1968 Instrument panel gauges

[2hero]

Hello, I am wondering which gauge would be factory installed or dealer accessory besides tachometer. This is on the instrument panel to the left of the oil pressure gauge ? Can someone provide me the name and part number (including wiring) for this and the part number for the tachometer and wiring ? Thank you

[Steeveedee]

Big trucks have a vacuum gauge in that spot. I wouldn't mind having the vacuum gauge there and a tach in where it should be. That's the current spot for the aftermarket vacuum gauge, on mine.

[2hero]

Thanks. I wonder if big block 396cid would have made sense to allow a vacuum accessory gauge. This is for a 68 C10 with factory installed 396cid. What do bigger trucks that I assume are the K trucks have that would make sense/purpose to have vacuum gauge ? Head light cover or windshield wiper cover that a 69 Corvette has with vacuum canister.

[2hero]

I found in other postings the vacuum gauge with power brake booster was common but also for carb tuning. I suppose power steering too. There are two vacuum gauge types, one where tach can also about at the center of instrument panel and the bottom right of instrument just to the left of the oil pressure gauge. I would like the one next to oil pressure gauge with wiring. Thanks.

[Steeveedee]

Vacuum gauges are used on the big trucks because they have air brakes. I think so, anyway.

[2hero]

Thank you, yes that makes sense too for brakes.

[pjmoreland]

An air pressure gauge was also an option, as shown in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=Air+gauge

[2hero]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

An air pressure gauge was also an option, as shown in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=Air+gauge

Thanks. Air pressure gauge too ! Ok, I wonder what other option this was added in combination with or used with a standard feature to measure air pressure for ?
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[too much stuff]

In the 10-30 series trucks, that is just a blank spot. 40-60 series could have a blank spot, vacuum or air pressure gauge.

[2hero]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

In the 10-30 series trucks, that is just a blank spot. 40-60 series could have a blank spot, vacuum or air pressure gauge.

Thanks, I wonder if a 1968 sales accessory guide/brochure has these two gauges (vacuum and air pressure) marketed for sale as a dealer counter accessory along with them a being factory installed option.
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[pjmoreland]

If you are interested in adding a tach and/or a vacuum gauge to your existing gauge panel, member 70shortfleet can modify your tins to accept the new gauges, as shown in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=70shortfleet

You will also need to get a new lens with the appropriate markings on it for the new gauges. A tach will require a new flexible circuit board for the back of the gauge cluster and a wiring harness for connecting it to your ignition system. To mount a vacuum gauge, you would need to drill a hole for it in your existing backing plate that has the oil pressure gauge mounted on it currently. Components can be purchased from lots of places. I purchased my tachometer from GMCPauls.

https://gmcpauls.com/instrument_panel.htm

[2hero]

Thank you, your information helps a lot.

[Steeveedee]

I'd like to someday put a tach in the factory spot; it's currently mounted on top of the dash. I don't need a vacuum gauge. I'd like to put the trans oil temp gauge in the unused spot. Things to think about!

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I'd like to someday put a tach in the factory spot; it's currently mounted on top of the dash. I don't need a vacuum gauge. I'd like to put the trans oil temp gauge in the unused spot. Things to think about!

That's a cool idea. It would also be nice to somehow utilize the unused TEMP warning light on the fuel gauge.