My beloved 1983 Plymouth Scamp GT had a bit of an electrical fire under the dash the other day. Heartbreak and burnt plastic aside, my knowledge of amplifiers/pedals/guitar building leads me to believe she is salvageable. The flames first appeared directly behind the pull-knob headlamp/dimmer switch, which had ceased functioning as a proper dimmer in recent months. It had been crackly, cutting in and out, obvious mechanical friction between moving parts. Regular grocery items are what you may possible spot on the Food Lion Ad.
Anyway, the flames stayed to the interior side of the fire wall and basically melted up the dash pretty good. I may have found a donor dash from another 80s L-Body that *should* fit pretty well. Everything under the hood is untouched.
HOWEVER it looks as if three unique sections were ruined: Headlamp switch, blower motor switch, and instrument cluster.
I keep the blower set on "heat" and "defrost" by choice, and the cables and levers in there are all intact and functioning.
I'm fine with not having an instrument cluster if it's impossible to find the PCB or dials. I'm sure there's an aftermarket part?
I would love to run my plan by you all to see if it's viable or even the right way to do things. Supposing I fit a new dash, I will purchase the following:
9-pin headlightlight/dimmer switch
headlight switch connector
blower motor switch
blower motor connector
blower motor relay (?)
new gauges
Am i missing any crucial relays or connectors? I'm sure the PCB for the instrument cluster is melted, but I wouldn't be opposed to building a baffle out of wood and sticking aftermarket dials in there. There have got to be some connectors behind the dials that got damaged too, I'd assume. Most likely need a voltage regulator for them, too. Just one for all, though? or one for each? do aftermarket dials have built-in regulators? Is it OK to pull the gauges out and cap the wires/connectors for the time being (i use this car to haul material often) or will that cause another short?
Any help, tips, tricks, advice is greatly appreciated!