73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks > Instrumentation

Bringing old gauges back to life

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lt1kicker:
Need to know some hints or tricks here ???

79 Chevy Scottsdale w/ upgraded gauge package featuring voltage, temp, oil pressure, fuel, speedo/odo.  Problem I have is that not a single gauge works.  The only guage I can get to do ANYTHING is the temp gauge seems to act like a voltage gauge, meaning it pulses w/ the turn signal, headlights, brakelights, sort of like an overstrained voltage gauge.  The speedo must have stopped long ago, as the truck was advertised w/ 180k on it and it shows 164k on it.  There is also NO backlighting whatsoever on any instruments other than the wiper switch. 

What do I need to start checking for?  Are each individual sensor bad or could this be one big electrical problem? 

Blazin:
Sounds to me like someone put the wrong year gauge cluster in it. Could be other problems but the pulsing temp gauge reminds me of when years back I tried putting a 76 gauge cluster in and 84 truck. Spedo could be the spedo, cable, or the gear reduction thing a ma jig on the transfer case.

lt1kicker:
Well, I discovered that the fuel gauge works as long as the headlights aren't on.  If I turn the headlights on, the fuel gauge quits.  Sounds to me like there is a ground that's gone bad.  What is the location of the common ground(s)?

Blazin:
There are several grounds on the parking brake bracket. Plus a few under the hood for lights & motor to frame and body. should be one from bed to frame, & one behind right tail light assembly.

lt1kicker:
Ok.  I'll check that location tonight.  I was able to snip the ground to the fan blower motor and make the heater stop!  It was a tad bit warm, ALL THE TIME.  I'll install a switch or fuse to that and turn it on in cold weather. 

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