73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

xbanone · 06-20-2009, 10:41 PM

I have a 76 k15 GMC and an 81 c10. I recently bought most of the interior from another 81. Some of the stuff is for my 81 but I would like to use the guage cluster and some other items in the 76. 81-87 guages look and work so much better.

I did a trial fit on the guage bezel and it is so close to fitting it's not funny. Now that I have seen it in there I gotta have it. If I use the cluster from the 81 will everything fit together properly? I know the best answer is go ahead and try it, but maybe someone can save me some trouble if it doesn't work.

All of the guages are in the same place except mine has a brake light and the 81 has a clock. I have the guages, circuit board and trim panel. Is it a direct swap?

Thanks everyone

**old Rusty C10** · 06-20-2009, 11:06 PM

i belive there is differences in the wiring harness but the dash construction is basically the same

Russell · 06-20-2009, 11:33 PM

You'll need to use the newer dash pad with the newer bezel, they are shaped differently. That said, there are significant wiring differences between your 76 and the newer instrument cluster, expect to be totally re-pinning your instrument cluster connector, and also having to run a wire for the newer electric oil pressure gauge vs your original mechanical oil pressure gauge. Pay special attention to how you wire the volt meter that will be replacing the amp gauge, if you simply plug a volt meter in without re-wiring it properly (to be in parallel instead of series), you will start an electrical fire.

xbanone · 06-20-2009, 11:44 PM

OK, I really want to keep my early dash pad so I'm just gonna keep it as is. And I'm not really interested in a dash rewire. I have bigger fish to fry right now.

Thanks guys

**N2TRUX** · 06-21-2009, 09:27 AM

Your better off looking for a 76 cluster that has the gauges you want. A good clean up and fresh paint on the needles along with a new bezel goes a long way....

JohnC · 06-21-2009, 12:58 PM

xbanone · 06-21-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Your better off looking for a 76 cluster that has the gauges you want. A good clean up and fresh paint on the needles along with a new bezel goes a long way....

Yeah, a good clean up and some paint, plus painting the rear white will go along way. The biggest thing is the trim bezel, mine is black and cracked and the newer one is silver and looks much nicer. I'm gonna try and make it work.

06-20-2009, 10:41 PM	#1
xbanone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: WV Posts: 209	73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility I have a 76 k15 GMC and an 81 c10. I recently bought most of the interior from another 81. Some of the stuff is for my 81 but I would like to use the guage cluster and some other items in the 76. 81-87 guages look and work so much better. I did a trial fit on the guage bezel and it is so close to fitting it's not funny. Now that I have seen it in there I gotta have it. If I use the cluster from the 81 will everything fit together properly? I know the best answer is go ahead and try it, but maybe someone can save me some trouble if it doesn't work. All of the guages are in the same place except mine has a brake light and the 81 has a clock. I have the guages, circuit board and trim panel. Is it a direct swap? Thanks everyone

06-20-2009, 11:06 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: 73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility i belive there is differences in the wiring harness but the dash construction is basically the same __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

06-20-2009, 11:33 PM	#3
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: 73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility You'll need to use the newer dash pad with the newer bezel, they are shaped differently. That said, there are significant wiring differences between your 76 and the newer instrument cluster, expect to be totally re-pinning your instrument cluster connector, and also having to run a wire for the newer electric oil pressure gauge vs your original mechanical oil pressure gauge. Pay special attention to how you wire the volt meter that will be replacing the amp gauge, if you simply plug a volt meter in without re-wiring it properly (to be in parallel instead of series), you will start an electrical fire. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

06-20-2009, 11:44 PM	#4
xbanone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: WV Posts: 209	Re: 73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility OK, I really want to keep my early dash pad so I'm just gonna keep it as is. And I'm not really interested in a dash rewire. I have bigger fish to fry right now. Thanks guys Last edited by xbanone; 06-20-2009 at 11:46 PM.

06-21-2009, 09:27 AM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility Your better off looking for a 76 cluster that has the gauges you want. A good clean up and fresh paint on the needles along with a new bezel goes a long way.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

06-21-2009, 12:58 PM	#6
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: 73-80 and 81-87 interior compatibility



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