General Question about instrument cluster swap 69-72

[Hate Tank]

Noob here. Thank you to all who contribute to these posts as it makes it seem to my wife, that I actually know what I'm doing and therefore she allows more money for the project! I know it's probably too late now as I have already purchased an instrument cluster from a 72, but can they be swapped with a 69? My 69 is strictly idiot lights with the signals inside the tach space. The 72 cluster has all the gauges minus the tach; signals to the left and right of tach space. Did I waste my money or is there hope? Thank you again for all the free info I have put to good use and all the future info I'm sure to use as well.

[Coley]

Ok...you aren't in major danger here and no, you didn't waste your money.
The instrument panel will fit...so you are in good shape there.
However, you are going to need a different underdash wiring harness than the 'base' harness you currently have. (ie: idiot lights only arrangement)
You might be able to buy this deluxe harness used...and they are also available new.
Query the parts board with a 'WTB' (wanted to buy) to see if anyone has one they will sell you
The other minor element you will have to deal with is to get the wiper and lights arranged on the right side.
The '72 have the wipers (only) on the upper right hole and the lights (only) on the upper left hole. (I'm not sure how the '69s had it).
So first things first.....start sourcing a new underdash 'deluxe gauge' wiring harness and that will get you underway for the changeout.
Note: the tach uses its own harness arrangement (easy one) so don't worry about that for the moment...that comes later.

Regards,
Coley

[Hate Tank]

Many thanks for the direction!

[El Dorado Jim]

I believe your dash should work fine , the sending unit for the water temp I believe is different for a dash with gauges vs. idiot lights....other than that with the right harness you should be ok