temp guage install.

[BIG CHEVY]

i got a 350 motor in a 79 k-10.   my question is............my truck has only the 4 red guage dummy lights to the left side cluster.     (gen)    (temp)    (brake)      (oil)        is there a way or can i install an actual temp guage with actual numbers?  i never really know the true temp of my truck.  the others are fine but i always want to know the temp myself.   so is it possible?   im sure this question is a waste of time for some of u guys but the search is bad news for me. they need a tutorial for it.  computers  never did like me.

[Irish_Alley]

you can put the after market gauges in it
like this might find one cheaper
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G2973-V/

[BIG CHEVY]

no................. i mean how.  i will buy a good guage. i just need to know if its easy as pie, or super trouble.   is it a one wire clip. or all new motor hookups?  things like that.    exactly how is the question.....
thanks irish.....come on back now,

[Altec]

You will need to add the proper probes, yes. Not overly hard, but not the easiest install. You need to run the wires/sensor leads, and mount the gauges. Wiring the lights can be done a couple ways. Splicing directly into the wire going to your factory gauges, or doing like below. Sensor leads are run through the fire wall. If it is a mechanical gauge (Which are more accurate) you have to be careful not to kink the lead (The manual for the gauge will explain). A simple drilled hole, and grommet is the easiest way to get through the firewall. Mounting the gauges is up to you. Replace the factory like below, add pods, or get one of the cheesy brackets like Alley linked.

Just google "water temperature gauge install Chevrolet." That will tell you where you can mount the probe. Same can be done for oil pressure, and voltage should be pretty self explanatory.

Here is my Dad's old install if you need some inspiration.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a269/Mrjunior/Truck%20Project/100_5698.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a269/Mrjunior/Truck%20Project/100_6004.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a269/Mrjunior/Truck%20Project/100_6005.jpg

Big Blocks way.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=17370.msg137800#msg137800

Good luck man! Post pictures!

[Irish_Alley]

If you buy the gauge set it will come with all the sending units. The volts go to a key on hot in you fuse box. The water unit goes to the drivers side of the block you just have to drain your fluid and take out the old unit that's in that spot the hardest on will be the oil sending unit since its behind the distributor it just takes a Little while cause you have to take out the old one put in the new fitting then run your plastic tubing or copper plastic should come with the gauges. Then all you have to do is run your wire and tubing from the two units( water and oil) to the gauges then after all that run a key on hot to the lights in the gauges and ground them out