Gauge Cluster Question

[KyleSeal]

So, I'm reassembling my gauge cluster as my truck is on it's way back together soon. I've got a used cluster and all the basic parts for it, so here's my question:
Does the backing plate have to be bare metal? Or can it be painted so it doesn't rust? I thought it served as some sort of ground since the sheet wiring is laid on it.
Is there any way to put a new line to the oil pressure gauge? Looks like someone cut mine to remove it and never reinstalled one.
Is there anything special I need to know about reinstalling this with a new AAW harness?

1970 Chevrolet C10, basic rebuild of truck, no fancy EFI or power windows.

[VetteVet]

Originally Posted by KyleSeal

So, I'm reassembling my gauge cluster as my truck is on it's way back together soon. I've got a used cluster and all the basic parts for it, so here's my question:
Does the backing plate have to be bare metal? Or can it be painted so it doesn't rust? I thought it served as some sort of ground since the sheet wiring is laid on it.
Is there any way to put a new line to the oil pressure gauge? Looks like someone cut mine to remove it and never reinstalled one.
Is there anything special I need to know about reinstalling this with a new AAW harness?

1970 Chevrolet C10, basic rebuild of truck, no fancy EFI or power windows.

Your instrument lights actually ground to the plate through the printed circuit board so the plate also has to be grounded to the truck chassis (cab). You could paint it but make sure the ground points are clean and grounded.
The two screws by the high beam light and the cluster plug on the orange wire in the third diagram show them grounding the circuit board to the plate.
You can see them when you remove the circuit board.

The oil pressure gauge should be an easy fix if the threads are good on the gauge you can just replace the line. You can get a new line with nuts at the auto parts store.

[BigMike]

Ya, you can paint them just make sure they are grounded as VetteVet suggested. Also, if you want something a little different you can paint the inside of the tins a different color other than the bright teal/aqua color. I did mine in orange when I initially rebuilt them and it gave off an orange glow instead of the original color when the lights were on. I have also seen them in red, green & yellow. Just a different look without costing but a can of paint, and easily reversed.

[LockDoc]

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As far as the oil pressure line I have a couple of kits left.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648080

LockDoc

[KyleSeal]

So basically all that needs grounding is the lights, where the rest of the wiring plugs into the cluster, and the gauge stud connections? Sorry I am new to wiring and am worried of messing up.