GPS Speedometer Install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LockDoc** · 09-16-2010, 11:10 PM

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The GPS speedometer arrived today so I figured I might as well play around with it. I had a trashed instrument cluster that I could experiment with so I started the modifications on it. The first picture shows the components of the kit. The second shows the lens mod. I cut the hole with a pair of dividers by going in a circle until it cut through the plastic. You might be able to use a hole saw but it would have to be turning very slow and probably need to be cooled with water. Third the tin mod I did with a hole saw in a drill press. You have to go very slow with this too and wear gloves. If it catches it will probably ruin the tin. I let one end of the tin rest against the drill press post as a stop. The fourth picture shows the speedo installed in the tach hole. I didn't have to modify the bezel for the 3 3/8" speedo. As seen in pictures 5 & 6 I soldered the black and white wires from the power inverter to the main power harness wires and used heat shrink tubing on them. This just saves running two more wires out the back of the instrument panel. Picture 7 shows the plug in connector I installed in the constant power wire so all three wires from the speedo can be unplugged. That way the retainer can be unscrewed and removed to get the speedo out of the cluster. Picture 8 shows the connections to the fuse block on my '67 and picture 9 shows the antenna connection on the back of the speedo. The cable is 15 feet long and the block on the end has a really strong magnet in it. Don't get it too close to your Digital camera or your cell phone 'cause it will probably erase the stuff on them…

I bought the white face one because I'm going to order the white decal kit. The last picture is with the speedo set in the stock hole. If a person was going to do this I think the 4" one would look better although it does match the size of the fuel gauge. If it had a black face it would look better too.

Hopefully I will be able to get it put in the truck in the next couple of days but I'm going to a swap meet tomorrow so it probably wont happen then. I will be adding to this when I get it in…

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 09-16-2010, 11:11 PM

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More Pics

**LEEVON** · 09-16-2010, 11:13 PM

Oh man that's cool! How does it work, do you have to program or subscribe or anything?

**LockDoc** · 09-16-2010, 11:19 PM

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No subscription. Just use it. Works like a GPS. It has odometer, trip meter, clock, elevation, speed, compass, top speed, 0-60 time, and 1/4 mile ET.

LockDoc

72Levi · 09-16-2010, 11:32 PM

That is cool, I love technology.
Posted via Mobile Device

**70cst** · 09-16-2010, 11:58 PM

Now that rocks!!!!

Sammy · 09-17-2010, 12:33 AM

Way to go LocKDoc.
Only draw back now is if Obama wants to know where LockDoc is, and how fast he's driving that BB, and what direction thru the corn Fields in Iowa, he can find out if it's safe to steal a sample of that outstanding homemade brewed wine.

rsavage · 09-17-2010, 06:33 AM

LockDoc,
It looks great. Nice neat install. I know it's early in the am, but it looked like you were installing it in the tach hole and the last pic shows it in the speedo spot. What am I missing? If you don't mind me asking, what does something like that run?

rsavage · 09-17-2010, 06:36 AM

Never mind. I went back and re-read the last section of your post. Duh!

**LockDoc** · 09-17-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsavage

Never mind. I went back and re-read the last section of your post. Duh!

I'm guilty of doing the same thing once in a while...

Here is the web site:
http://www.speedhut.com/gauge_produc...ometer_GPS.htm

This one was on sale for $220 with free shipping when I bought it. The CableX speedometer converter is $349. It converts from electronic transmission output to mechanical speedometer. For 130 bucks less l thought I would try the GPS.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 09-18-2010, 09:23 PM

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Installed the temporary instrument cluster with the GPS speedo in it this evening. No problems hooking everything up and it seems to work great... The light is nice and bright and it is easy to read. I will take the Garmin along in the morning to check the accuracy. I put 7 miles on it tonight.

LockDoc

72BlckButy · 09-18-2010, 09:36 PM

Nice work Leon!

Andy4639 · 09-18-2010, 10:08 PM

Nice look to it. I wonder how it will work in a city envoriment though? I may have to do a whole cluster for my 71. I'm tired of the speedo being off and bouncing all over the place at slow speeds.

