Topic: Temperature Gauge Replacement

[68GTFastback]

My 68 GT Fastback temp gauge pegs out before the car gets to full temperature. I have tried to replace the sending unit but it has seized up and I cannot take the chance of ringing it off in the intake. I need feedback on how much trouble is it to replace the gauge and any suggestions on removing the cluster and reinstalling without creating extra work in the process. Would appreciate help with this.   

[midlife]

Replacing the gauge is fairly easy.  You simply remove the screws on the back of the dash cluster, the locking nuts on the gauge and it falls right out.  Installation is the reverse.  Just be sure that the posts don't touch the dash cluster as they can short things. 

I remove and replace gauges on all years in a matter of 10-15 minutes.  Not hard at all.

[sammy73]

A bit off topic but I thought I would chime in... After trying several different sending units listed for vintage SBF, the one that actually read correctly with my '67 "C" code's temp gauge was the "BWD WT386". YMMV...

[68GTFastback]

The cluster is installed in the car. Is there any suggestions on taking the assembly out of the dash? I was wondering if the speedo cable or any of the wiring required removing to get to the temp gauge?  THANKS

[67gta289]

I’d really go after that sending unit first if it were me.

[gtamustang]

Ronnie,

There definitely is more to it than just removing the dash cluster. There is a capture nut on the right side of the cluster face that has to be removed; typically requires the removal of the ashtray. On the left side, the cluster face has a tab that goes underneath the heater/ac control register, thus the two top screws of the register need to be removed. Then there are 3 screws at the top and 2 screws at the bottom of the cluster face that need to be removed. Once you have all of that done, you can gently pull the cluster out far enough to unscrew the speedo cable and disconnect the 2 wire pigtails, both on the left side of the cluster. Your seat belt light pigtail/bulb is the last item to remove from the back right of the cluster and then you can take it all of the way out.

Hope this helps you.

Regards,
Pete Morgan