Gauge cluster illumination

[massacre]

I remember going through this. I was so worried about the traces. Luckily for me it ended up being bulbs.
I was wondering if copper tape or copper foil or even thin copper could be used to repair the traces?

[sly]

double sided tape would also work to put the traces down, but not to keep them down. But if you don't plan on disconnecting that harness any time soon, it's a quick fix.
Copper tape could be used, but the conductive epoxy will make a better bond. And you really don't need much at all. Little dab will do ya. The problem with copper tape or foil or thin copper is you still have to attach it somehow and the adhesive on the tape doesn't work well enough for current handling like that without using some kind of conductive adhesive or solder. Tape adhesive tends to give up with heat... rather quickly.

[massacre]

Conductive epoxy would be sweet. Had no idea it even existed lol
Just gotta apply it judiciously

[91merc]

One of the traces has the end torn off where the plug goes in

[WagonMan]

Will a Cv cluster swap into a Merc or no?

No it won't. I have gauge clusters if needed. WagonMan

[sly]

One of the traces has the end torn off where the plug goes in

bah. Might get one from WagonMan then. Take time for shipping, but would save you a LOT of hassle.

[91merc]

Well I traced it out, and the torn one goes to the Amp light, I'm gonna put a voltage gauge on the car anyway so it shouldn't matter much right?

[87gtVIC]

Your car battery just wont ever charge. I am not joking.

[sly]

+1 you need that in the circuit to get the alternator to turn on.

[massacre]

It's crazy but it's true.

[kishy]

On the question about repairing traces: I couldn't believe I got this to work, but it did:



This is a trace on the illumination circuit that I burnt via short circuit while doing a bulb check with cluster removed from the car.

Lesson being, you can get solder to stick to it if you're careful. Too much heat will melt everything but a quick touch should work. That's a tiny piece of wire with insulation fully removed.

[sly]

+1 soldering can be done, but do not dwell once solder melts. You can always try again, but once you dwell too long, stuff burns.

[massacre]

On the question about repairing traces: I couldn't believe I got this to work, but it did:



This is a trace on the illumination circuit that I burnt via short circuit while doing a bulb check with cluster removed from the car.

Lesson being, you can get solder to stick to it if you're careful. Too much heat will melt everything but a quick touch should work. That's a tiny piece of wire with insulation fully removed.

Nice job! Wish i was that good at soldering lol

[87gtVIC]

.....







Multiple soldered spots....It works.....Definitely difficult though.

[91merc]

Found the problem, PO removed the illumination fuse because the circuit film crapped out and was popping the fuse