Early B Body Dash Panel

[Stumper]

Can anyone think of a way to test a complete dash panel/ cluster before installing it to make sure it is not shorted anywhere? I’m specifically talking about a 62-3 dash panel. I have built a new dash cluster for my 62 but every time I try to install it I get a short from something. I have tried replacing various gauges thinking they were faulty only to see a short once it’s all installed.. I currently have it ready to try again with a new amp gauge but I would prefer to find out if it is good before I go through the hassle of changing it out. Any way to pretest the panel?

 

[493 Mike]

Does the amp gauge have the isolator pieces all installed?
Mike

 

[VANDAN]

I would also check the operation of the MPH, with the speedometer. After having my working unit restored, it no longer moves the needle, yet the miles are being recorded ? Haven't figured it out yet ???

 

[Stumper]

One of the attempts, I had found the amp gage isolator broken and I made a piece out of rubber and tried it but still had the short. This time I bought and installed a new Amp gage with a perfect isolator, thinking this was the problem. I was hoping someone could tell me how to bench test the thing before I tear everything apart again?

 

[radical rob]

Power it with a battery charger?

 

[coloradodave]

I often use a cordless tool 12 or 18 volt battery or a regular 9 volt battery. Make two leads from 16-18 gauge wire and alligator clamps on one or both ends depending on terminals you're testing...