Dash Question

[kdailey4315]

I was looking through the thread where pics of gauges have been posted and I have a few questions.

How do I go from this, with just three holes for gauges


To this example where there are 7 holes.


I know I can just get some after market gauges but will I have to cut up the bezel or can I get one somewhere with pre drilled holes? Will I have to do all the wiring for the gauges that my truck DOES NOT have?
Thanks

[myoldchevytruck]

They are wired different. Here's a tip from GMC Pauls website explaining the wiring requirements from the 3 hole (Idiot Light Bezel) to the 7 hole (Gauge Bezel).

Scroll down a few until you see the tip about this conversion. Good Luck.

http://www.gmcpauls.com/Tech%20Tips1.htm

[kdailey4315]

Originally Posted by myoldchevytruck

They are wired different. Here's a tip from GMC Pauls website explaining the wiring requirements from the 3 hole (Idiot Light Bezel) to the 7 hole (Gauge Bezel).

Scroll down a few until you see the tip about this conversion. Good Luck.

http://www.gmcpauls.com/Tech%20Tips1.htm

Thanks a lot for the link. That is more than helpful. I've seen the FAQ page referenced many times but I can't find it anywhere (probably because it's right in front of my face). Where is it located?

[myoldchevytruck]

Originally Posted by kdailey4315

Thanks a lot for the link. That is more than helpful. I've seen the FAQ page referenced many times but I can't find it anywhere (probably because it's right in front of my face). Where is it located?

This is located on GMC Paul's website under the tips link

[jorgensensc]

just an FYI, that green gauge cluster is actually a fabbed up glove box door if I'm not mistaken. It is not the same as the original style 7 hole gauge cluster. If the green one is what you are looking to mimic, then it will take some work. If you want an original style 7 gauge cluster you can buy them from board members and vendors, then just rewire a little, it's not really too hard. Hope this helps some.
Shawn

[cparman]

I bought a Gauge cluster ( 7 hole ) on EBAY, cleaned the lens, replaced the bezel, and DID the GMC PAULS wiring instructions, and about $150.00 later I have Gauges! I am fairly crafty, and it took me 3-4 hours with some help
(read friends stopping by and asking what I was doing ) I is a little intimidating to rearrange the wires in the connector, but write down where tha were, and put them where they need to be. I will go take a pic of my gauges and post it here later.
POSTED PICS ON OTHER DASH THREAD

[1969stepside]

cant you just rewire it without changeing the harness?

[myoldchevytruck]

When I rewired, I used an after-market harness and soldered all of the stock pigtails/connectors to the harness. I used all of the stock gauges, switches, etc.

If your using the stock wiring harness and want to rewire into after-market gauges, that should be fine. I would think that with a little common sense, some wire basics and an ohm meter and maybe a dash wiring diagram to tell what color wire is what - you should be fine. Running a ground strap from your dash to the body wouldn't hurt either. Good Luck.

[1-PU70]

that cluster is mine. I bought it from a board member. Javier I think. I dont think he sells them anymore. Its a billet pice. You could get a similar one from Brothers or other venders. At least you used to. The part I liked was that the gauges mount from the rear for a nice clean look. Here is a pic of the rear. Made my own harness. Price all the gauges (Autometer) Ant the price of the housing and you will probably look for something different. Oh ya and here is a pick of the truck. And yes its for sale. Good luck