'66 dash cluster fuel and amp gauge resisters/capacitors

[Jim H.]

I'm having my '66 BB dash cluster R&R'd, including recalibration of my gauges. Recently, the professional restorer called indicating the cluster I gave him didn't have the "resistors" for the fuel gauge or amp gauge. I've located from the parts houses the amp gauge capacitor but the fuel gauge capacitor/resistor eludes me - nobody offers one. I'll confess, I'm empty-headed on this subject. What am I lacking for these gauges in the nature of a resistor or capacitor, what do I need, and where do I obtain it? Appreciate your help.

JCH

[Richard M.]

Re: '66 dash cluster fuel and amp gauge resisters/capacitors

Jim,

I am not aware of resistors for the FUEL gauge, at least on the backside terminals. Joe Ray, a Cluster expert here on the TDB may know.

If you do not have a stock radio this doesn't apply and you don't need them. Technically, you only need them for AM reception interference, and if you're not planning to ever judge the car they're not needed unless you listen to AM stations often.

The BATTERY gauge, not a true AMP gauge like the earlier C1 cars, is actually made up of a 2 coil microvolt meter which senses small differences between the battery source voltage tap at the starter solenoid and the load tap at the buss bar junction at the horn relay.

The Capacitors/Condensors your restorer is asking about are only used if you have a stock AM/FM Radio. They're at the back of the cluster(3 unique pt#'s), the Heater Blower motor, Directional Flasher, Voltage Regulator, and the Ignition coil(except if K66 Ignition, i.e. Transitorized Ignition). Your AIM RPO U69 shows all of the the condensors.

3 are used at the back of the cluster....... Battery gauge, Park Brake Lamp(flasher bulb is '66), and Brown ACC wire. All 3 have different connection methods.

Rich

[Joe R.]

Re: '66 dash cluster fuel and amp gauge resisters/capacitors

Maybe you misunderstood your "Professional Restorer" as there is no such thing as a "Resistor" for the fuel gauge. There is a shunt resistor for the Temperature gauge in original gauges but that does not exist when reproduction gauges are used.
The only capacitors that exist are the AMP gauge, Ignition Switch and one that attaches to the frame.

JR

[Richard M.]

Re: '66 dash cluster fuel and amp gauge resisters/capacitors

JR, funny, we posted at exactly the same time.....

I forgot one in my above post, the wax coated type that connects to the Brake Pedal Switch under the steering column.

Here's what the back of a '67(similar to '66) looks like with the 3 condensers installed and some of the wire connections. The upper left goes to the Tan wire which is the +12V feed for the Park Brake Alarm(not headlight telltale lamp). It has a special connector, much like a Scotchlock connector, with a tiny pin that pushes into the Tan wire.(pics below too) Also, after reinstalling the cluster to the dash, install the headlamp Motor Rollup switch in the cluster first before that BATTERY Gauge Condenser mount screw. It get;s in the way of getting your fingers in there on the switch to hold that cursed flatnut for the inner mount screw.


This pic from a car with the '67 Speed Minder Buzzer RPO U15 that ties the ACC condenser into the U15 Harness 2-way connector as opposed to the single connector for the 63-66 versions(U15 not available on those).

[Jim H.]

Re: '66 dash cluster fuel and amp gauge resisters/capacitors

The gauges are original as well as the radio, Joe. I understood the restorer correctly (North Hollywood Speedometer is more of a Porsche shop than a Corvette shop). Thanks for the info.

[Jim H.]

Re: '66 dash cluster fuel and amp gauge resisters/capacitors

Thanks for the thorough explanation, Rich, and the pix. I know what I need now.

JCH