Author Topic: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster  (Read 2700 times)

Offline Deercreekfarm

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1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« on: February 01, 2020, 08:43:06 PM »
So the restore is still progressing, slowly but it’s progressing!

Now I’m working on the instrument cluster. The oil pressure gauge doesn’t work along with the odometer mileage and trip meter. Other than that everything else works good (speedometer, coolant temperature, fuel gauge).

I found a replacement cluster for a diesel that is ALMOST identical with just a few differences (mine has low coolant light in bottom left, the one I found has it under the speedometer/trip meter knob) Now the replacement one also has what appears to be the same blacked out lower left gauge where mine has the low coolant light. The ONLY other difference I’ve seen is mine says Quartz under the odometer/trip meter on it and the replacement doesn’t.

My question would be, before I spend the money, Will this work in my dash? I don’t know much about these things but I thought I read somewhere that if the cluster says quartz that the replacement has to say quartz also or it won’t work. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks for the feedback!
« Last Edit: February 02, 2020, 07:14:22 AM by Deercreekfarm »

Offline Deercreekfarm

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Re: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2020, 07:13:00 AM »
So after looking at different year model clusters I see some have a clock in the lower left where mine has the blacked out gauge that lights up to say low coolant. These clocks also say quartz.

My cluster does not have a clock but says quartz under the odometer/trip meter. I’m guessing this just means quartz movement for the odometer/trip meter maybe?

Offline zieg85

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Re: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2020, 07:32:02 AM »
Clocks were an option and all says Quartz.  When the speedometer says quartz it is electronic as opposed to the older cable driven
Carl 
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Offline Deercreekfarm

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Re: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2020, 08:17:23 AM »
Clocks were an option and all says Quartz.  When the speedometer says quartz it is electronic as opposed to the older cable driven

Zieg85,

Thanks for clarifying that for me so I will need a cluster that reads quartz on the speedometer. I do have a 4L80e so that would make sense. Can you replace just the speedometer/odometer gauge or do you have to replace the entire cluster?

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2020, 12:23:58 PM »

its a completely different backing (cluster housing) you can find adapters to go from the electric signal to cable but its not going to be cheap.
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Offline Deercreekfarm

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Re: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2020, 09:51:23 PM »

its a completely different backing (cluster housing) you can find adapters to go from the electric signal to cable but its not going to be cheap.

Thanks for the insight. I did find one with the electric speedo out of a 91 suburban so I snatched it up.

Offline ehjorten

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Re: 1991 Suburban Instrument Cluster
« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2020, 08:55:22 AM »
My 1991 V3500 had the speedometer with a trip meter that was messed up.  I just removed the speedometer and sent it out to have it repaired.  Can't remember what I paid, but I don't think it was too bad!
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6