IMPORTANT: Instrument panel differences!

[FORDification]

A couple weeks ago I was having a discussion with Barry about the differences in instrument panels. He forwarded me a picture taken of the backside of a '70 instrument cluster, informing me that these were different from the '71-'72 clusters. I went ahead and posted his picture on the '67-'72 ID page. Today I was finally able to verify that the '70 panel is definitely a one-year-only item! A '70 instrument cluster will NOT work in a '71-'72 truck...or vice-versa.

The harness plug connector on the '70 board is 1-1/2" wide whereas the connector on the '71-'72 boards are 2-1/4" wide. In addition, the pin-out is different.

I've updated the graphic on the ID page along with the necessary information, but just thought I'd let everyone know here who might not check up there very often.

Here's a copy of the updated graphic:

[Lee]

Keith,

Are you sure about this? The reason I ask is because I just recently had to work on the cluster in my 1970 F250. My cluster is exactly like the top cluster in your picture that is labled 71-72.

I am pretty sure that my wire harness is original as there are no splices anywhere. If in the 30+ years my truck has been around, a previous owner replaced the wire harness with a 71-72 model they did a fine dam job as everything is ran correctly and looks factory all the way to the fuse panel.

Take care,
Lee

[Randle]

Keith:

Here is some pictures of the cluster from my 71, it looks like the 70 you are showing. The date on it shows, Jan 21 1971.

Randle

[FORDification]

Uh-oh....it seems I've been mislead again. I will definitely have to do some more research and follow up on this one. Thanks for letting me know, guys. This isn't the first time something like this has happened, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

[68F250]

That is very wierd, Lee has the later cluster in his '70 and Randle has the earlier cluster in his '71

Lee, are you sure yours is like the top cluster? Easiest way to tell is the voltage regulator hangs way off to the side. You can see the middle cluster has the regulator closer to the middle.

Maybe the change was a midyear '71 thing? That would explain Randle's cluster.

Not trying to mislead you Keith, the '71 and '72 clusters I've taken apart were identical and different than the '70. Even the catalogs list the '70 printed circuit board as different than the '71, '72 circuit board. They also take different voltage regulators.

[FORDification]

Don't worry Barry...it wasn't entirely you. I was also e-mailing someone else who stated the following in his e-mail:

"I'm changing my instrument panel, the one I'm taking out is a circuit style, no wires just one plug and has a metal back, the new one is plastic, stamped '71 circuit. The problem is the plug opening are different sizes...old one is 1-1/2", new one is 2-1/4". my truck was built with parts titled '70."

Seems as if we have another mystery on our hands.

[68F250]

Ding Dong!

Maybe the mystery is, I got'em mixed up! If so, then Lee, Randle and your email are all in agreement. The later cluster is plastic right?

[FORDification]

That does seem to support what we're finding out. No big deal, I'll fix the graphic tonight after work and nobody will be the wiser...and we'll just add this to the list of things that aren't discussed EVER again (like SWB Camper Specials).

[FORDification]

OK, the graphic has been fixed. I DO have it right this time, don't I? (just checking!)

[68F250]

I hope we got this finally right, thanks guys for setting me straight!

Only problem now is, this thread doesn't make sense anymore.

[bumpside-smitty]

OK, With all that now I am very confused.
I am restoring a 72 f-100 4X plain jane sport custom. In order to get some needed parts I bought a 70 F-250. I want to use the dash out of the 70 because it has the wood grain panel and the clear plastic is in much better shape than the one in the 72.
1. Can I swap gauge clusters between a 70 and a 72.
2. If I cannot swap it due to the connection in the back can it be taken apart and just use the woodgrain face and the clear plastic portion?

Thanks for the Help, Smitty

[FORDification]

The front bezel and the clear plastic are interchangable, and even the individual gauges, just not the main housing with the circuit board.

[capeclassics]

I need to know what is involved in changing my stock 1970 instrument out for a 1967 panel(round gages).Is there any way to make this swap work?Thanks for help.

[FORDification]

First of all, welcome to the site and forums! You'll have to pop into the Welcome Mat area and tell us about yourself and your truck.

Take a look at the following threads for more info. It's not complete by any means, but should get you headed in the right direction. It'll be at least a few months before I install mine, and I'll be writing up a complete and detailed turtorial on what to do. Until then, I hope these help:

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=902

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=913

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1023

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1993

[granitestate68]

Hey capeclassics, thank god, another New Englander , WELCOME and HI. See you NW guys, there are two Fords here that haven't rusted out completely. Definitely jump to the Welcome Mat and introduce yourself. This site is AWESOME.

Lee