Electroluminescent Advice Please

[66/440]

I have a non-B body project. I am considering using an electroluminescent dash from a '66/'67 Charger. Other than how it looks when lit I know very little about these dashes and am hoping some of you guys could weigh-in on the in's and out's of these units.
I need to understand any differences in the years, supporting electronics and anything else that would facilitate a swap of this sort.
Are there any updated parts available to increase reliability?
Parts Sources?
What should I be aware of when purchasing a used electroluminescent dash?
Restorers who might specialize in these dashes.

Thanks in advance for any help you might have!

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

I have a non-B body project. I am considering using an electroluminescent dash from a '66/'67 Charger. Other than how it looks when lit I know very little about these dashes and am hoping some of you guys could weigh-in on the in's and out's of these units.
I need to understand any differences in the years, supporting electronics and anything else that would facilitate a swap of this sort.
Are there any updated parts available to increase reliability?
Parts Sources?
What should I be aware of when purchasing a used electroluminescent dash?
Restorers who might specialize in these dashes.

Thanks in advance for any help you might have!

I believe it’s this member @Skatpak

 

[DanielSlocum]

Be careful with the power supply/transformer. It transforms 12 v to 200 volts! That could ruin [or end] your life.

 

[twecomm]

Addressing your questions: As far as I know, I believe the only electrical difference between a 66-67 instrument cluster is the tach. In a 66, the tach sender electronics is an external small round can behind the glove box. I believe the sender in a 67 is actually in the tach gauge housing, not 100% sure on this., so others pls comment.
In a stock cluster, gauges operate from a +5 Volt mechanical gauge regulator located INSIDE the fuel gauge. One side of the fuel, temp and oil pressure gauges is SOURCED from this +5 volt regulator, the other side of the respective gauge is in series with the respective resistive sender to chassis ground. These senders are basically variable resistors. The spedometer and tach have nothing to do with the 5 volt regulator. For reliability, it's recommended to replace that internal 5 volt mechanical regulator with one fro RT Engineering MOPAR Products. He also has replacement tach sender electronics for 66-67 Tach's. Turn signal indicators are incandescent lamps.
The tach sender samples pulses from the ignition coil, speedometer is mechanically driven from tranny. The AC hi voltage to illuminate the electroluminescent devices comes from a "power pack" that converts 12 VDC to 200-25 VAC. Replacement power packs are available on E Bay. The gauge parts are non-existent, repair is the only solution. Todd is the expert on gauge repair / restoration and does excellent work. Home - Todd's Restorations
If you purchase a Charger gauge cluster, obviously you want a 100% electrically working cluster, if you can find one. If not, they can be repaired as long as everything's there and it's in reasonable physical condition. Nothing as cool looking as the 66-67 gauge cluster lit up..

 

[66/440]

Addressing your questions: As far as I know, I believe the only electrical difference between a 66-67 instrument cluster is the tach. In a 66, the tach sender electronics is an external small round can behind the glove box. I believe the sender in a 67 is actually in the tach gauge housing, not 100% sure on this., so others pls comment.
In a stock cluster, gauges operate from a +5 Volt mechanical gauge regulator located INSIDE the fuel gauge. One side of the fuel, temp and oil pressure gauges is SOURCED from this +5 volt regulator, the other side of the respective gauge is in series with the respective resistive sender to chassis ground. These senders are basically variable resistors. The spedometer and tach have nothing to do with the 5 volt regulator. For reliability, it's recommended to replace that internal 5 volt mechanical regulator with one fro RT Engineering MOPAR Products. He also has replacement tach sender electronics for 66-67 Tach's. Turn signal indicators are incandescent lamps.
The tach sender samples pulses from the ignition coil, speedometer is mechanically driven from tranny. The AC hi voltage to illuminate the electroluminescent devices comes from a "power pack" that converts 12 VDC to 200-25 VAC. Replacement power packs are available on E Bay. The gauge parts are non-existent, repair is the only solution. Todd is the expert on gauge repair / restoration and does excellent work. Home - Todd's Restorations
If you purchase a Charger gauge cluster, obviously you want a 100% electrically working cluster, if you can find one. If not, they can be repaired as long as everything's there and it's in reasonable physical condition. Nothing as cool looking as the 66-67 gauge cluster lit up..

Thanks for taking time to start my education on EL dashes! I appreciate the info and the links.