Solder a "jumper" wire between the two brass strips on the back of the rheostat. That will give you dash lights that can not be adjusted but for me they are just right. Then check all the small light bulbs in the cluster using the continuity function of your multi meter.
I have used any of the screws that hold the three parts of the cluster together for another ground.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"