Cluster Modification

[LTZ C20]

Hey guys, I have a small thing I want to do here, only cuz it's really bugging me. I have factory 79 gauges in my truck. I have clock, volt, oil press, temp, large speedo and large fuel gauges. My buddy gave me his original, WORKING, tach from his 79 GMC. So as you can guess, I would like to put the tach in and go with a small fuel gauge. So just want to make sure I'm covering everything I need.

-printed circuit with tach
-small fuel gauge
-tach wiring harness
-swap some wires around in cluster plug
-oil pressure gauge, mine isn't working properly anymore sadly only 1 that has crapped out

I don't want knew gauges, at least not right now. I don't like the plastic needles, just don't look quite right and junk yard is out of the question, I've looked and interiors are always trashed and gauges get destroyed. I would be satisfied with a clean, working small fuel and oil press gauges. I'm gonna repaint the needles.

I think that's all I'll need right? I covered it all?

[bd]

For the factory configuration you may also need a tachometer mounting plate and different cluster housing(?).

[LTZ C20]

For the factory configuration you may also need a tachometer mounting plate and different cluster housing(?).

Ahh yes the plate! Forgot about that, the plastic, odd shaped doo-hickie. I think the housings are the same?

[bd]

If memory serves, the tach cluster housing is opened up behind the tach.  That "plastic, odd shaped doo-hickie" as you refer to it fills the hole and seals the cluster.

[Chuck Step-a-side]

I have done a tach conversion on my '66 Impala and it's not complicated if you have basic electronic skills. I believe you have everything, but I would seriously look at the cluster wiring diagram for your truck and the tach vehicle year model. The problem that you might is that there may not be a tach wiring for your truck and you may have to wire it like an after-market tach ie.. straight to the battery pos. and neg and distributor.

[Irish_Alley]

this is what the factory cluster looks like

[LTZ C20]

I have done a tach conversion on my '66 Impala and it's not complicated if you have basic electronic skills. I believe you have everything, but I would seriously look at the cluster wiring diagram for your truck and the tach vehicle year model. The problem that you might is that there may not be a tach wiring for your truck and you may have to wire it like an after-market tach ie.. straight to the battery pos. and neg and distributor.

I already have a small aftermarket tach on the column, it works but it looks tacky and I'm tired of it. I know I can do it easily, just want to make sure I'm covering everything.

[LTZ C20]

If memory serves, the tach cluster housing is opened up behind the tach.  That "plastic, odd shaped doo-hickie" as you refer to it fills the hole and seals the cluster.

I could always cut the back of the housing open to match the "doo-hickie".

[bd]

Probably.  And the screw bosses already exist in the majority of housings to mount the tach plate.

[LTZ C20]

Probably.  And the screw bosses already exist in the majority of housings to mount the tach plate.

True. Mine is worn out from the couple of people in there before me. Some or the holes are stripped out and 1 or 2 are broken. I'm going to consider the housing as "optional". If I can find a good one then I'll get it, if not, I'm not out anything.

[LTZ C20]

What do you all think about this cluster? Mostly for parts, won't use the entire thing, but looks good. Think the lens is the only really bad piece, mine is no gem but alot nicer than that one. The gauges all appear clean, bright and in good condition. Just unknown if all are working.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/141693375057?_mwBanner=1

[Irish_Alley]

ive seen good ones go for 200+. if the seller says something about the unknown if they work or not they can be mid 100s. i personally wouldnt touch a "unknown" but if you have a known good tach then you will be ok. or you could sell the tach in this cluster and make some money back

[LTZ C20]

My primary concerns are the fuel, oil gauges, the housing and plate for tach and the tach harness and cluster plug

[LTZ C20]

 The above mentioned cluster went to high for me. I did find this one tho?

NOS part? Should work for me right?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/171831969336

[Jason S]

For a '73 the lettering will be different.  There should be 'Fuel' instead of a fuel pump symbol.