Cluster Help

[theaddictedchef]

I spent the day taking the dash apart.  I am posting pics looking for as much feedback and you guys are willing to give. 

The aftermarket temp and RPM gauges were crap.  That is the best word I can use on here.  Neither was hooked up and the only that worked was the backlight.  The holes drilled in the firewall were horrible.  I am in the process of fixing that. 

I am hoping you can tell me what is salvageable and what I need to start shopping for.  Can I buy a whole new cluster with gauges?  Is it smarter to keep the gauges I have and piece things together?  The gauges look to be in decent shape (not the aftermarket crap).  Another concern is the wiring harness.  It has been spliced into so many times that I can't tell what goes where, what works/doesn't, and where things go.  I will post some pics of that as soon as the light is better tomorrow.

Thanks guys!

[theaddictedchef]

Here is a couple more including a picture of the old speaker.

In addition, there is an AC control switch that I have included.  Is this usable?  Should I replace this while I am doing this?  I would rather have a new one that I am sure works than getting everything back together and having to replace it anyway.  Do these go bad, or is it the connections/hoses/wires that go bad?

Thanks again!

[Jason S]

It's a 1973 correct?

The plastic ears on the cluster might be repairable, but I would try to find another plastic cluster housing (white part). The plastic housing that holds the gauges can be replaced with another non-tach gauge cluster and then using the printed circuit from your original gauge cluster, you can re-use your original gauges. You can also swap in a factory tach cluster, you'd want to find a '76 and earlier (I think '76 is the break). Whatever route you go, make sure the gauges are correct.  Some years of gauges do not swap with others.

The speaker is is a 4x10 (i think). Most likely that paper cone speaker is shot.  You can replace the speaker with a pair of three inch in a custom bracket and bridge the speakers, if you want to have an in-dash speaker. I made my own bracket out of sheet metal and mounted the 3" speakers to it.

The HVAC control you have is specific to 73-75 trucks. The factory a/c setup on these trucks is different than the '76-up units. The vacuum connections on the '76-up trucks are different, so its really easiest to keep what you have. The most trouble I've had out of mine was with the switch at the back of the control unit (the switch that the levers go into).  This switch controls the power supplied to operate the a/c compressor clutch (for a/c and defrost) as well as vacuum for the HVAC doors.  The electrical part of the switch has contacts inside that can corrode and there is also a plastic ramp inside the switch that can deform over time.  There are other GM cars that used the same switch (I think early to mid 70's Chevy Novas, Olds Omegas and the Buick & Pontiac counterparts). The switch at the back and the blower switch are all replaceable parts. So you would definitely want to keep the control unit, even if you happen across a replacement.   

With your current setup, for MAX A/C you set the top lever at A/C and position the bottom lever all the way to the left at COLD (the blower will be on high no matter what fan speed you have it set on).  For regular A/C, you'd have the top lever on A/C and then move the bottom lever to make a comfortable temperature, blower fan speed is then selectable using the blower speed control switch.

[DnStClr]

Here's a complete cluster on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-1987-73-87-Chevy-GMC-GM-truck-cluster-tach-gauges-bezel-/330861194546?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d08dd2d32&vxp=mtr

[Jason S]

Here's a complete cluster on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-1987-73-87-Chevy-GMC-GM-truck-cluster-tach-gauges-bezel-/330861194546?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d08dd2d32&vxp=mtr

That eBay cluster has the electric oil pressure gauge and the voltmeter.  The correct cluster for theaddictedchef's  '73 should have a mechanical oil pressure gauge and ammeter.

[theaddictedchef]

Thanks guys!  Saw that cluster on ebay.  I'm watching it to see where the bidding goes.

[bake74]

Thanks guys!  Saw that cluster on ebay.  I'm watching it to see where the bidding goes.

Here's a complete cluster on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-1987-73-87-Chevy-GMC-GM-truck-cluster-tach-gauges-bezel-/330861194546?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d08dd2d32&vxp=mtr

That eBay cluster has the electric oil pressure gauge and the voltmeter.  The correct cluster for theaddictedchef's  '73 should have a mechanical oil pressure gauge and ammeter.

     That eBay cluster has the electric oil pressure gauge and the voltmeter.  The correct cluster for theaddictedchef's  '73 should have a mechanical oil pressure gauge and ammeter.

[theaddictedchef]

I'm doing some checking on these cluster gauges and I am wondering......

What year bezel's will work?  I understand the cluster gauges, but the bezel is painted red, and where the radio was installed it is cut.  Posting a pic so you can see what I am talking about.  Will '73-'87 work?  Or do I need '73-'76?

Thanks

[Jason S]

The '73 - '74 dash cluster bezel is slightly different where the headlight switch is concerned.  The '75 through '80 bezels were different in this area.  While a '73-'80 bezel will fit and work, the '73-'74 bezel is what is correct.  This may or may not matter to you though.

If you compare the area around the light switch on this '73 bezel to the '75 through '80 bezels, you will see what I'm talking about. I have a '75 bezel somewhere, but couldn't find it to take a photo for this posting (naturally)...


If you intend to install a single DIN radio (late style aftermarket radio), then you may just want to look into painting/refinishing your current bezel.  If you want to use the old style two-knob radio, then you'll need an uncut bezel.

[theaddictedchef]

Thank you for picture. 

I am going to post a pic of the one I have now and you will see what I am talking about.  Whoever did the work on the interior was a hack.  The more I find, the more I am disappointed in the interior work from the previous owner(s).  The engine, tranny, and 4x4 is in perfect shape, but the interior needs some help. 

Thanks again for all the replies!

[theaddictedchef]

Posting some pictures so you can see my bezel and give some direction or advice. 

Couple of clusters on CL here locally but not sure if they will fit.  One from an '81, the other is an '84 I think. 

Any help will be appreciated.

[Jason S]

Posting some pictures so you can see my bezel and give some direction or advice. 

Did you post a photo in this thread?  Nothing is showing up.

[theaddictedchef]

Sorry about that.

[theaddictedchef]

Here are the others

[bake74]

   The right side of that under the radio is missing, If it was me I would replace the cluster cover at least, unless you can live with how it looks.