cluster opinions/options
 

I was able to pick up two clusters durring this week's autofair. I believe they are both from 80+ trucks. Im leaning towards using the tach cluster. My question here is about the next hurdle.. making it work in my '78. Ive done a little searching on the subject, but Im unclear as to what I have and where to go with it. 73-87's write up on the subject seems to say that any tach from a 78 and up should be plug and go. I was told the tach cluster was from an 85 model, so I should be ok there. However Ive also read some different writeups that involved repinning connectors, and changing the circuit on the back... What exactly do I need to do here to make sure I get this all wired up right? Wouldnt want to let any of the smoke out of the wires, now would we? :lol:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...dtosort191.jpg

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

i know that tach cluster is from '80 down. i think '76-80 because the battery gauge says volts. i could be off a year or 2. i'm sure someone else will jump in here and be of more help.

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

may be wrong , but dont think that is a 85 tach cluster . Its identical to mine , with like menace saying about the volts guage. Mine is a 78 or so & Its in my 84 . Did a 100 mph speedo even come in a 81 & up ? someone else needs to chime in here.

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

81 up was 85mph

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

The tach cluster is not from an 85. The double warning lights at the bottom of the tach indicate it's a 77 to 79. If it has a mechanical oil gauge it is from a 77, if the oil gauge is electric it is from a 78 or 79. If the oil gauge is electric (and you already have gauges - not warning lights in your truck) it would plug and play in your 78. I notice it does have a newer style fuel gauge, but other than not matching visually it would work just fine.

The other non-tach cluster is from an 80 and up model truck. The newer style lettering (for lack of a better term) and 85 mph speedometer started in 1980.

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

:agree:

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

Thanks for the info. Couple more questions here. I didnt previously have the warning lights in my truck, just the hazard lights. Does that make a difference? And will it make a difference that the cluster seems to be from a 4 wheel drive? This cluster has the double warning lights. It also has a multicolor area starting at 4250. That would indicate a 78 or 79 tach, correct?

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

Your tach cluster appears 78, only difference I'm seeing is the fuel gauge not saying FUEL on it.
http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/inte...achometers.htm

Good info in there.

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

73-87 deffinately has the good info. It was the first place I looked when I got the cluster home. Then the little differences such as the fuel gauge started showin up. Then I started second guessin myself and so the thread started :lol: Im thinkin Im going to go with the idea that its a 78 cluster and hope for the best

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

Nice score. Hopefully the tach works.

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

Tach cluster is no older than '76 because the speedo has mph & kilometers on it

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

Found something that may be useful to anyone else doing a factory gauge swap.

http://www.rowand.net/shop/cars/1975...ingChanges.htm

Down near the bottom of the page is a list of chevy and gmc part numbers. According to the list, the tach cluster is a 78-80 peice, which will work fine. Additionally the cluster above with the clock is a 81-87. Hope this helps someone else along the way.

Re: cluster opinions/options
 

1980 was the first year of the new style font with orange on it, and the lighter orange needles.
That is when the orange shift indicator needle started also.