INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

[j.johnson23]

Well,i`ve tried and tried to get lamps and instruments working on my wedge but today after struggling to get the cluster back in the dash and cutting my hand on a sharp plastic edge i`m afraid the red mist descended and I now need a new cluster.Its just about impossible to fix that flexible circuit board.
To be honest i`ve always thought the original looked crap and have been collecting stag dials and now have them all.
I have seen a couple of pics over the years of wedges with the old style gauges and they do look a lot better to my eye,especially with the turned aluminium.I can do without some of the lamps,the clock and the voltage gauge-will swap for an oil press one.
Has anyone got one they can show me a few pics of,specifically the fixing of it into the dash.The wiring will be relatively easy.
Cheers.
Oh by the way I do love my car,I just hate the tight *******s who did the bean counting when it was being designed.

[saabfast]

Sorry, don't have details of fitting an alternative, but the original was cutting edge stuff when the car came out. IIRC it was the first with a fully moulded plastic dash and the first with a printed circuit for the lamps and gauges, stuff many have had since. Of course, the BL quality may not have been the highest..........

Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto (now gone that others might live)
Saab 9000 2.3 LPT Auto
'81 TR7 DHC

[supercass]

[quote]<i>Originally posted by j.johnson23</i>
i`m afraid the red mist descended and I now need a new cluster.


So what happened to your cluster?[:D] supercass

[FI Spyder]

Never had any problem putting the instrument cluster back in so don't have any suggestions or pictures. Only remember the problems. Only tight spot is reconnecting the speedo cable (takes some contortion).

When I had my dash out (first time) I cleaned all contacts, including bulb wires, holders and polished copper surfaces on circuit board with Brasso. If the copper is cracked you could try repairing it with that stuff used to repair defrost filaments on rear windows. If the plastic is cracked you will have to find a way to back that up first. Never did any of that as mine still looked brand new 33 years and 100,000+ miles later.

- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[j.johnson23]

I`ve managed to sort the bugger out for now,you can solder the flexible circuit board if you are careful,just put some tape over it after to stop potential for shorts.You are right about the speedo cable,the others are sods as well,they need to be a couple of inches longer.
It will probably go up in flames in a couple of weeks[:D]
Oh,and by the way supercass,red mist equals bashed cluster[V]
I must learn to walk away when things are not going my way.