Instrument Cluster Question

[BCOWANWHEELS]

I have a non- full gauge cluster in my truck and i just got a cluster from another truck that has the water temp. , oil pressure and volt gauge in it. my question is - is it a straight foward swap out or is the wireing harness different ? i know i have to run a oil line to the block as its a mechanical gauge also the speedo cable will hookup with no problem. any helpor tips would be appreciated.
bob in tn.

[C. M. Wolf]

If you didn't have an oil line before, you'll need to run one,(of course). Other than that it "Should" wire right in. (I have to tell you, I just can't see it from here, so it's hard to say). As long as both model trucks were the same and the years coresponding to mfg'r years, it should go right in.

What year and type truck are ya talkin anout here?

Michael

P.S. I'd recommend changing out any heater hoses while you're in there,(cleaning things up inside that dash area, checking for any worn wires, etc, sure couldn't hurt while the area is open).

[Hutch]

BCOWANWHEELS
Check out the tips page from GMC pauls web-site

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

Also check out his site while you are there

[Andy4639]

No!!!
It's not a direct bolt in. The gauges or all prewired where your no gauge isn't nothing but lights. You should get the dash and motor wiring for the gauges too.

[too much stuff]

If you don't change the underhood harness to a gauge setup you will let all the smoke out! It must be changed...

[haysonj]

I'm not sure but my painless wiring kit is the same for idiot lights or gages the only thing that didn't work was the ammeter Now you may have to change the temp sending unit because I think it is two different part numbers

[Longhorn Man]

this was the first mod in my first truck... I ASSumed that since the plug was the same, that it was a straight up swap.
It isn't.
Trust me.
I can still hear my buddy literally rolling in the dirt laughing his ass off as the needle on the fuel guage spun around a few times before expiring in a puff of smoke.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

this was the first mod in my first truck... I ASSumed that since the plug was the same, that it was a straight up swap.
It isn't.
Trust me.
I can still hear my buddy literally rolling in the dirt laughing his ass off as the needle on the fuel guage spun around a few times before expiring in a puff of smoke.

.....sorry man, but I could just see your bud rollin in the dirt laughin on that one(maybe the fuel guage thought is was a clock?) GMC Paul has some tech info on what wires to swap on that install. crazyL

[Longhorn Man]

I can still feel the sinking feeling in my gut. Almost 11 years ago, and it feels like it was last summer.
I soooooo wanted to kick him while he was rolling in the dirt.


Alcohol may have been involved. (in his behalf)

[retodd7711]

AFTER you read GMC Paul's FAQ, it is really easy. Some of the wires are hard to get out of the connectors, but patience helps. You will also need a different temp sending unit,local parts store has them about $10. Ask for gauge unit, not idiot lights. Parts store also has oil line kits with different size adaptors to fit engine block. You will end up with one extra wire(oil pressure seending unit) and luckily it's the same color as 2 turn signal wires. So check operation before you install cluster.
P.S. Bob, I'm still coming to J.C./Kingsport once a week so if you need parts smuggled across the state line P.M. me
Todd

[red71cheyenne]

Its really an easy swap to do though. I set up one for one of my buddies, in his 67. Only had to move like 2 wires in the harness. Like retodd said, Paul's FAQ is easy to follow.

[short step]

get a elect sender for the temp & oil pressure and try this
http://www.boomspeed.com/bofh1968/ch...ng_diagram.pdf

[BCOWANWHEELS]

thanks guys your all the best...... best web site on the net.
bob