Driving without instrument cluster

[dmcindiana]

Folks, is it okay to drive without the instrument cluster? I have the binnacle out for restoration and need to get to a local shop while that's going on. I see some comments that the alternator won't charge the battery with the battery bulb out. Confirm? Do I absolutely need to get the cluster back in there propped up somehow? Any other ill effects?

[WHO1DMC]

Folks, is it okay to drive without the instrument cluster? I have the binnacle out for restoration and need to get to a local shop while that's going on. I see some comments that the alternator won't charge the battery with the battery bulb out. Confirm? Do I absolutely need to get the cluster back in there propped up somehow? Any other ill effects?

I'm not giving a go ahead but theoretically you should be fine if you're not going far. Make sure the battery is well charged and you will get hyper flash on turn signals if running OG flasher.




Dave B.

[dmcnc]

Correct, the alternator will not charge unless you close the battery circuit on the dash.

[dmcindiana]

Sounds good, guys, thanks. It?s worth the trouble to get the cluster back in. I just got the yucky news that my binnacle is unrestorable anyway, so back in the whole thing goes for now.

[ssdelorean]

>>snip<< I just got the yucky news that my binnacle is unrestorable anyway, so back in the whole thing goes for now.

Is it too far gone for a cover?
https://store.delorean.com/binnacle-...rial-only.html

[Josh]

You could pop a 500 ohm (ish) resistor across the leads to the alternator light, or just go for it if you are not driving far.