet come across one that is attached to the speedometer cable. Yet. In time I'm sure I will. I'd love to see pictures of what you're working with.
Awesome video by far one of the best ive senn for this stuff.. I am going through something pretty similar. All new wiring harness because the guy before me melted everything. Anyways. I didnt even know my cluster was to a econoline. Anyways, the one I bought is allegedly all good. Anyway i could see your cluster harness pinout? Because ive tried all of the different ones with little success.
Bj i have searched and am having a bear of a time finding a newer replacement for my dummy light cluster. I had pulled it to check the lights and now well my gas gauge no loner works, my temp gauge has a loose nut so no lights there and it's missing a couple of the bulb holders lol. it's a 1979 F-100 Ranger.
@@frankiebush2604 ah, I gotcha now. Sadly, that still wouldn't work. The wiring harness has a different number of pins for gauges vs. lights. So even if you did swap them out, your wiring harness then wouldn't plug into your truck anymore!
Just for the record who scored a mint condition 30,000 mi 76 chateau gauge cluster it will not fit my 78 as the plug-in doesn't have enough room as there's a couple extra dens on my 78 other than that they're identical
Walter, polarity is an LED only issue, the incandescent bulbs will work either way! I have also found the incandescent bulbs to be less temperamental as well. I like the brightness the LEDs give out, but they have their downfalls as well.
Hi very nice video!!! I need a circuit board like yours for a 1986 e-150, from the video I believe it looks like the one I have! Do you know if your circuit board would fit mine? The part number of mine is D6TF-10C956 Also do you know who else might have a BRAND NEW circuit board? I called Dennis carpenter and green sales, also jegs might have it
I’m sure I have a circuit board laying around that would work for you. They’re also available on eBay brand new at: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dkr=1&iconV2Request=true&_blrs=recall_filtering&_ssn=psquare&store_cat=0&store_name=psquaresstuff&_oac=1&_nkw=73%20ford%20led%20truck I’ve actually started rebuilding these clusters as a side job. You can check out my page at: www.Facebook.com/BJsClassicClusters
My father in law has a 1977, we took out a cluster from the 1978 model and unfortunately it has the actual gauge not the light style that he needs, can't find anything in Canada 🤷♂️
Nothing on the gauge cluster worked on mine so I looked up in the dash and went “Why the hell did all the bulbs fall out?” and then realized that the gauge cluster sockets came out with them 😂
I normally don't watch videos that are this long to boot however you did your homework and are very informative thank you very much I ended up switching a my fuel gauge my MPH g because it was 100 mi an hour gauge... And have a bunch of extra parts thank you very much you did some awesome homework
I'm glad you had some success! Good work!
Thanks boss. Great detail!
Thank you!!
Great informative, thorough video. Bought a 73 a couple weeks back and only the speedometer works. Ordered a circuit board as I could see damage on it. Going to test my gauges tomorrow using your method. New gauges are pricy, might have to find some used if they don't work.
Question, is it a straight swap to LEDs?
Awesome! I'm glad you found so much valuable information from this video! If you end up needing a gauge by chance, look me up on the Dent Nation group on FB! Best of luck!
@@bjsclassicclusters appreciate that. Thankfully all of the gauges seem to be good. Hopefully it's just the circuit board and not a bigger issue.
@@pnw.bronco you're on your way!
Very informative video!
Thank you! Honestly, this video took several hours and research to make! It's been nearly a year since I did all of this, and even today, in 26 degree weather, my cluster works fantastically!
Mine did that. Got a new back. Pricey.
Yeah, when I made this video they were around $50... Last I checked, they were closer to $75 now!
How did you fix your driver side turn signal light that stays on when the turn signal is not switched on? I think its at 28:45 in the video. Thanks in advance!
One of my front turn signals (on the front of the truck, in the grille) is dimmer than the other. The dimmer bulb is the same indicator that stays on inside the cluster. By replacing the bulb socket (Dorman P/N 85898) at the front of the truck, my bulb regained its brightness, and the indicator light went out! A quick and cheap fix! Best of luck!
