Date:         Sat, 7 Oct 2000 15:53:33 -0400
Reply-To:     jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@MSN.COM>
Organization: Microsoft Corporation
Subject:      Instrument cluster - cheap fix

First, thank you to those that offered clusters for sale and other
suggestions.  The relatively new cluster (new style km/hr speedo) lost the
tab that holds the 14-pin connector.  I ran for 3 days w/o gauges keeping
careful check on coolant and oil levels.  This afternoon, I engineered a
cheap fix.  Key was a roughly L-shaped section of plastic I cut from a 4 oz
freezer container.  I cut this so that it was about as long as the plastic
tab.  One the side to go against the cluster, I drilled two holes to clear a
4-40 self-tapping screw.  I then positioned this side along the back of the
cluster and marked the position of the holes.  I then drilled into the back
of the plastic housing with the correct drill for the 4-40 screws.  I then
mounted this piece of plastic.  Then I took the cluster back out to the van,
and press fit the connector over the tab (now having the foil wrapped around
it).  This appears that it is going to be a more secure fit than original
connection.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
'84 DL