Hubscrub · 09-18-2010, 10:52 PM

that is sweet

Street Lethal '72 · 09-19-2010, 09:50 AM

Hopefully when the time comes I can afford one of these, nice job/write up. I also found a bunch of these as apps for mobile phones, I thought they were neat anyway: http://www.ranosoft.net/palm/speedometer-gps/

But, I think once all is said and done, I will be getting the correct change over speedo gear for the trans (rear gear/tire size adjusted). As this is the most affordable/functioning option for me.

The added functionality of those gps speedos is pretty handy, wish I could get one.. like I said.. hopefully.

Again, nice work!

**LockDoc** · 09-19-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Nice work Leon!

Thanks Nate.

Quote:

Nice look to it. I wonder how it will work in a city envoriment though? I may have to do a whole cluster for my 71. I'm tired of the speedo being off and bouncing all over the place at slow speeds.

Not sure Andy. I don't have any tall buildings or cities close enough to go try it...

Quote:

that is sweet

Thanks Hubscrub.

Quote:

Hopefully when the time comes I can afford one of these, nice job/write up. I also found a bunch of these as apps for mobile phones, I thought they were neat anyway: http://www.ranosoft.net/palm/speedometer-gps/

But, I think once all is said and done, I will be getting the correct change over speedo gear for the trans (rear gear/tire size adjusted). As this is the most affordable/functioning option for me.

The added functionality of those gps speedos is pretty handy, wish I could get one.. like I said.. hopefully.

Again, nice work!

Thanks Street Lethal '72. Here is a web site that should help you with the speedo gears...

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/sp...n_______va.htm

Part way down there is a speedometer calculator.

LockDoc

Average Joe · 09-19-2010, 12:17 PM

Cool! This would be great for my Nova which alternates from 2.75 freeway fliers to 4.11's.

big_al_71 · 09-19-2010, 02:51 PM

looks pretty good thanks for posting the DIY directions. May look into this in the future..

Andy4639 · 09-19-2010, 03:57 PM

I plan on buying one for the 71 soon, very soon! Thanks for the info!

**LockDoc** · 09-19-2010, 08:54 PM

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Well I put the Garmin in the truck and went for a little drive. The GPS speedo was spot on. I know they get the signal from the same satellite but I wondered about the conversion from digital to the analog output. Also no problem with the crappy, rainy, drizzly, foggy, overcast conditions we had today.

LockDoc

Hubscrub · 09-19-2010, 09:11 PM

good to hear

1968CHEVYC10 · 09-19-2010, 09:51 PM

And the good part is, burnouts don't add to your mileage

ERASER5 · 09-19-2010, 09:53 PM

I noticed that some of the Speedhut GPS units had high beam and turn signals built in. That would be real handy for a clean custom dash.

Andy4639 · 09-21-2010, 01:48 PM

Just called Speedhut and found out they have a 4 1/2" speedo to!
Also when you order there other gauges they come with everything you need to make them work. Cool!
I have to get my Christmas list done now!
Just what the Doc ordered!!!

**Dieselwrencher** · 09-21-2010, 03:29 PM

Very nice upgrade Leon!

09-16-2010, 11:10 PM	#1
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,646	GPS Speedometer Install - The GPS speedometer arrived today so I figured I might as well play around with it. I had a trashed instrument cluster that I could experiment with so I started the modifications on it. The first picture shows the components of the kit. The second shows the lens mod. I cut the hole with a pair of dividers by going in a circle until it cut through the plastic. You might be able to use a hole saw but it would have to be turning very slow and probably need to be cooled with water. Third the tin mod I did with a hole saw in a drill press. You have to go very slow with this too and wear gloves. If it catches it will probably ruin the tin. I let one end of the tin rest against the drill press post as a stop. The fourth picture shows the speedo installed in the tach hole. I didn't have to modify the bezel for the 3 3/8" speedo. As seen in pictures 5 & 6 I soldered the black and white wires from the power inverter to the main power harness wires and used heat shrink tubing on them. This just saves running two more wires out the back of the instrument panel. Picture 7 shows the plug in connector I installed in the constant power wire so all three wires from the speedo can be unplugged. That way the retainer can be unscrewed and removed to get the speedo out of the cluster. Picture 8 shows the connections to the fuse block on my '67 and picture 9 shows the antenna connection on the back of the speedo. The cable is 15 feet long and the block on the end has a really strong magnet in it. Don't get it too close to your Digital camera or your cell phone 'cause it will probably erase the stuff on them… I bought the white face one because I'm going to order the white decal kit. The last picture is with the speedo set in the stock hole. If a person was going to do this I think the 4" one would look better although it does match the size of the fuel gauge. If it had a black face it would look better too. Hopefully I will be able to get it put in the truck in the next couple of days but I'm going to a swap meet tomorrow so it probably wont happen then. I will be adding to this when I get it in… LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

