so when i first bought my '86 Camaro, the battery was being drained when the car was off, and we fixed that problem. now Ive gone to the inside of the car and the gauges aren't working correctly. when i push the gas down, the RPM's aren't going anywhere and when i turn on the headlights and stuff, it shows my battery gauge goes all the way down but doesn't die. i know there is a bad ground or wire somewhere but does anyone have any suggestions? i believe i got a used speedometer from an '89 Camaro and still isnt working. and these gauges are in way better shape. is it possible that it is the newer speedometer i got? please post any suggestions thank you

 

Was the 89 speedo a cable or VSS? An 86 would be cable for sure, that could be the issue.

 

89 would also be cable. check to make sure the cable is still connected to the trans. as for the gauge issues, check the make sure the alternator is working correctly. run the engine and turn on everything electrical. measure the voltage at the alternator with the meter on the case for ground. should be at least 13 volts. then check at the battery. i had issues with my gauges because the printed circuit board would short across itself on bumps and just replaced them with aftermarket gauges