Perfect timing on the well-done DIY thread since I just discovered my rheostat only worked at between 6-9 volts. I refurbed it and all is well. The console lights work now.

One other tip I used for re-installing the gauge cluster - since the carpet/felt/cloth insulation is no longer glued to the dash above the cluster, I had a hard time getting the gauge back in without jockeying it around. I used a thin piece of cardboard (like cereal box thickness) as a guide/shim between the cluster and the insulation. The cluster slid smoothly across the cardboard and went it was almost in place I slid the cardboard out - a lot like using a shoe-horn. The IC seems to fit better in the dash this way.

I also used Stabilant 22A on the rheostat and the dash bulbs. Removed and replaced the bulbs a few times to loosen or remove corrosion, then put the Stabilant on for the final re-install.