Ok, thats a path to re-check. I did bypass the harness and used fresh wireing, to include the ground you mentioned, with the same results. If the gauge bonds itself via the dash assembly, then the question of an insulator at the rear of the assy becomes moot. For if no insulator was used, a direct short would occur by attaching the 12v lead to the dash bonded assy,no?
The subject vehicle is a '52 3100 5 window w/a 235 L6