09-16-2010, 11:11 PM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,646	Re: GPS Speedometer Install - More Pics Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 03-17-2011 at 09:09 PM.

09-16-2010, 11:13 PM	#3
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Oh man that's cool! How does it work, do you have to program or subscribe or anything? __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

09-16-2010, 11:19 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,646	Re: GPS Speedometer Install - No subscription. Just use it. Works like a GPS. It has odometer, trip meter, clock, elevation, speed, compass, top speed, 0-60 time, and 1/4 mile ET. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

09-16-2010, 11:32 PM	#5
72Levi Active Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: sa tx Posts: 851	Re: GPS Speedometer Install That is cool, I love technology. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer ALL ORIGINAL paint & engine, A/C, Tilt, 4sp, AM/FM, Tow Hooks, Aux Battery Tray, Tach, Vacuum 2004 FORD FX4 SuperCrew 2005 CTS-V 12 sec family car 2008 Buick Enclave AWD, Nav, & DVD, Wife LOVES it!

09-16-2010, 11:58 PM	#6
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Now that rocks!!!! __________________ 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!

09-17-2010, 12:33 AM	#7
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Way to go LocKDoc. Only draw back now is if Obama wants to know where LockDoc is, and how fast he's driving that BB, and what direction thru the corn Fields in Iowa, he can find out if it's safe to steal a sample of that outstanding homemade brewed wine. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

09-17-2010, 06:33 AM	#8
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: GPS Speedometer Install LockDoc, It looks great. Nice neat install. I know it's early in the am, but it looked like you were installing it in the tach hole and the last pic shows it in the speedo spot. What am I missing? If you don't mind me asking, what does something like that run? __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

09-17-2010, 06:36 AM	#9
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Never mind. I went back and re-read the last section of your post. Duh! __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

09-18-2010, 09:23 PM	#11
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,646	Re: GPS Speedometer Install - Installed the temporary instrument cluster with the GPS speedo in it this evening. No problems hooking everything up and it seems to work great... The light is nice and bright and it is easy to read. I will take the Garmin along in the morning to check the accuracy. I put 7 miles on it tonight. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

09-18-2010, 09:36 PM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Nice work Leon! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

09-18-2010, 10:08 PM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Nice look to it. I wonder how it will work in a city envoriment though? I may have to do a whole cluster for my 71. I'm tired of the speedo being off and bouncing all over the place at slow speeds. __________________ 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.

09-18-2010, 10:52 PM	#14
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: GPS Speedometer Install that is sweet __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

09-19-2010, 09:50 AM	#15
Street Lethal '72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Miami Posts: 46	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Hopefully when the time comes I can afford one of these, nice job/write up. I also found a bunch of these as apps for mobile phones, I thought they were neat anyway: http://www.ranosoft.net/palm/speedometer-gps/ But, I think once all is said and done, I will be getting the correct change over speedo gear for the trans (rear gear/tire size adjusted). As this is the most affordable/functioning option for me. The added functionality of those gps speedos is pretty handy, wish I could get one.. like I said.. hopefully. Again, nice work!

09-19-2010, 12:17 PM	#17
Average Joe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 1,352	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Cool! This would be great for my Nova which alternates from 2.75 freeway fliers to 4.11's.



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09-19-2010, 02:51 PM	#18
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: GPS Speedometer Install looks pretty good thanks for posting the DIY directions. May look into this in the future.. __________________ 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

09-19-2010, 03:57 PM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: GPS Speedometer Install I plan on buying one for the 71 soon, very soon! Thanks for the info! __________________ 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.

09-19-2010, 08:54 PM	#20
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,646	Re: GPS Speedometer Install - