Instrument panel in bad shape - need some recommendations.

["Matt Daniels" <matt@sumus.com>]

This past weekend I decided to tackel fixing the odometer and replacing one
of the illumination bulbs (again) on my '86 4kcsq . Also thought I would see
if I could get the clock to work.

I start by removing the instrument panel from the car, after I get it out, I
place it on the hood of the car for a moment while I grab some more tools.
As I go to get it, to my horror, it slides off the hood and onto the floor.
Broken plastic pieces go flying in all directions. A close inspection showed
that the only thing that broke (that I could see) was the stupid
illumination bulb that was already burnt out. But now there is no hope in
replacing that bulb because the casing is broke and the bulb has no where to
go.

On to fixing the odometer. After taking off the the back of the panel and
inspecting everything, I figure out that the faulty gear isn't stripped, but
rather has popped out of place. I push it back in place, and reassemble the
instrument panel and dash.

A quick jaunt around the block confirms that the odometer is now working.
Everything else (exept the clock) seemed to be working fine.

Now three days later I notice that everything is not working fine. The
temperature guage isn't working, it just sits well below the C and never
moves. And today, at exactly 100 miles, the odometer has stopped again. Now
it sits at 166399, instead of 166299.

Is this instrument panel a lost cause? Will I be able to fix the temerature
guage and odometer? The illumination light is history, so there is no fix
for that. Would I just be better off buying a 'new' instrument panel? The
milage isn't correct anyway, so I'm not too concerned about that - and I'm
an honest person so I won't lie about the milage if/when I ever sell the
car. Where would be a good place to get a new instrument panel?

Thanks in advance.

Matt Daniels
'86 4kcsq
'93 90S