Just got my gauge cluster backing plate from Sick6 yesterday (awesome), and I've been going over how to install the gauges in my head. Just working on getting a general idea of what I want to do. What I'm thinking is, since they all need power from the IGN switch, would it be wise for me to just run a factory wire from the IGN circuit to a relay that's connected between the battery and a mini fusebox (all the gauges call for fuses, and I don't want to take chances by not using them), or will the factory IGN circuit wiring be strong enough to support seven gauges? I don't imagine they'd pull much power, but I was thinking I could really clean things up underneath the dash by doing the relay and fuse box thing, and using Weatherpak (GM, yeah, but hey, spoils of war) connectors for each gauge so they could be easily removed and installed if need be.

Also, concerning the gauge lighting: does the rheostat in the headlight switch control the lighting's path to ground, or the power going to the lights? I'd like to be able to tap into the stock rheostat for the gauge lights if I can.

Red lit gauges in a black and red interior. Gonna be SCHWEET!

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

I'd run an extra relay.


You could always use the relay for something else too.........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Good idea. I imagine if I used a mini fuse box, I'd have more spots where I could tap into the IGN circuit should I add extra stuff to the car...

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

When I added a tach to my Duster, (also 74), I tapped into the radio wiring. If you look at the connector for the stock radio, there are 2 wires, red and orange. The orange is for the lights and will dim with the dash lights. I cut the tail off the stock radio, wired the red to power an aftermarket stereo, and the orange to my tach light. Simple and clean, uses stock fuses.

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There are 3 things that will live forever, cockroaches, Keith Richards, and Slant Six Dusters !!!

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/slantasaurus/

take a look around

My problem is that the stock radio's been gone for God knows how long. I'm sure the dimwits who tore it out left the wires tucked up somewhere among the duct tape under the dash (yes, duct tape), but I haven't found them yet

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Sometimes I've seen extra blank locations in the fuse panel. Could one of them be wired in? Not knowing, but caring.

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/6 '67 Barracuda convertible, electronic ignition, 4-OD, street cam, SBP KH discs, 3.55 SG 7.25" 1" t-bars. Bilstein.
340 '67 fastback, Doug Nash 5-speed.
1988 Toyota pickup work truck

With out the stock radio, you can still tap into the wiring when you find it....Whenever I see an older Mopar with the stock radio still in it in the junkyards, I take the connector off the radio for this reason, I should have at least 1 extra right now. If you find the "T" connector for the radio in all that duct tape and need the radio end, IM me and I'll send ya one.

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There are 3 things that will live forever, cockroaches, Keith Richards, and Slant Six Dusters !!!

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/slantasaurus/

take a look around