Thanks. Frankly I think that's what led to this whole issue. There is a huge break in the copper tracers that some PO attempted to repair by soldering in a jumper wire. It apparently came lose which is what caused the short/smokeshow. As it is available (tho $$$$) I plan to replace the PCB. Just wondering if I can do it or I need to find a solder pro. 

Not really an answer.....but the printed board can be soldered

https://www.minimania.com/msgThread/128292/1/1/How_do_I_fix_this

Botched wiring by a PO led to a short that blew out my instrument cluster. '93 so that's the one piece, three gauge Nippon Seiki unit. Looking into it, it appears the Printed Circuit Board broke and was hot wired, likely leading to the short. I see minimania has a replacement PCB and my amateur testing indicates the fuel and water temp gauges should work - don't know how to test the tach. It appears to me that the PCB merely lays on the back of the gauges held in place with a few screws (that make electrical connections I think) and some locating nubs. If that's correct, there is no soldering required to replace the old board with a new one. Is that correct? Not sure I trust my fine soldering skills on a $200 part so I'd rather shop that out if needed but if not, I can handle it myself. thanks.