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12-28-2020, 11:43 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
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Updated Classic Gauges
I wanted to update my gauges so I would have a voltmeter and an electrical oil pressure gauge, and I thought it might be good to document it here for anyone else who might want to do the same.
Here is my gauge cluster front and back as it came out of the truck.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-28-2020, 11:45 PM | #2 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
I began by disassembling the cluster and cleaning it up gently. I used Dawn and warm water to avoid damaging anything.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-28-2020, 11:50 PM | #3 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
As you can see in this picture, there are two backing plates for the smaller gauges. I re-used the one that housed the amp gauge, but I used one from a second cluster for the oil pressure gauge. The stock oil pressure gauge is mechanical, and it's in the way of the electrical gauge. If you don't have a second backing plate, you can use a piece of sheet metal. This part won't be seen once the cluster is assembled.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-28-2020, 11:54 PM | #4 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
The gauges I used came out of an 84 squarebody truck. There weren't any in the two wrecking yards I visited, so I bought them on ebay.
I first mounted them in the holes the original gauges were mounted in, but they were too low when I put the cluster face over them. I ended up drilling new holes approximately 1/4" higher than the original holes, which seemed to put them at the right height. I used sheet metal shears to trim around the gauges so that everything would fit together.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-29-2020, 12:02 AM | #5 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Here you can see the original holes below the position of the gauges.
Next was wiring them up. It's really important to make sure the two main posts on each gauge are insulated. They have a plastic base that's about 3/16" diameter, and if you get them centered in the holes you should have no problem. The third post on each is a ground. I this picture, the orange wire goes to the voltage gauge wire on my new wiring harness. The blue wire goes to the oil pressure wire, and the orange jumper supplies 12v to the oil pressure gauge. Thanks to Ray McAvoy for the wiring help.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-29-2020, 12:03 AM | #6 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
And here's the finished product. I think it turned out pretty well and the gauges look like they belong there.
I hope to get the truck started this week. I'll post up as to how they work when I do.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-29-2020, 12:40 PM | #7 |
Msgt USAF Ret
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Nice work. Thank you for the feedback.
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VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative. |
12-29-2020, 01:10 PM | #8 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Thank you. I've used your wiring diagrams a ton on my Blazer.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-29-2020, 11:31 PM | #9 |
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Location: Idaho Falls, ID
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Hey Truckster,
Where did you get the wood grain bezel? Are you happy with it? |
12-29-2020, 11:39 PM | #10 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
I got it from LMC - item 38-8029, $85.40 with shipping. It looks nice, but time will tell. The woodgrain is slightly raised around the openings, and I'm afraid it may peel with time, especially when it's exposed to the sun in the summertime.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-30-2020, 09:33 AM | #11 |
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
Join Date: Nov 2012
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Nice job looks good. Where did you get the woodgrain bezel?
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"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul |
12-30-2020, 11:40 AM | #12 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
I got it from LMC - item 38-8029, $85.40 with shipping.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-30-2020, 08:29 PM | #13 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Thanks! I've never used them before. I heard a lot of horror stories. I guess I'll give them a chance.
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"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul |
12-30-2020, 09:25 PM | #14 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Thanks for posting, that's a nice upgrade. I will copy when I get time.
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12-30-2020, 09:48 PM | #15 |
Who Changed This?
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
There isn't a vendor around that hasn't gotten tarred by a buyer. Since they all get tarred, they're pretty much equal, I think. One just has to be careful. I've bought a bunch of stuff from LMC with good results, except for the custom steering wheel with wood that cracked just outside of the warranty. I'll probably end up making my own wood pieces, as I have the material and the equipment to do that.
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
12-31-2020, 10:51 AM | #16 |
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Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
The cluster looks good sir.
I want to make a suggestion though before you install it. The speedometer needle needs to be set right are it will not read correct once installed and driving. It's to low. It should be placed where it sits right @ 0 when not running. The gas hand also if it was taken off needs to be set. Not sure if you did take it off but if you did it would need to be set back accordingly. Just trying to save you from taking it out again.
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
12-31-2020, 02:52 PM | #17 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Thanks. I didn't take any of the needles off, but I'll take a look at it.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
12-31-2020, 03:16 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
Quote:
The speedometer needle is off for sure. It should read 0 are just a tad below it are above it. Pictures for reference. If you will notice the gas gauge is on the bottom side of the gauge. I took the needles off to paint them. I had only the gauge in my hand when I reinstalled it the first time. Lol It took me a bit to figure out what I did wrong, I had the gauge upside down in my hand!
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
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01-23-2021, 09:33 PM | #19 |
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Location: Orem, Utah
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
I finally got the truck running today. The new gauges work great.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
07-11-2021, 05:41 PM | #20 |
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Re: Updated Classic Gauges
What did you use for light bulbs?
On another note, the fuel gauge pointer "floats" when its terminals are not connected to 12 volts, fuel sender, and ground. So the pointer should NOT be set to zero when the electrical terminals are disconnected. Same is true of the coolant temp pointer.
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Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 07-12-2021 at 08:28 AM. |
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