installing tach

[maxpoter]

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

[Boone83K10]

You would still need the correct cluster housing for the tach since it is cut differently.

 

[Tazman]

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.

[maxpoter]

I would like to keep it in the dash     of course I could always ask Santa for a Dakota digital dash !

[Captkaos]

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.

[DCustom]

capt....do you have to change your circuit piece for the tach?

[maxpoter]

   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

[Captkaos]

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?

[75gmck25]

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

[VileZambonie]

http://gmsportssalvage.com/?q=node/1530

or Dakota if you can afford the upgrade. Those new gauges are awesome

[Captkaos]

I LOVE the analog Dakotas.  I probably won't mess with another factory cluster again.  Lots of nice features.

[DCustom]

Yup...my next upgrade after holidays