Help no gauges! 1987 Audi Coupe GT

[FHatzidemetriou at formglas.com]

It started with a clicking sound under the steering column (the sound only
lasted for a minute or two on and off something between a buzzing sound and
clicking sound from just below the right hand side of the steering column
no where near the relay box _ bottom left hand corner) next thing I knew I
had no signal lights and no gauges except for the speedometer. The battery
warning light comes on only if you rev the car and then it stays on but the
car seems to be running normally. Emergency flashers, brake lights,
headlights & instrument panel lights work. Looking through the archives I
found the voltage stabilizer to be a common problem. I replaced it and the
fuse that was blown and for a minute it worked except for the tachometer (I
have had problems with this in the past and usually a little tap got it
going) When I tried taping the dash it started up but then I lost
everything again. I found the fuse blown and I replaced it only to realize
that a short was blowing it. I disconnected the instrument cluster and
tried replacing the fuse (again it blew). The ground wires appear to be
fine at the back of the instrument cluster and the wiring harness at the
front. Battery and alternator have been replaced in the last year. Any
suggestions where to start checking for the short?

Foti Hatzidemetriou
Toronto, Canada
1987 Audi Coupe GT