1970 Dodge Dart Cluster and Gauges

PikaPhantom · Feb 23, 2017

So i managed to take out the instrument cluster from my 1970 Dodge Dart. The fuel, temp, speedometer gauges weren't working as well as the left blinker and all of the lights for the gauges except for the alternator and oil. I found out that the speedometer was unplugged but i haven't tried plugging it back in yet because i am still trying to figure out why everything else isn't working. There were also these positive and negative wires attached to the studs from the alternator and I am not sure where they go. They are also taped to other wires that go off in different directions. (My headlights and taillights have also stopped working after i pulled out the cluster.)
I am still relatively new to all of this so if anyone could give some insight on what i should do to get those gauges working and whether the positive and negative wires are suppose to be powering the alternator (and anything else i should be informed about) please would help a lot thanks!

440DART1970 · Feb 24, 2017

Following

PikaPhantom · Feb 25, 2017

halifaxhops · Feb 25, 2017

I do not see a voltage regulator in the slots was there one could be the gauge issues. The two wires in the pic are for the ammeter and are right, now the wires on the alt were added for something. Also look at the printed circuit board for the ribbon to be broken or the board cracked. Last pic looks weird in the lower left.

RedFish · Feb 25, 2017

What I see beyond the missing gauge voltage limiter that has been mentioned above... the speedometer needle should rest at '0'. So something is wrong with it. The amp gauge needle should be exactly centered. Something wrong there too. There are several service vendors to send it to.
Speedometer is the most complicated/precise instrument of the group so it will be the major cost factor. Good used available? Don't bet on it. Good luck

PikaPhantom · Feb 26, 2017

Thanks for the insight. I removed the volt regulator when i took those pictures.

krazykuda · Feb 26, 2017

Test the light bulbs and sockets with a continuity tester (usually in a multi meter) before installing them to be sure that the bulbs are good and making contact with the sockets. Test across the tangs from the sockets with the bulbs installed to be sure they will work in the car...

Here are some pictures of the dash from my old 70 Dart Swinger for reference. It is out and the harness is removed: