Thanks Jarrett for pointing out the Fast Forward "cockpit converter."  That
looks like the easiest way to work your way to a complete replacement for
the Mylar connector.  I've ordered one.

I've soldered several repairs to Mylar traces over the years, and I'm
getting too fumble fingered now to keep from melting the whole mess.

A good winter project!

Stuart
'85 Westy with a  really ugly Mylar strip

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 2:13 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Know someone who *fixes* mylar circuit boards, then?

The connector is really one of the most problematic parts of the whole
flexible printed circuit board. It isn't designed to be mended or serviced
save through outright replacement. Furthermore, the connection style is
particular to the Vanagon. Even if you could resurface or reattach the
exposed leads in some way, the fix would be temporary at best, breaking
whenever you need to disconnect the cluster. Hence my use of the DB25
connector (an idea borrowed from fellow list member Ed M.)

Fast Forward has these, which might be connected to a damaged flexible
circuit and then connected to the existing vanagon plug for the instrument
cluster. (Look for Cockpit Converter on the page).
http://www.fastforward.ca/harness_retrofit_accessories.html

I agree with Neil and Alistair's assessment that the best solution is
rewiring the entire cluster.

-Jarrrett