How many are using stock gauges? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigbadchev72 · 02-08-2010, 11:10 PM

How accurate are these things? I dont really want to install aftermarket gauges under my heater controls, or cut them into my new bezel. I dont care about the ammeter, but I feel weary since it dosent tell me exactly how hot the motor is or how many psi the oil is running at.

red71c10 · 02-09-2010, 01:14 AM

I've heard originals aren't very accurate, but that's what I'm using. They do make aftermarket gauges that will fit right in the stock dash. I've seen both digital and analog available. Search the site and you will probably find some examples of what members have done.

BIGBLU 72 · 02-09-2010, 01:41 AM

im running the factory gauges including tach in my GMC. i feel like they are pretty accurate (except speedo b/c of the tires/lift)

**Stocker** · 02-09-2010, 01:45 AM

Good question. Mine are all stock, and chances are that good aftermarket gauges may be more accurate. But mine work, and at least let me know that things I have oil pressure and I'm not overheating....

C10-Driver · 02-09-2010, 02:11 AM

I installed aftermarket oil and water gauges into a stock cluster for the reasons you mentioned... I just wasn't comfortable with the "vague" readings you get from the stock gauges. Here is how mine turned out.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382886

Shyguy · 02-09-2010, 09:24 AM

I am running stock gauges in my '71 C-10, they are accurate for what I want since it is just used most of the time as a farm truck.

My '67 is bare bones and has no gages, so I went the easy way for now and put in a set of three gauges under the dash. I used these gauges so I could drive the truck for a while so I could figure out which way I want to go on a restoration.

**70cst** · 02-09-2010, 10:43 AM

I would think if the guages and associated hardware were in good shape they would be ok...they work well 40 years ago so if they are in similiar condition one should be good to go...then again what do I know

Sinister · 02-09-2010, 12:37 PM

I had stock gauges in a '72, I actually prefer the aftermarket gauges in my '69.

Nova70 · 02-09-2010, 12:54 PM

I don't care for the stock gauges... Mine bounce around and the speedo is off by about 11mph. The battery indicator is the worst for me. Being an audio system nut, that meter doesn't tell me exact voltage which drives me nuts. I have since installed an aftermarket voltage meter in a different spot. I'm hoping to buy the Dakota Digital cluster this summer.

junkyardjohn · 02-09-2010, 01:04 PM

Stock gauges are o-k. But my trucks are nowhere near stock & i have alot of money tied up in my motor & tranny, & like to accuritely know what the vitals are & whats happening. Case in point.. I've not destroyed an atuomatic tranyy. Since i started using tran.s temp gauges 20 years ago. To each his own... But remember.. Those gauges were made 40 sum years ago & by the lowest bidder.

john

drivethechevy · 02-09-2010, 04:05 PM

ive never had a problem with the factory gauges, my dad and grandfather have never had any problems with them being inacurate, my grandpa has owned a 69 since new and owned many others.
now if you are looking for a gauge that gives you numbers to go by you are gonna have to go aftermarket, there are alot of different ways you can customize gauges without wrecking the bezel, i ad sun super tach's to my gauge clusters and i have replace factory gauges with better aftermarket and used the vacuum gauge hole to add vacuum gauges to clusters not equiped, if you do it right it looks pretty good

big_al_71 · 02-09-2010, 04:39 PM

I have the factory ones and they work ok....but I am going with Autometers because they will be 100% more accurate and look alot better...

67ChevyRedneck · 02-09-2010, 05:11 PM

My truck only came with dummy lights, so I added these:

I finally got a GPS unit and was able to test my odometer/speedometer. The odometer is very very close to being accurate and the speedometer is dead on for low speeds and only a couple mph "slow" on the higher speeds. That's crazy conisdering I installed a 7ooR in my truck. Fuel gauge has and always will suck, it will never be "accurate" unless you install baffles in the tank to prevent fuel sloshing.

PanelDeland · 02-09-2010, 05:20 PM

If the stock guages are in good working order then I see no reason to change.They do not have the markings to tell you the degree or volts/amps but if you know the engine is running at the proper temp and the guage always reads the same you should be fine.Same applies for any of them.I have had vehicles that didn't read accurately but always read the same so I knew everything was normal.

57larry · 02-09-2010, 08:40 PM

I run 3 under the dash

powell72 · 02-10-2010, 12:28 AM

I can tell you the factory oil pressure gauge is a 60 psi gauge, so the marks go 0-15-30-45-60.

**Stocker** · 02-10-2010, 12:39 AM

^ Good info to know... thanks!

