The dreaded crumbling plactic housings. We have talked about this a few times on the board. Seems Ford changed the material that was used sometime around 1974. Early blue colored housings have survived time quite nicely but the white colored ones from later years just fall apart like brittle chalk. To make matters more complicated - Ford changed the size of the harness plug in those years so an older model blue one cannot be directly swapped for a white crumbling one. There is hope for you - as it is not too difficult to modify the older style housing to fit a later style harness plug. Here is some more info in the tech section. http://www.maverick.to/mmb/showthread.php?t=31291&highlight=instrument+cluster+plug
thanks for the info im sure it will come in handy do you know where i could get a backing plate of any kind
No other dash pod is a direct swap in. All others would need to be a custom job. There should be plenty of dash clusters available from the guys that part out cars here on the forum. You may even be able to find the right one for your 77 and not have to go to an older style swap. I personally have never seen one from a late model that wasn't turning to dust. But who knows - it may be your lucky day! Try placing a wanted ad in the classifieds - I'm sure someone here will be able to help.
today is my lucky day i just fiqured out what my new career will be. remaking backing plates for instrument clusters. It would be better than trying to modify plates older than mine to put back in there. I,m going to be rich.:bananaman It seem like autokrafters or somebody would remake these new. but for now im going to place a classified thank you for you help
thanks for all yall help I am now on a quest to find a instrument cluster panel which i am sure i will have to modify so thanks for the extra info Mr. Acornridgeman on the modify I'm possitve that I will need it.
