Topic: Decisions, decisions, decisions...

[MWM]

As best as I can tell, I have a February - March 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback A Code from San Jose.  When I purchased the car, the wiring harness was all hacked up in many places and there was a '66 five gauge cluster installed.  I later purchased a new wiring harness to match the cluster as I did not want to risk a fire.  Lately I have located a '65 five gauge cluster with the inductive loop.  Since I have the car torn completely apart, which gauge cluster should I install and why?  I don't think there is a wiring harness out there for the loop version?  Any suggestions?  Is one gauge safer than the other?  The car will be a driver.
Thank you!

[trucktricksdon]

I have wired a few 66 5 gauge clusters for customers in 65 cars but would prefer the correct dash in my own, which would be the 65 style gauges with horizonal speedo. There is a great article outlining how to do the wiring properly to make it work. The link is below. there are several steps to make everything work correctly so if it is done right and everything works, there shouldnt be any safety issues.

http://www.midnightdsigns.com/james/Installing%20Gauges.htm

Again, if I am not mistaken, a 5 gauge cluster of any sort would not be correct for your vehicle, having been produced that early in 65. I believe the 5 gauge cluster didnt show up until April on GT cars only. Either way, the article will give you all of the key points to check to make sure it was done correctly. As a rule, I strip out EVERYTHING that doesn't belong there when it comes to wiring. Then I start from scratch so I absolutely know it is right. If you decide to go with the 66 cluster, follow the instructions in the artlce link meticulously.

[CharlesTurner]

Agree that the 5 dial would not be correct for a Feb/Mar '65 car.  It wasn't just GT cars that got it in '65, any Mustang ordered with deluxe interior got it too (once the option was available.)

My recommendation is to put back the original system with the big speedo.

[MWM]

I believe the data plate shows 63B.
Thanks

[CharlesTurner]

I believe the data plate shows 63B.
Thanks

Does the car have the semi-circle dip in the middle where the instrument cluster attaches or is it straight there?  Original or repro warranty plate?

[MWM]

Yes, there is a semicircular dip along the bottom edge in front of the steering wheel about two inches wide by about 3/8" deep and the data plate appears original as it is faded and a little scratched.

[CharlesTurner]

Ok, then probably a mid-March or later car.  When you mentioned it was built around February, that set off the bells and whistles!

If you want to use the loop ammeter cluster, will have to find the correct main harness.  Might be able to find a good used one, they are kind of rare though.  It will be the same harness used in any '65 deluxe interior car or GT (with or without deluxe interior.)

[trucktricksdon]

I agree, the loop cluster would be the way to go, keeping it original. Using the 66 cluster, you are running wires that are not supposed to be there for the 65, and omitting wires that are supposed to be there for 65 in order to get that 66 dash working.

Another question that may be raised is... if it is a Luxury interior car, and the 5 gauge cluster was supposed to be there anyways, wouldn't the wiring be there as well? Basically it would be just a matter of pulling out everything that has been done to add the 66 cluster, and reconnecting it properly.

[MWM]

Thanks everyone!
Since wiring is not my forte, I'll contact midlife for more info. It may be that most of the harness was there and just modified?  Time to get the books out and begin some more investigation!
Thanks

[midlife]

Another option is to replace the 66 ammeter with a 65 version (if you can find one) and use a 65 bezel on the 66 dash cluster housing.

I've been in communications with MWM about which version is safer and/or more reliable.  The 65 GT/Pony wiring is very similar to the 66, but does have significant differences.  In addition, all of the underhood wiring will have to match the underdash year.  I'm partial to 66's, as the ammeter gauge itself is repro'ed and seems to be a bit more responsive than the 65. 

I've converted a early 65 to a gauge system and it is extraordinarily difficult to do correctly.  You'll need to use a 66 gauge firewall plug to replace the 65 version, essentially splicing in half of one harness to another.  I did it once, and won't do it again, primarily from a time and effort point of view.  It is so much easier to refurbish the year the owner wants from a good core.

[CharlesTurner]

Don't mean to get off topic, but my personal experience with 65/66 ammeters has been that '65 is much more active than '66.

[Murf]

My experience is that a 65 amp meter is FAR, FAR more responsive and accurate than a 66.  The 66 meter is a dud, just sits there and I think that a dead short in the system would only cause a tiny deflection of the needle.  The 65 induction type meter is the best in my view and deflects for any charge or discharge and is very sensitive.  Just one guys experience.