F600 instrument panel in 71 F100?

[garner67]

I had purchased a nice F600 instrument cluster that I planned to install in my 67 F250, but I ended up selling the F250 and purchased a 71 F100. I believe the F600 cluster was a direct plug & play setup on the 67, but due to the idiot lights in a 71, it's a different story, right?

Can someone tell me what's involved to get a F600 instrument cluster installed and working in a 71 F100?

Thanks y'all.

[FORDification]

I'm assuming since you're asking that you intended to use the factory gauges in the F600 panel instead of replacing them with aftermarket gauges?

All the factory F600 gauges will work on your '71 with idiot lights with the exception of the ammeter. If you're fine with a non-working ammeter, then there's no problem. Just switch out the oil pressure sending unit with one used with a gauge setup and you're in business. The factory ammeter really isn't the best setup anyway...it's not very accurate and in most trucks doesn't move much except in extreme cases, so many folks tend to just replace it with a more-accurate add-on voltmeter instead.

The factory wiring harness for a full-instrumentation panel (with ammeter) is different from an idiot-light harness. The gauge-type wiring harness includes a shunt located between the alternator and the starter solenoid. Two wires come from the shunt to feed the ammeter. Also, with the ammeter, the ignition switch feeds the "S" terminal on the regulator with 12V. With the idiot lights, the regulator "S" terminal gets voltage from the stator. Here's a diagram I whipped up showing the factory ammeter connection:


The recommended method is to replace the underhood and underdash wiring harness with harnesses for gauges. Alternatively, you could simply run two new wires similar to how the above schematic to the ammeter...one to the battery side of the starter relay, the other to the BAT post of the alternator.

[garner67]

I'm assuming since you're asking that you intended to use the factory gauges in the F600 panel instead of replacing them with aftermarket gauges?

Yes. However, how much of a chore would it be to re-wire for all new gauges?

All the factory F600 gauges will work on your '71 with idiot lights with the exception of the ammeter. If you're fine with a non-working ammeter, then there's no problem. Just switch out the oil pressure sending unit with one used with a gauge setup and you're in business. The factory ammeter really isn't the best setup anyway...it's not very accurate and in most trucks doesn't move much except in extreme cases, so many folks tend to just replace it with a more-accurate add-on voltmeter instead.

I'm totally fine with losing the Ammeter gauge. I'd really prefer to have a Volt meter over an Ammeter anyway.

Thanks a ton for the expert help, Keith.

By the way, I've been away from Fordification for a couple of years, but it's good to be back. You have done wonders with this site.

[fordman]

to puitin a aftermarket 3 gauge setup it isnt that hard to wire one in really. the instructions that come with the kit is pretty simple to understand. as far as putting a F600 cluster in a truck past 69 you will need to have the female plug to plug in the F600 panel. or you can cut both sides of the plugs and wire it direct to your harness.

[eggman918]

2" gauges mounted from behind

[JayDog]

"The recommended method is to replace the underhood and underdash wiring harness with harnesses for gauges. "

I have a 71 F100 as well. Can anyone recommend a replacement part (such as year and truck model)?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[fordman]

Replacing only the engine bay harness wont work. Bettet to run new wires to usr those guages.