swapping gauges for non-gauges - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HOGDADDY · 12-13-2009, 11:11 PM

Can I swap my non-gauges to gauges and use same wiring harness. Is the connectors the same for the temp and (electric) oil pressure.
I will buy the correct sending units.

What about the battery gauge, is that wire still present but un-used?

I have a 91 suburban gauge cluster it has a mechanical speedometer hook-up.

The 91 gauge look same on right side (large fuel gauge,speedo)

The oil is in same place, the temp and battery different positions.

Thanks in advance.

HOGDADDY · 12-14-2009, 12:32 AM

Anyone have a wiring diagram for 86 trucks?

BLE 'BURBAN · 12-14-2009, 02:46 AM

Best thing to do is study the circuit boards on the back side of each cluster. make a note of each connection and where it goes.
If you take a look at the sides of your connector on the harness, you'll notice it's numbered on the left side from top to bottom 1-9 and on the right side from bottom to top10-18. make a chart to correspond with this listing your O.E.M. cluster as well as one for your replacement cluster. If there are any differences, you'll have to re-pin your connector to match your replacement cluster.

68 TT · 12-14-2009, 09:49 AM

Don't forget to change out the senders too. The warning lamp pieces are different than the actual gauge senders.

**crossy** · 12-14-2009, 05:35 PM

Oh, ive done it and it's not for the electrically handicapped. LOL

the wiring cluster for gauge vs. NON gauge is different. like BLE said FOLLOW each gauge wiring across the back of the PC and mark it. makea chart of each and compare. you CAN move wires in the connector. i recently installed a 76-77 dash in an 81 and about 5 wires had to move. Senders are important, they are completely differnt and you will have to go by theyear of your dash. i dont think your cluster is from a 91 tho with a mechanical speedo. good news is your starting with an 86 which MAY have some needed wiring already in place. crossy

HOGDADDY · 12-14-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossy

Oh, ive done it and it's not for the electrically handicapped. LOL

the wiring cluster for gauge vs. NON gauge is different. like BLE said FOLLOW each gauge wiring across the back of the PC and mark it. makea chart of each and compare. you CAN move wires in the connector. i recently installed a 76-77 dash in an 81 and about 5 wires had to move. Senders are important, they are completely differnt and you will have to go by theyear of your dash. i dont think your cluster is from a 91 tho with a mechanical speedo. good news is your starting with an 86 which MAY have some needed wiring already in place. crossy

The cluster came from a 91 I removed it myself in salvage yard (could have been swapped I guess). It does have the green box (vss?) thing behind speedometer.

It looks like the speedo and fuel gauge would fuction as is. I am just gonna remove the green box. mechanical speedo piece still attaches same.

I also noticed it has a "service engine soon" light where mine has an un-used choke light.

I may give it s shot and try change some pins on connector. The cluster is in excellent condition.

It has a 4speed auto selector I removed but still have cause I need it.

I am thinking that empty slot would make an excellent place to put my tranny temp gauge or even a clock.

BLE 'BURBAN · 12-14-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOGDADDY

I am thinking that empty slot would make an excellent place to put my tranny temp gauge or even a clock.

Or an air pressure gauge or a vacuum gauge.....

12-13-2009, 11:11 PM	#1
HOGDADDY Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 661	swapping gauges for non-gauges Can I swap my non-gauges to gauges and use same wiring harness. Is the connectors the same for the temp and (electric) oil pressure. I will buy the correct sending units. What about the battery gauge, is that wire still present but un-used? I have a 91 suburban gauge cluster it has a mechanical speedometer hook-up. The 91 gauge look same on right side (large fuel gauge,speedo) The oil is in same place, the temp and battery different positions. Thanks in advance. Last edited by HOGDADDY; 12-14-2009 at 09:26 AM.

12-14-2009, 12:32 AM	#2
HOGDADDY Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 661	Re: swapping gauges for non-gauges Anyone have a wiring diagram for 86 trucks?

12-14-2009, 02:46 AM	#3
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: swapping gauges for non-gauges Best thing to do is study the circuit boards on the back side of each cluster. make a note of each connection and where it goes. If you take a look at the sides of your connector on the harness, you'll notice it's numbered on the left side from top to bottom 1-9 and on the right side from *bottom to top*10-18. make a chart to correspond with this listing your O.E.M. cluster as well as one for your replacement cluster. If there are any differences, you'll have to re-pin your connector to match your replacement cluster. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

12-14-2009, 09:49 AM	#4
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: swapping gauges for non-gauges Don't forget to change out the senders too. The warning lamp pieces are different than the actual gauge senders. __________________ miSSed opportunity - ground up creation of an AWD 1994 454 SS that never was http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=795577 69 C10 shortbed stepside 400 small block - built like what a super sport truck could have been 69 K20 lwb TBI 350 4L60E NP208 14-bolt Dana-44 w/disc 68 Camaro SS / RS 500hp 439 inch roller cam big block 4L80E 79 Malibu TPI 350 4L60 w/ Z28 steering & sway bars

12-14-2009, 05:35 PM	#5
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	Re: swapping gauges for non-gauges Oh, ive done it and it's not for the electrically handicapped. LOL the wiring cluster for gauge vs. NON gauge is different. like BLE said FOLLOW each gauge wiring across the back of the PC and mark it. makea chart of each and compare. you CAN move wires in the connector. i recently installed a 76-77 dash in an 81 and about 5 wires had to move. Senders are important, they are completely differnt and you will have to go by theyear of your dash. i dont think your cluster is from a 91 tho with a mechanical speedo. good news is your starting with an 86 which MAY have some needed wiring already in place. crossy __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.



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