Building Gauge Cluster

[turtle1173]

I’m looking into replacing the factory gauges with something like Equus or AutoMeter. My concern is with the wiring. How do I incorporate the turn signals, high beams, etc, with a new gauge installation? If I’m installing individual gauges into the bezel, it seems like I will lose the function of everything else. I’ve been trying to search for answers but not having much luck. Thanks for any help!

 

[chengny]

I’m looking into replacing the factory gauges with something like Equus or AutoMeter. My concern is with the wiring. How do I incorporate the turn signals, high beams, etc, with a new gauge installation? If I’m installing individual gauges into the bezel, it seems like I will lose the function of everything else. I’ve been trying to search for answers but not having much luck. Thanks for any help!

I've never done this - or even thought about doing it - so consider the source.

From the little I know about aftermarket instrumentation, one thing seems universal - any gauge/meter that you add to your OEM panel will need to be wired independently of the dash's factory wiring. In the case of these trucks, that (factory wiring) would be the printed circuit.

So, in very general terms:

Remove the original indicators that you want to replace, make the necessary modifications to the cluster bucket behind them and then mount/wire the new ones.

If you can do that without butchering the printed circuit, the OEM components that remain in the cluster (gas gauge, backlighting, T/S indicators, high beam indicator, e-brake, etc.) should all function as before.

 

[turtle1173]

That is a good idea and might work. I guess it might just be a matter of finding the right wires to tap into and running an LED light to it. I’m just not entirely sure what doesn’t work with the circuit board being disconnected.

 

[chengny]

That is a good idea and might work. I guess it might just be a matter of finding the right wires to tap into and running an LED light to it. I’m just not entirely sure what doesn’t work with the circuit board being disconnected.

I’m just not entirely sure what doesn’t work with the circuit board being disconnected.

With the printed circuit unplugged, basically everything - won't work.

The components that will be disabled include; backlighting, TS & HB indicators, gas gauge, brake/choke/seat belt warning lights and any indicators that were not replaced with aftermarket.

You will have a speedometer, check engine light (actually the CEL is not even located in the cluster - it's in the top part of the bezel) and - if you had 4WD - that indicating light would work. And the clock - if so equipped.

 

[75gmck25]

Over the past couple of years I've run into at least two relatively complete project descriptions from people who built their own gauge cluster for a squarebody.

This is one of the articles, and there are definitely others out there. http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/1201or-aftermarket-gauges-in-a-stock-chevy-dash/

Bruce

 

[wingman50]

I have replaced my gauges with New Vinage Guages that come in a kit. They are available from LMC Truck. You can break down the installation into 4 basic connections

1. Ground
2. Power
3. Lights
4. Signal

You need a wiring diagram for your trucks year. The factory harness is color coded for all the connections you need including the signal lights.

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[73c20jim]

Those gauges are A++++++ looking.

 

[turtle1173]

Hey thanks for the responses! Those gauges look sweet!!

 

[wingman50]

Thanks, they all work.

 

[QBuff02]

Here's what I did with mine, took dash cluster apart and removed the factory gauges, cut the bezels out, modified the gauge covers and made my own wiring for the gauge lights (gauges are mechanical) and installed these along with the rebuilt engine. It's basically a process at this point, as I will eventually have all auto meter across the dash, with a full custom dash panel but that's a project for this winter as I reeeealllly wanted to get the truck running, operational and any bugs associated with the engine rebuild worked out before the weather turns. But, I kinda like how it turned out.

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[Super-Dave]

My '74 build is currently in paint.

I started with NuVue gauges and sent them back. I replaced them with Speedhut gauges made to order. Saved money as well as getting a better product.

I customized a couple of dash bezels (long story... starts here in my build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=655783&page=5 ) I now have one bezel that I cannot use for reasons explained in the thread.

Eventually got them done and they work great. I also did a full AAW wiring harness install, so it was pretty straight forward how to get the signals, etc. hooked up.

Since I was not using the OEM clear lens, I did have to custom fab a housing to isolate the shift indicator, as the light just bled out from behind the dash, making the indicator hard to see in the dark. The fab'd housing was then completely blacked out and edges sealed so the light would be kept inside the confined space. Works great.

 

[Kyle Childress]

Holley EFI gauges, but these read a dedicated CAN signal from my terminator EFI set up. Holley makes them stand alone as well, I put them In the bezel and left the shell of the original cluster
behind to keep all of my factory signal and indicators.

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[Splandman]

Here's what I did with mine, took dash cluster apart and removed the factory gauges, cut the bezels out, modified the gauge covers and made my own wiring for the gauge lights (gauges are mechanical) and installed these along with the rebuilt engine. It's basically a process at this point, as I will eventually have all auto meter across the dash, with a full custom dash panel but that's a project for this winter as I reeeealllly wanted to get the truck running, operational and any bugs associated with the engine rebuild worked out before the weather turns. But, I kinda like how it turned out.

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I like that you have a trans temp gauge. Are you just going to go without a tach? I'd like to have the trans temp but then I would need to run the GM Motorsports Fuel/Tach combo.

 

[Splandman]

Holley EFI gauges, but these read a dedicated CAN signal from my terminator EFI set up. Holley makes them stand alone as well, I put them In the bezel and left the shell of the original cluster
behind to keep all of my factory signal and indicators.

You must be registered for see images attach

Really like those. I was planning on going with theses: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cin-ct73oe

I have a Sniper though and I like the way yours look a lot.

 

[82sbshortbed]

Nice looking but $900?