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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Instrumentation => Topic started by: Jerr-conn on November 18, 2018, 11:23:29 am

Title: Dash cluster info
Post by: Jerr-conn on November 18, 2018, 11:23:29 am
I pulled my cluster out recently. Had a hard time.P O must have had it out as he installs a mech oil
Gage. I put a new oil sender unit on and now my orig oil gage works . In fact all Gages worked
When I pulled cluster . I removed mech  gage  and pulled all Gages to restore. Have painted black
Gage cover to reflect more light on Gages. Have 2 questions: how is cluster grounded and does cluster bottom fit inside or outside of lip at bottom of dash opening? They had mine inside and
It was a pita to get out of the opening. I am now ready to re-install cluster. Almost forgot, my
Truck is an 87 Chevy short box 2wd.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Dash cluster info
Post by: bd on November 18, 2018, 03:34:51 pm
The cluster grounds via black wires that terminate at a "ground bus" terminal strip at the driver side kick panel adjacent to the parking brake frame.  The cluster mounts behind the lower edge of the dash opening.  Rotate the top of the cluster away from you as you drop the cluster in behind the lower edge of the dash opening.  It requires patience in some cases.
Title: Re: Dash cluster info
Post by: 75gmck25 on November 19, 2018, 06:23:10 am
On some of the older trucks there is no ground strip, and the grounding point is a post on the parking brake mechanism.   It should be a black wire.

The panel definitely fits in behind the lip, but its sometimes a PIA to work it into place.  Also make sure you figure out how the spring-loaded transmission indicator works and connects to the steering column, so that it moves back and forth when you move the shifter.  If the cord on the indicator is missing you can use nylon fishing line to replace it.

Bruce
Title: Re: Dash cluster info
Post by: hatzie on November 19, 2018, 09:32:33 am
An 87 will have a ground buss bar in the vicinity of the E-Brake as Rich already noted. 
IIRC it's prior to 79 or 80 that GM didn't have a buss bar just a ring terminal on a screw.
Title: Re: Dash cluster info
Post by: Jerr-conn on November 21, 2018, 05:53:19 am
Well, cluster is back in. It fought me all the way, especially the speedo cable. Haven't started it
Yet to ck Gages. Have to remove mech oil gage hookup down by oil filter. Had them both hooked up
together till now. Won't do those pita Gages again. But, they do look good. Thanks everyone.






Jerry