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Old 03-04-2002, 03:40 AM   #1
peteyb
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Question Idiots to gauges?

I've got a '73 pickup with idiot lights and I'm thinking of swapping out to a gauges dash. Will the current senders and wiring harness do the trick or do I need to also look at scoring a harness and collection of senders? Thanks.
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Old 03-04-2002, 03:45 AM   #2
79BIG10
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If you go with a aftermarket set of gauges then they will have the sending units with it. Also you can just tie into the existing ones. I am going to upgrade mine (have aftermarket now) to all Autometer like this here. http://www.73-87.com/photos/gpics.htm He also has a great article on how he did it. He opted for a new wire harness but is not necessary. The senders in the pack that I got attach to where the temp sender is and the oil pressure in the back of the block top side behind the distributor. One note is to use a copper line instead of the plastic line in the oil pressure line.

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Old 03-04-2002, 03:50 AM   #3
peteyb
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So if I'm yanking a dash out of a junkyard (assuming they work), all I'll have to do is swap the dash? All current senders and wiring will suffice?
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Old 03-04-2002, 05:23 AM   #4
79BIG10
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Not for sure but I know that the wire harness should be the same. Just make sure to get the same style gauges that you have now in that they're the same year models otherwise the rear bezel (or dash as you called it) will be different in where the attach to the speedometer. Also make sure that your fuel and if you have a tach are in the same placement as the new one. Otherwise you will need to change out your wire harness then.

But I have to ask why get "junk" gauges when you can get new ones that will work and more accurate?
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Old 03-04-2002, 11:30 AM   #5
gchemist
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Ditch the factory guages.
Get something that looks better
More recent pictures
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[This message has been edited by gchemist (edited March 04, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by gchemist (edited March 04, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by gchemist (edited March 04, 2002).]
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Old 03-06-2002, 07:58 PM   #6
crossy
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everything is different especially the Senders. wiring is not a big deal to figure out though with proper manual but is actually a lot easier to just change inside harness, it is so easy to find 'Gauged' dashes in these year trucks that a bone yard can probably supply one for $25 or so. take some tape and pen to label things and unbolt the whole fuse box from the firewall. engine side first. grab the senders you need also some like the O.P. gauge are costly .DAVE
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