Blown Goat,

If it used to have an amp guage in it, definitely check to make sure that the wires were spliced together when it was removed. The reason is that an Amp meter has to be connected in series, (like a light switch) so if it is removed, the circuit is essentially cut, just like if you removed a light switch. It is connected this way so that it can measure the current flowing THROUGH the circuit. A volt meter is connected in parallel and measures voltage ACROSS the circuit. So the bottom line is that you can remove a volt meter without causing an open circuit; but, you can't remove an ammeter without leaving an open circuit that needs to be repaired.

Good Luck with the T Bird, and I'm sorry to hear about the job. I hope you have good luck landing a better one real quick.

Cheers,
Firechicken