Old Yeller 1970 · 02-10-2010, 12:47 AM

I run the factory gauges. I don't think my Amp gauge has ever worked right but I don't need it. According to the law my speedo is correct. My temperature and oil pressure gauges have always functioned correctly. I've owned the truck 20 years and have about 245000 on it.

mrein3 · 02-10-2010, 09:09 AM

A couple of superbowls ago I made out so I decided to use that windfall on a tach cluster. Right about then there were a lot of posts about how inaccurate the stock tach is. I had just installed a fresh 383 and had an aftermarket tach laying around that I used for break in so I decided to place that in my used tach cluster. I also installed an 80s clock at that time.

Today - if I ever have the time to work on it - I would eliminate the clock and place my trans temp gauge in that hole. Then I'd eliminate the amp meter and install a volt meter like C10-Driver did with his temp.

I know for a fact my stock temp and oil pressure gauges work so they are staying.

When I first put together my current cluster I used a wood grain stock piece. Later I switched to a black one but could use a shiny new re-pop one.

02-08-2010, 11:10 PM	#1
bigbadchev72 People know me Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hermiston, oregon Posts: 840	How many are using stock gauges? How accurate are these things? I dont really want to install aftermarket gauges under my heater controls, or cut them into my new bezel. I dont care about the ammeter, but I feel weary since it dosent tell me exactly how hot the motor is or how many psi the oil is running at. __________________ 1972 k/5 blazer CST 4X4 Crate 350, th350/205, dana44with trac-loc/14 bolt with detroit locker, 4 wheel discs 4.56s, 8" suspension lift using 73-87springs, 1" zerorate custom front crossmember, HAD CV drivelines and driveshaft e-brake, full cage, PRP seats, Full autometer gauges, 38x14.5x16 Toyo M/Ts, 16x10 Polished aluminum rockcrusher wheels 1967 longbox 4x4, Strong 400/400/208, 44/12bolt 4.10s, 6" lift, 35" Toyo M/Ts on corvette rally wheels

02-09-2010, 01:14 AM	#2
red71c10 The Red Menace Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Roseburg, OR Posts: 577	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I've heard originals aren't very accurate, but that's what I'm using. They do make aftermarket gauges that will fit right in the stock dash. I've seen both digital and analog available. Search the site and you will probably find some examples of what members have done. __________________ 1971 Custom 10 - 350/350TH - Pwr steering, gauges, Chrome front bumper, Chrome hubcaps, Door edge guards, HD rear springs (current) 1968 C-20 Custom Camper - 350/350TH (orig 327), Pwr steering & brakes, gauges w/tach (former) 1968 C-20 - 307/3sp column (Dad's when I was a kid) "Driving is like coloring. Things get messy if you can't stay inside the lines."

02-09-2010, 01:41 AM	#3
BIGBLU 72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 700	Re: How many are using stock gauges? im running the factory gauges including tach in my GMC. i feel like they are pretty accurate (except speedo b/c of the tires/lift) __________________ 68 C10 LWB 2/4 drop 406/th400/3.73posi 04 Silverado SS LQ9 6.0/4L65e/4.11posi AWD

02-09-2010, 01:45 AM	#4
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,595	Re: How many are using stock gauges? Good question. Mine are all stock, and chances are that good aftermarket gauges may be more accurate. But mine work, and at least let me know that things I have oil pressure and I'm not overheating.... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

02-09-2010, 02:11 AM	#5
C10-Driver Chevy Truck Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC Posts: 1,176	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I installed aftermarket oil and water gauges into a stock cluster for the reasons you mentioned... I just wasn't comfortable with the "vague" readings you get from the stock gauges. Here is how mine turned out. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382886 __________________ . 1970 Chev C/10 SWB, 355 SBC, 700R4, 3.73 Posi, Air Ride (Click to view Build Thread) (SOLD) 1978 Chevy C/10 SWB 1970 Pontiac Lemans .

02-09-2010, 09:24 AM	#6
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I am running stock gauges in my '71 C-10, they are accurate for what I want since it is just used most of the time as a farm truck. My '67 is bare bones and has no gages, so I went the easy way for now and put in a set of three gauges under the dash. I used these gauges so I could drive the truck for a while so I could figure out which way I want to go on a restoration. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

02-09-2010, 10:43 AM	#7
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I would think if the guages and associated hardware were in good shape they would be ok...they work well 40 years ago so if they are in similiar condition one should be good to go...then again what do I know __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 02-09-2010 at 10:43 AM.

