73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: maxpoter on December 06, 2013, 01:25:14 pm
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ok hope I get this right I’m working on restoring my 1987 sierra classic . I have owned this truck since it was new and it is like an ole friend. That being said, I would like to install a tachometer. My truck does not have one and I want to stay as stock as I can. I have seen interment clusters for the same year with tachs. How much of a task would it be to install one of these clusters in my truck? Or would it be cheaper and easier to buy a gm tach and fuel gauge and put them in my cluster. I want to do as much as I can but I do know my limits I do have some great friends to turn to if I need it thanks Max
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You would still need the correct cluster housing for the tach since it is cut differently.
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If you can not or do not want the gauge cluster you can mount it to the steering column.Just use a large hose clamp and adjust it to where you want it.
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I would like to keep it in the dash of course I could always ask Santa for a Dakota digital dash !
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Do a search on here (or google- tach site:73-87chevytrucks.com) or check the projects post. Someone detailed everything about it, but you would need ideally a 81-87 donor with a tach to plug in and make it look right, you only need the printed curcuit and the tach and fuel gage and transfer all of yours over and repin.
BTW, I LOVE my Dakota gauges. If you go the Dakota route check out our store and create a login and email me what it is for special pricing.
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capt....do you have to change your circuit piece for the tach?
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I am looking at my options now. Just to sum it up, to get the stock look I want I need to get the gauge cluster that will fit a tach. Then I should be able to get a small fuel gauge and tach and circuit board and install them. I know I can find someone to hook these up if I have to. Then use my old gauges for temp, oil pressure and volts. Putting in a little plug, I purchased a set of those Whitegauge overlays for my truck and installed blue LED in the dash. I have to say for the money spent ,that was one of my “biggest bang for the buck” things I’ve done. One more thing, I know every case varies. But what is the general thought of buying electronic parts like these off eBay and such and by the way:: I asked Santa about the digital dash::: she just laughed
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Yes otherwise nothing will power the new slot where the fuel gauge went.
capt....do you have to change your circuit piece for the tach?
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You need to make sure you get a cluster that matches the right range of years. For example, I was able to use a '74 tach cluster from a Suburban in my '75 pickup because they both used an ammeter and mechanical oil pressure gauge. I could not have used a cluster that had a voltmeter or electrical oil pressure gauge without some significant rewiring.
The basic instrument panel wiring plugs in the same on the tach cluster as it does on the non-tach, but there is a separate 3-wire plug and wiring for the tach (power, ground and feed from HEI). Its a very simple mod if you get the right cluster.
Bruce
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http://gmsportssalvage.com/?q=node/1530
or Dakota if you can afford the upgrade. Those new gauges are awesome
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I LOVE the analog Dakotas. I probably won't mess with another factory cluster again. Lots of nice features.
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Yup...my next upgrade after holidays