Engine works,all dash lights and dials dont

I replaced my engine(2l d)back in late june,the replacement engine came with a knackered turbo so used my old one,Since then it ran fine (after it blew out a 2 mile smoke screen,oil in the exhaust)all was working fine till i came home to fix a rear indicator (spring plate broke,so tried to fix with tinfoil,it worked before,not this time though)dont know if this fix could have caused all the lights and dials in the dash to go out.
I have tried all connections,checked for loose connections in the ignition.The haynes manual reckons something that might seem totally unrelated might cause this kind of problem.
i havent yet tried replacing the indicator relay(oh tailgate window is now not working either).
Engine starts and runs better than ever,dont want to pay a fortune to get something fixed that i could fix myself.............:blabla:

check fuse 8, if it's ok check wiring from ign switch and wires at back of fusebox.

As Chaser says, Definately sounds like you have blown a fuse !!!

if its not a fuse then it could be faulty wiring earthing out somewhere. I lost all dash lights on one of my cars and had to use a light in the cigarette lighter until found the offending wire under the centre console.

Thanx very much for the quick replies.I have checked all the fuses and as much of the wiring i could find stripped steering wheel casing and the centre console.I also changed the engine bay wiring loom for the one I took with the replacement engine(since dash problem arose) I might strip console out again tomorrow.
I've left my landy parked up for months because I got some tax back when trouble started and went out and bought a 98 alfa romeo(for a trouble free summer),would much prefer the freelander for the puddle crossings.
Thanx again,i will post up as soon as i get it sorted,whenever that might be.

Finally got my finger out,started by cleaning all earth connections,then had to drive her out of the tight garage to get at the fuses.I went straight for the number 8 fuse and bingo it was broken(Im very sure I checked all the fuses:dizzy: )
Anyway thanx very much for for the advice and quick responses.
My hippo is going great,touch wood ,got to take it to a main dealer tomorrow to get an engineers report for the insurance company(I mentioned to the girl in the brokers that I had changed the engine, doh,€100)