speedo out in 85 brat. local shop wants $180 to pull dash and fix speedo. found 86 hatchback and pulled entire instrument cluster ($13 at u pull it)since it looks identical to brat. While the guage needles are slightly different can i simply swap in the newer hatchback cluster and "plug and play" as they say? any help appreciated.

come on folks, i did the search and now i need some help.

I am not an expert on Brats. But I would have to believe that as long as the dashes are the same, and the plugs fit you are good. Both dashes being from the same model, Manual or auto would help to insure compatibility

Hi This is Jerry, yes the dash is the same plug it in and go. Thanks Jerry

How do you know the dash is bad? Just because the speedo doesnt work doesnt mean the dash is bad. Make sure the cable is attached at the tranny and at the back of the dash. I've seen mine come loose at the back of the panel before.

How do you know the dash is bad? Just because the speedo doesnt work doesnt mean the dash is bad. Make sure the cable is attached at the tranny and at the back of the dash. I've seen mine come loose at the back of the panel before.

 

Yeah that's a good point. While you've got the dash out. Grab the little cable in the center of the speedo cable housing. And see if it spinns freely. If so it is likely broke. It should be engaged with the trans and only spin when the wheels are moving.

lonnies speedo guage is bad, it does several revolutions at 5mph....makes me feel evil driving at 235 mph in my parking lot...

 

 

anyway, lonnie, we can fix, not hard at all, in fact if you call me i can walk you through it

 

later-dan

gentelmen-thanks so much for responses, all are helpful and this gives me the confidence to proceed with the swap.

 

ps. my brat instrument cluster is cracked, faded and i have confirmed the speedo does not work. the hatchback cluster i am using comes from a carbed, 4-speed rig like mine. again the only appearence difference was different guage needles.

 

pss. this club and message board is great and makes it possible for newbies like me to come and play those raindeer games.

I've experianced the same problem too, in my white brat. It would spin around, bounce around like it had a mind of its own. IIRC I used a cluster from an 84 wagon in mine. So it would stand to reason that it will work from a hatch as well.