OK Update - the problem appears to be in the connection from the DC to DC converter to the cluster. I can move the wires and the cart seems to power up, power down, cluster flash , etc. I saw another post where someone posted a picture of a DC to DC converter and someone (I believe Scott) said it was the cheap Chinese one and was problematic.
Can you please advise if this is in fact the problem converter and if so, what do I replace it with and how is it wired differently? Thanks