I already have those ammeter wires connected together, so thats not it. This was a running car before winter projects, new steering gearbox and paint engine compartment. I had a bunch of stuff disconected and removed so its probably something simple. I thought it should start with cluster out. I'm having some trouble with a/c switch is why I wanted to leave cluster out.
Since you painted your engine compartment, start checking your grounds. Fresh paint is a crappy conductor. And make sure your NSS is connected, both at the trans and at the harness. Also make sure the column ground wire is present and connected.