Topic: 65 5 Gauge Instrument Cluster

[Rick D]

I'm working on a May 65 GT coupe that someone removed the instrument cluster from years ago.  I found a super nice 5 gauge cluster but it is a C6ZF from a March 66 car.  I have been told that this 66 cluster won't work in a 65 car without some wiring modification.  I know it wouldn't work if my 65 originally had the 120 sweep speedo cluster but I'm not understanding what would be different between a 65 5 gauge and a 66 5 gauge.  Thoughts?  Will this work or am I back on the hunt for a 65 cluster?

Thanks,
Rick

[midlife]

The difference is in the ammeter wiring.  The 65 uses a large wire that runs from one firewall plug to the other, with a loop for the induction-type ammeter.  The gauge harness plug is a 7 pin affair for 65.  In 1966, the design for the ammeter uses two separate lines, both from the gauge harness plug.  Thus, both the underdash and engine gauge feed harness are different from 1965 and 1966.  I believe that the headlight harness also changed due to some modifications in the connections to the alternator/starter solenoid/engine gauge feed cluster near the battery.

You either have to stick entirely with the 65 gauge wiring for everything forward of the tail-light or the 66 version, all driven by the dash cluster year.

[CharlesTurner]

The instrument cluster metal base is also unique to a loop ammeter system, the hole is larger for the loop on the back of the ammeter.

[Brant]

Here's one of my old Blog posts showing a picture of what Charles mentions:

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/search?q=ammeter

[Rick D]

I knew you guys would know, thanks.  Now I'm back on the hunt for a 65 cluster.  If anyone has one, please let me know.  I'll be posting to the want ads as well.

Thanks,
Rick

[outlawincorporated]

I know I bought a really nice 65GT rear housing off Charles Turner many years ago, but at this point in time I have no idea where it is at present.  could be in storage with all my other collectibles in the USA or possibly back in Australia with all my other stuff.  will have to go search and advise where it is.... any idea Charles???
stay tuned is the best answer I can give you at present.  happy to sell it as I have no real use for it on my cars.

regards.

PHILL BERESFORD.
MELBOURNE,
AUSTRALIA.

[CharlesTurner]

No idea, would guess it might have been seen when you were here last? 

[5F08KGT]

One quick add on question: does the direction that the wire is routed through the loop in the '65 guage make any difference which way it goes?

[67gtasanjose]

One quick add on question: does the direction that the wire is routed through the loop in the '65 guage make any difference which way it goes?

If you get it backwards, the gauge works in reverse too.

Richard

[rocket289k]

If you get it backwards, the gauge works in reverse too.

Richard

+1 the loop style ammeter system is controlled by the direction of current flow

Regards,

Ron

[jwc66k]

The black-yellow comes in from the right side of the loop then attaches to the bullet connector which has a black wire.
Jim