When you remove those lights behind the cluster…. if you look carefully under the tabs that touch the instrument panel. You will notice that there is a concave little spot underneath.. what I did to ensure proper contact of those little tabs is to lift them up ever so slightly. Once that is done., then take a hot glue gun and put a little tiny drop of glue under both tabs of the affected lights. Put the light back in and you will notice that your lights will then work properly.
Now , I can’t tell you how long this will work, but logically speaking I can’t ever see an issue happen by doing so.
I’ve been messing around with this for a couple years now , and finally came up with what I feel is a 100% proper repair.
I hope this helps everybody because all the videos online are telling you to check connection, etc. etc.
I don’t have any connection issues except for where the light pushes on that electrical circuit .
And what’s nice about this repair is that you’re not altering the dash cluster. you’re only putting the glue onto the light behind the tabs and if it doesn’t work, it’s a super easy fix to try again. ( just put a little bit more glue next time if need be.)
Not a bad idea at all!
I typically find that just by slightly bending the tabs, and cleaning the contacts, that is enough to make a drastic change in connectivity.
I do this with every cluster I lay hands on, to ensure proper connectivity.
I never have an issue with a bulb not illuminating after doing so.
I have a '78 F250 and had the cluster out for dead lights. I tried swapping to LED but in the process noticed several burned areas on the printed circuit. Have you ever seen that, and any idea what can cause that? I'm unclear if it's a printed circuit problem or something elsewhere in the truck meaning a new printed circuit will also burn. I also have a turn signal that comes on steady with headlights on so I was thrilled to see your comment on the turn signal socket replacement under another comment! I'll check that out.
Hey Rob!
I've definitely seen burnt circuits on the printed circuits, and 95% of the time it's always on the ALT circuit. As far as a cause goes, I'm not sure why that is. The ALT circuit is the only one that sees a constant 12 volts. Maybe if the alternator overcharges, its too much for the printed circuit? I'm not sure. But I do have extras and spares if you're in need of one. Just let me know and best of luck! I'm glad you found the video helpful!
Check my page out on FB @BJ'sClassicClusters!
Thanks for the video. My cluster is fell apart in my hands this last week as I pulled it out to see why it was not working. My truck is a 77 with the same cluster as the one you bought that didn’t match with the light warnings rather than the gauges. I cannot just buy the same year and plug and play I am guessing from your video. What van did you pull it from, is it the large older Ford vans so I can look in my local pic a part. I may have missed that in your video.
If you're uncomfortable tackling this yourself, I have actually started doing them for others. Check me out on FB/Insta: BJsClassicClusters
But, to answer your question, new housings are available for purchase new. They typically run around $100+. You can find a warning light cluster from a 76-79 truck or 76-91 Econoline. Assuming everything on that cluster still works, of course.
I have found one that has the lights but has flashers as well. Will that work?
@@LanceRigby what do you mean by flashers?
You can purchase everything online for the gauge clusters. I got a 79 F150 with a newly installed gauge cluster with led lights. The old bulbs didn’t light up very bright as the led now
Mark! I actually rebuild clusters myself! If anyone ever needed one rebuilt, with LEDs pre-installed, I would be willing to do it!
Can this also apply to an 1990 Econoline gauge cluster considering it’s the same?
Most definitely!
FYI my 73 cluster part # is D3TF-10848 and printed circuit is D3TF10C956 AA
Awesome! Thanks for the added info! It certainly can't hurt to catalog these part numbers!
So I got a gauge cluster out of a 1985 econoline van and everything is the same but the wiring in my 79 f150 wouldn’t work because the f150’s plug isn’t as wide as the econoline wiring pigtail
Sounds like you have a 4 gauges vs. 2 gauges/2warning lights mismatch.
If you get ahold of me at BJ's Classic Clusters on Facebook, I can hook you up with the cluster you need. I'll even take the Econoline cluster as partial trade.
By the way I made a mistake the 76 had dummy lights for the oil and temperature that's why the den would not work so at 76 with the clusters all four gauges with the speedometer cable probably would
Hey I just discovered your video and I love it. I also just got a 75 f100 (custom) and discovered that when you activate the high beam lights, both headlights turn off. When you go back to low beams, they come back on. Any idea what it could be.
