While messing with my gauge cluster I patched a couple trouble spots with JB Weld just to hold it together (it ain't pretty, but looks weren't my goal here), and got a really good idea for how to beef up the plastic portions of the housing so that it can more easily handle being as beat up as it gets worked on (and as brittle as this old plastic is, oy). I also got a couple ideas for beefing up the cluster mounting points on the dash frame so that the holes won't get stripped out by the factory sheet metal screws. I'll be getting a good condition cluster to mount my Autometer gauges to, so I'll use that as the experimental piece as well. I'll post more as I do some R&D on this.

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

remember, anytime you cut plastic use a blade with as many teeth as possible to keep it from cracking.

also, if you decide to ever drill the plate I made you, please do NOT use a store bought drill bit without modifying the tip. I know it says right on the package it will cut plastic, but it will crack and splinter your cluster.

the tips are just far too "flat" to get it done right. you need to grind the tip to a very acute point and angle it much more, instead of the typical 60 degrees or so you need about a 30.

email me if you need any info.