Gauge Cluster Question

[76LongBox]

Ok guys...

I know there have been countless discussions about gauge cluster interchangeability, tachometers, etc., but I have a question that I can't find the answer to, so here goes...

I have a 1976 GMC Sierra Classic 350/TH350, and I would like to add a "correct" tachometer to it.  The current configuration (which works fine and is in good shape) is:  top left = Volts, top right = Mechanical Oil, bottom left = "Brake" light, bottom right = Temp, 100 MPH Speedo with blue line, and large Fuel Gauge with small "Fasten Belts" light.

So my question is not only about interchangeability, but also about configuration.  I've seen clusters marked as from a 1976 "something" and some have the small windows in the speedo and tach (I assume for "brake" and "belts", respectively), and I've seen some with the wider windows in them.  It also appears that the aftermarket replacement gauges have a wider window in them.  Can anyone tell me when that changed, or if it's specific to a particular year model or trim level, or maybe GMC vs. Chevy....or if it even matters?  Also, does anyone know if the red lenses for the larger windowed gauges are available aftermarket?  I know I can get an aftermarket printed circuit board for a 1976 w/gauges & tach, and I could get a new aftermarket tach, speedo, and small fuel gauge, but I wouldn't have the red lenses for the brake and belts if I went that route.

I found this used cluster http://www.ebay.com/itm/251604605950?item=251604605950&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr, and I'm considering it, but would like to know if it would be plug/play in my truck if anyone can tell me by looking at it.  I know I'd have to have the tach wiring harness, but it appears that those can be had aftermarket fairly easily.

If anyone can offer any assistance, I'd certainly appreciate it.

[Irish_Alley]

only $195
http://www.gmsports.com/content/new-tachometer-1973-1986-chevy-and-gmc-trucks
from what i understand you would have to rewire the wire harness if you change clusters like that cause the printed circuit board wont line up. i want to say with the one i posted all you have to do is run one wire maybe two for it to work. give them a call

[rich weyand]

only $195
http://www.gmsports.com/content/new-tachometer-1973-1986-chevy-and-gmc-trucks
from what i understand you would have to rewire the wire harness if you change clusters like that cause the printed circuit board wont line up. i want to say with the one i posted all you have to do is run one wire maybe two for it to work. give them a call

I have this unit.  Plugs right in.  The tach portion uses the IGN and NEG connections from the fuel gauge location, so there is just one wire to run, the TACH wire to the distributor.  The unit comes with the correct length wire with the distributor connector on it, electrically all you do is plug it in.  There is some mechanical fussing around to clear the location.

Here's my write-up on it:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=28547.msg238352#msg238352

[76LongBox]

Thanks guys.  I might give that a try.

[KWKENUF]

If that tach cluster truly did come from a 76 Burb,  it will be pretty much plug and play.  You will have to re-pin the plug and wire up the tach,  but that's it.  That is a really good price for a working cluster,  IMO.  Make sure you their return policy in the event it does not work.

Here's a good write up on clusters...   http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/interior/factory%20tachometers.htm

[76LongBox]

Thanks KWKENUF.  I had actually found that write-up last night while I was doing some internet searches.  What kind of confused me about it is that different part #s are listed for the printed circuit boards for the 76 and 77 year models.  I need to pull my cluster out and make sure that I have the right number of wires/leads, and see how it compares to the picture of the one on eBay.  I would hope that I might be able to simple re-pin it as you suggest.

I wish that the gmsports folks would make one of those dual units with the older font style on it.  If they did, I'd jump all over it...all they'd have to do is have a different sticker.   Of course as OCD as I am about this kind of stuff, I'd still want the "fasten belts" light somewhere too, so that would open up another can o' worms. 

[76LongBox]

Offered the guy $160 for the cluster from eBay, and he took it - and that's with free shipping.  Thought that seemed very reasonable.  Hopefully I can re-pin the harness and make it work like it should. 

[rich weyand]

I thought losing the Fasten Belts light was a positive.  :-)

[76LongBox]

You're probably right Rich....It is an annoying little light, but still.... 

[Sprinkler-Man]

I did the same cluster swap in my 80 GMC Sierra Classic and it is basically plug and play.  I just had to provide a 12v power source to the tach and run the tach wire to the distributer.

[KWKENUF]

@76LB,  you should have all the wires you need.  I would get a wiring schematic for your truck if you don't have one.  That will be helpful for figuring out where to move the wires in the plug.

$160 is a great price for it.  I have been dinking around with putting together a tach cluster from parts and pieces,  and will probably have that,  if not more,  into it when it is all said and done.  My tach does not work,  that is going to be the main expense,  it needs a new board and that is $80.

I agree too about the older font for those combo tachs.  That is the only reason I have not done what Rich did,  with the tach and dual tank gauges.  That is just sweet in my mind.  I always wear my seat belt,  so my light is never on...

[76LongBox]

Truck is going to my uncle's body shop tomorrow morning to get the passenger side rocker panel and part of the floor pan replaced.  By the time I get it back, the "new" cluster should be here.  I ordered the wiring harness for the tach and it should be here by then too.  Just looking at it, I'm hoping I can trace the wiring pretty easily comparing the printed circuits, but I will definitely check the wiring diagrams too.