Your high beam switch just needs replaced. Mine did same thing and once I replaced the foot switch they worked
I'm not sure what they go to but my 78 has cruise control in the steering column and tilt steering the 76 did not have tilt and it has an aftermarket cruise control that is mechanical and electronic the mechanical goes into the original speedometer and then back out of the box the mechanical box with a speedometer cable that goes to the transmission after that
I've heard of the 78/79 cruise control on the wheel, but have not yet come across one that is attached to the speedometer cable. Yet.
In time I'm sure I will.
I'd love to see pictures of what you're working with.
Awesome video by far one of the best ive senn for this stuff.. I am going through something pretty similar. All new wiring harness because the guy before me melted everything. Anyways. I didnt even know my cluster was to a econoline. Anyways, the one I bought is allegedly all good. Anyway i could see your cluster harness pinout? Because ive tried all of the different ones with little success.
Oisin! Thanks for the compliment! I am just now seeing this comment, so sorry for the 7 day late response. What year is your truck?
Bj i have searched and am having a bear of a time finding a newer replacement for my dummy light cluster. I had pulled it to check the lights and now well my gas gauge no loner works, my temp gauge has a loose nut so no lights there and it's missing a couple of the bulb holders lol. it's a 1979 F-100 Ranger.
I have a ton of parts and spare clusters. Get ahold of me at hdman90@yahoo.com we can figure out what all you need and get you back up and running.
Could you swap out the back housing of the gauges?
Yes! That is exactly what I was doing in this video! My old one was deteriorating significantly!
@@bjsclassicclusters no what I was getting at is swapping the back housing of the gauges with idiot lights to the cluster with full gauges
@@frankiebush2604 ah, I gotcha now. Sadly, that still wouldn't work. The wiring harness has a different number of pins for gauges vs. lights. So even if you did swap them out, your wiring harness then wouldn't plug into your truck anymore!
Just for the record who scored a mint condition 30,000 mi 76 chateau gauge cluster it will not fit my 78 as the plug-in doesn't have enough room as there's a couple extra dens on my 78 other than that they're identical
How many pins is the chateau cluster?
It would always be possible to make a conversion plug between the two. Something I may be able to do.
Is polarity only an issue with LEDs or can that cause problems with incandescent bulbs too?
Walter, polarity is an LED only issue, the incandescent bulbs will work either way! I have also found the incandescent bulbs to be less temperamental as well. I like the brightness the LEDs give out, but they have their downfalls as well.
where can I find that chart the has all the printed circuit boards and the legend or mapping from your video
Bolt it in
What’s that?
What led bulb size did you use
bulb size 194
Hi very nice video!!!
I need a circuit board like yours for a 1986 e-150, from the video I believe it looks like the one I have!
Do you know if your circuit board would fit mine?
The part number of mine is D6TF-10C956
Also do you know who else might have a BRAND NEW circuit board?
I called Dennis carpenter and green sales, also jegs might have it
I’m sure I have a circuit board laying around that would work for you. They’re also available on eBay brand new at:
www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dkr=1&iconV2Request=true&_blrs=recall_filtering&_ssn=psquare&store_cat=0&store_name=psquaresstuff&_oac=1&_nkw=73%20ford%20led%20truck
I’ve actually started rebuilding these clusters as a side job. You can check out my page at:
www.Facebook.com/BJsClassicClusters
Too bad I could use that one you couldn't use, exactly what I'm looking for.....hahaha
I probably have one on hand. At this point I have dozens of clusters!
My father in law has a 1977, we took out a cluster from the 1978 model and unfortunately it has the actual gauge not the light style that he needs, can't find anything in Canada 🤷♂️
@@wynnedel8097 I am willing to ship to Canada. Get ahold of me at BJ's Classic Clusters on bookface.
Nothing on the gauge cluster worked on mine so I looked up in the dash and went “Why the hell did all the bulbs fall out?” and then realized that the gauge cluster sockets came out with them 😂
OH NO!! That's without a doubt a nightmare! I've been there. Best of luck rebuilding! If you need any help, just let me know.
Headliner install 1977 Ford F-150 custom
Is that something you want a video of?
LMC