. Quick Search

Remove the eight screws holding the bezel to the cluster housing. Carefully separate the bezel, lens and metal backing plate. Save the cardboard tubes for reuse and salvage the sponge rubber anti-rattle lens insulators. DO NOT attempt to clean or wipe the gauges face as the reflective white paint will smear across the gauges flat black background.

Ford gauges are all calibrated the same from the factory except the ammeter. A flashlight battery can be used to induce a voltage. 1.5 volts will read about one quarter to a third on gauges they should all be consistent in their readings. 3 Volts should read about one half to two thirds ''full''.

Gauge failure is far less common than is a defective sending unit. The''CVR'' or constant voltage regulator is also known to go bad. It is the small electrical box mounted on the back of the instrument cluster. The CVR reduces amount of time the gauge receives power much in the same fashion as a turn signal flasher operates, it varies its applied voltage according to resistance. CVRs can be tested with a simple test light, when energy is applied, your light should flash about 50/50 off and on. Testing in '65 ''idiot light'' type must assure a ground is present for in-car diagnostics. Replace the CVR if found to be defective as none of your instruments will be operational with the ammeter and speedometer being the only possible exceptions.

If a gauge is found to be out of calibration, remove nuts and observe that insulation paper is intact and gauges terminals are not grounded to the cluster's metal body. Adjusters teeth can be seen and manipulated though the openings at the rear of the gauge with a tiny screwdriver. Make adjustments in small increments until readings match a gauge that is known to be accurate. Test comparisons should be made with one, then two flashlight batteries to insure accuracy throughout its range..

Ammeters can be centered by gently manipulating clutch type pivot weight with tweezers.

Slip a piece of paper under each gauge before applying a fresh coat of ''Fluorescent Red'' paint to each of the needles. This paint will give your instruments a fresh original look.

Reassemble with new high-quality instrument bezel and lens. Plastic lenses can be buffed out provided it is not cloudy or cracked.

The small amount of time and materials required to restore this constantly viewed part is well the investment and effort.

Shasmu08