'67 F250 missing instrument cluster, what are my options?

[Marcus]

I was just given a rather decent condition 1967 F250 Ranger Camper Special, which led me to finding and joining this site.

One of the major problems facing me with this truck is that before I found it, some scum-sucking dirtbag slime-weasel thief stole the instrument panel out of it. This was the type with the ammeter and oil gauge in the panel. Looking around, I see lots of standard instument clusters for this type truck, and some of the F600 type. If I can't find the correct panel, What would it take to make one of the standard "Idiot light" panels work, or one of the F600 versions?

I believe I have some vintage SW ammeters and oil pressure gauges out in my workshop, which I could probably mount below the dash....bearing in mind that my auto electrical skills and knowledge are rather minimal, what would it take to make these work with the standard "idiot light" panel if the F600 type is too much work?

This truck also needs transmission work - reverse doesn't work - but is otherwise complete and was running before the dirty little criminal truck-robber stole the instuments out of it, so my immediate plans are to check all the fluids, put some gas and a battery in it, and see if I can get her fired up and running. Can I do with the ignition switch, what with the ammeter gone, or will I have to hot wire it from the solenoid and jump the starter?

thanks,
Marcus

[mljjones67]

I have a gauge cluster out of a 67 f-250 I wont be using. It has all the gauges.

[Thunderfoot]

if you don't want mljjones67 one, then post in the "parts wanted" section and I'm sure a couple of others will pop up! The 67-69 instrument clusters will work in your truck. If you end up going the idiot light style one you will have to move a couple of wires around in the connector and leave a couple out to make it work but it can be done...
If you want to use the F600 style you just need to find the earlier style ones (for ease) as they have the same connector on them as your truck (plug and play) other wise if you get one of the newer type that has the circuit board on the back it takes a different connector and you will need to get it so you can wire it into your harness.
As far as starting the truck no problem, it will start and run just fine without the instrument cluster. The amp meter is wire in as a shunt so it doesn't have all the power going through it.

btw to the site, you will find lots of good info to help you on your truck here.

[fordman]

i got cut off yesterday when posting this. buti would get oen from ebay. you will want one froma 67-69 . or a f600 panel. that would be the best thing to do. or if yo udid use a light panel you would have to run the wires from the plug before they got to the panel down to a set of guages. you can get those at the parts store for around 30-40 dollars.

[Marcus]

Thanks to everyone else for their advice on this. I was going to see about getting her running this weekend, but I've been slammed with some kind of flu. Feeling better, so I'll play with it tomorrow.

regards,
Marcus