1966 Charger help needed

[57 Fargo]

First of all I’m primarily a C body and A body guy, so be gentle!

I’m working on a ‘66 Charger for a friend, getting things working. None of the gauges work, no 5 volts out of the fuel gauge, I hooked up a later 5 volt regulator and got that going but still nothing. I did try grounding sending unit wires and nothing moves, finally I checked the resistance of the gauges from the 5v post to the sender post and they are all open. I’m assuming the original regulator stuck shut and cooked gauges with 12 volts. Am I missing anything?

Also someone has removed the power pack for the lighting, are they available or search for a used one?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Don Frelier]

Doesn't sound like you've missed anything.

I tried a reproduction power pack off eBay and it worked for about 1 minute.
Maybe I just got a bad one?

 

[57 Fargo]

Doesn't sound like you've missed anything.

I tried a reproduction power pack off eBay and it worked for about 1 minute.
Maybe I just got a bad one?

Next question, are the instrument clusters repairable? Or is it find one?

 

[Don Frelier]

Next question, are the instrument clusters repairable? Or is it find one?

There are a couple people who can repair them.
@Skatpak specializes in them

 

[bcOH67]

Not that I’m the right person to say anything, but just to warn a brother in case you don’t already… unless 66 and 67 are different, that power pack that drives the cluster lights puts out enough juice to give you a good jolt so be careful

 

[twecomm]

Based on your description, sounds like the gauges are toast. When that original mechanical 5 volt regulator goes and applies full battery volts to the gauges that kills them. Contact Todd, he's the guy for restoring first gen Charger gauge clusters. He does excellent work with a great warranty. Home - Todd's Restorations.
Once you get gauges restored, you should get the RT engineering solid state 5 V regulator. Think Todd can do that for you as well. MOPAR Products
You can find power packs, new and used on E bay.

 

[57 Fargo]

Yeah I’m well aware of the voltage, I wasn’t sure if it was something that can be repaired by a reasonably clever guy at home.

 

[RemCharger]

Yeah I’m well aware of the voltage, I wasn’t sure if it was something that can be repaired by a reasonably clever guy at home.

Yes people have repaired them for years. I personally haven't, but I believe it's usually a transistor..

 

[twecomm]

if you are a "reasonably clever guy at home" have a look at this which shows what's involved in fixing gauges..

 

[440 4 speed]

Yes people have repaired them for years. I personally haven't, but I believe it's usually a transistor..

You are correct. I don’t know the correct name, but it might be a capacitor. IIRC it is about the size of a dime. Many years ago it was under 1.00. I had a friend repair/replace it over 20 years ago and it still works fine. I imagine there could be other things go wrong.
Our nephew had a television repairman repair his in the 90’s. 6.00 I believe, still works.
Anyone that has a 2 year technical course in the electrical field ie tech school could easily repair it. Or someone that just has an interest or knack.

 

[57 Fargo]

The power pack is missing completely, I believe I have already tracked one down, the gauges I may pull apart, I can’t make them not work anymore than they currently do!

 

[Davefinan]

I heard many stories about how replacing the capacitor usually fixes the power pack , so I decided to give it a shot.
I went online to find one with correct rating and size. I found one and installed it ( you should be able to handle it) and it worked. Still working.

 

[RedBeard]

The power pack is missing completely, I believe I have already tracked one down, the gauges I may pull apart, I can’t make them not work anymore than they currently do!

Go to Todd: Home - Todd's Restorations He should have all the parts and info you need. Great to work with.