02-09-2010, 12:37 PM	#8
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I had stock gauges in a '72, I actually prefer the aftermarket gauges in my '69. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

02-09-2010, 12:54 PM	#9
Nova70 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dub VC Utah Posts: 364	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I don't care for the stock gauges... Mine bounce around and the speedo is off by about 11mph. The battery indicator is the worst for me. Being an audio system nut, that meter doesn't tell me exact voltage which drives me nuts. I have since installed an aftermarket voltage meter in a different spot. I'm hoping to buy the Dakota Digital cluster this summer.

02-09-2010, 01:04 PM	#10
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: How many are using stock gauges? Stock gauges are o-k. But my trucks are nowhere near stock & i have alot of money tied up in my motor & tranny, & like to accuritely know what the vitals are & whats happening. Case in point.. I've not destroyed an atuomatic tranyy. Since i started using tran.s temp gauges 20 years ago. To each his own... But remember.. Those gauges were made 40 sum years ago & by the lowest bidder. john __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

02-09-2010, 04:05 PM	#11
drivethechevy Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo MN Posts: 606	Re: How many are using stock gauges? ive never had a problem with the factory gauges, my dad and grandfather have never had any problems with them being inacurate, my grandpa has owned a 69 since new and owned many others. now if you are looking for a gauge that gives you numbers to go by you are gonna have to go aftermarket, there are alot of different ways you can customize gauges without wrecking the bezel, i ad sun super tach's to my gauge clusters and i have replace factory gauges with better aftermarket and used the vacuum gauge hole to add vacuum gauges to clusters not equiped, if you do it right it looks pretty good __________________ Trial and Error, its expensive but its a mistake i most likely wont make again 1971 chevy k10 custom deluxe http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=341257 1968 chevy k/10 fleet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334731 1948 desoto custom coupe fluid drive(family heirloom)

02-09-2010, 04:39 PM	#12
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I have the factory ones and they work ok....but I am going with Autometers because they will be 100% more accurate and look alot better... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

02-09-2010, 05:11 PM	#13
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: How many are using stock gauges? My truck only came with dummy lights, so I added these: I finally got a GPS unit and was able to test my odometer/speedometer. The odometer is very very close to being accurate and the speedometer is dead on for low speeds and only a couple mph "slow" on the higher speeds. That's crazy conisdering I installed a 7ooR in my truck. Fuel gauge has and always will suck, it will never be "accurate" unless you install baffles in the tank to prevent fuel sloshing. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 02-09-2010 at 05:23 PM.

02-09-2010, 05:20 PM	#14
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: How many are using stock gauges? If the stock guages are in good working order then I see no reason to change.They do not have the markings to tell you the degree or volts/amps but if you know the engine is running at the proper temp and the guage always reads the same you should be fine.Same applies for any of them.I have had vehicles that didn't read accurately but always read the same so I knew everything was normal. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

02-09-2010, 08:40 PM	#15
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,162	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I run 3 under the dash



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02-10-2010, 12:28 AM	#16
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I can tell you the factory oil pressure gauge is a 60 psi gauge, so the marks go 0-15-30-45-60. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

02-10-2010, 12:39 AM	#17
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,595	Re: How many are using stock gauges? ^ Good info to know... thanks! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

02-10-2010, 12:47 AM	#18
Old Yeller 1970 DON'T TREAD ON ME Join Date: May 2005 Location: Crosby County, TX Posts: 989	Re: How many are using stock gauges? I run the factory gauges. I don't think my Amp gauge has ever worked right but I don't need it. According to the law my speedo is correct. My temperature and oil pressure gauges have always functioned correctly. I've owned the truck 20 years and have about 245000 on it. __________________ Old Yeller Last edited by Old Yeller 1970; 02-10-2010 at 12:50 AM.

02-10-2010, 09:09 AM	#19
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: How many are using stock gauges? A couple of superbowls ago I made out so I decided to use that windfall on a tach cluster. Right about then there were a lot of posts about how inaccurate the stock tach is. I had just installed a fresh 383 and had an aftermarket tach laying around that I used for break in so I decided to place that in my used tach cluster. I also installed an 80s clock at that time. Today - if I ever have the time to work on it - I would eliminate the clock and place my trans temp gauge in that hole. Then I'd eliminate the amp meter and install a volt meter like C10-Driver did with his temp. I know for a fact my stock temp and oil pressure gauges work so they are staying. When I first put together my current cluster I used a wood grain stock piece. Later I switched to a black one but could use a shiny new re-pop one. Attached Images __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

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