Building an Instrument cluster!

[ryans69chevy]

Want to build an instrument cluster for my 69. Want it to look just like the factory or close to it anyway. Adding a clock and maybe thinking of getting my background to be white and also interested in an 8k tach that looks original.

Has anyone used the 8k tach? Any thoughts on it? Is it accurate? Do you need to make a lot of modifications to make it work? My truck currently only has fuel gauge, speedometer, and generator light. So it's just the basic three hole bezel. My reason for wanting an 8k tach is I'm putting a BBC in the truck so I don't want to peg the 5k tach out all the time.

Is it easier to run a printed circuit board or could I just leave that off and wire these gauges in themselves? Just in case I decide to move the clock in a different place than what everybody else puts them if that's even possible?

How much would it cost to build a cluster like this? I know you can buy the cluster with an 8k tach from Classic Industries and places like this for close to $700. Would it just be better to go this route? I think it would be fun to build it myself though and maybe I'll save some money in the long run.

Thanks,
Ryan

[chevytruckluver]

look at this http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...B:FSEL:US:1123

[coops714x4]

that's a pretty good price for that feebay cluster. first of all if your running a stock bbc the 5k tach is all you will need, 4k on a stock bbc is pretty tight, second if your engine is a hot rod, you should want more precise guages. third if all you have is the warning lights I would think it would be a nightmare to wire each "factory" guage (but I hate wiring) if it were me I would buy cluster mentioned above and change the wiring harness and be done with it.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by ryans69chevy

Has anyone used the 8k tach? Any thoughts on it? Is it accurate? Do you need to make a lot of modifications to make it work? Thanks, Ryan

This is the type that will look close to stock, and this 8K is available in a hands on convert it yourself kit form or in complete already built tach cluster form. The one pictured below was a 8k kit installed/combined with parts from an original non-tach cluster. I have built quite a few of these since the kit became available and have not heard any neg. fb about them as of yet from any of the purchasers. I do remember checking and verifing the first couple put together up against my sunpro digital and the needle sweep was spot on to 4k or so, definitely more accurate than some of the 40 year old originals I have had. Mel

[black_sheep454]

Im posting in this thread so I can find it later when I do my engine swap. That's a nice original looking 8k tach.
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[ryans69chevy]

Mel, that's exactly what I'm looking at building! Only I will prob go with the black bezel and of course add the clock in that blank spot. Are they pretty difficult to build? Don't really seem that tough, just time consuming. Does a person save a lot of money going this route or buying a complete cluster already put together? As I told you before I don't have any of the "dummy" gauges and I will prob have to buy a new speedo since mine was acting up before I parked the truck. Are you buying the circuit board or hardwiring them in? I'm up in the air about that...I think I could clean it up a lil bit if I hard wired them all in... I'm lovin the look of that 8k tach tho!

[gotchamel]

I just put together a 7 hole cluster with all VDO vision series electric gauges.120 mph speedo and 8000 tach.I wired it all using factory wiring for the most part, except for oil/water/tach sending wires.The clock will be a tough one,atleast if you want it to fit the center hole.A 3 3/8" gauge fits perfectly but I could not locate a clock that size.I did contact a speedo/gauge shop that will build one to match for around 400.00.I wired it quick disconnect with a 12 pin connector.I do realize that pics would help,I will take some when I drop the cluster.

[ryans69chevy]

I have a quartz clock already. It fits in the blank hole directly to the left of the oil pressure gauge. Yeah, you should take some pics of the wiring!

[gotchamel]

I have approx 500.00 in my cluster including a new 7 hole bezel,all gauges,senders,lights and wiring.I like it better than the stock clusters but it still has a stock look.

[Tom Vogel]

This is in my Jimmy. The truck has a supercharged BB. Member Eric Ricks made it for me. I think it looks like it belongs in the truck, and it is accurate.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

This is in my Jimmy. The truck has a supercharged BB. Member Eric Ricks made it for me. I think it looks like it belongs in the truck, and it is accurate.

Sweet!!! Why two fuel gauges?
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[a2tripp]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

This is in my Jimmy. The truck has a supercharged BB. Member Eric Ricks made it for me. I think it looks like it belongs in the truck, and it is accurate.

those valve covers in your avatar are schnazztastic!

[flashed]

Dang ,that is nice .

[DaHos]

SUPERCHARGED = Fuel Pressure Gauge, Fuel Level Gauge

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by DaHos

SUPERCHARGED = Fuel Pressure Gauge, Fuel Level Gauge

Good catch!
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[special-K]

I use the 8k GM tach that Classic Bowties showed on hot trucks and it's just the ticket! I have a totally custom dash in mind for a vintage hot rod theme,but if I told you before I do it I'd have to kill you

[ryans69chevy]

haha that's alright! I think I might do that 8k tach then! The only other question I have is if I should build one or just buy one totally done...

[71BB_LWB]

You could go custom bezel also.
I had a plate cut on a water jet and used a stock bezel behind it.
Check my build thread for more pics.

[dmwphoto]

some good looking stuff guys. I will throw in some pics of the one I built for mine.

[big_al_71]

Here is a picture of the one in my truck....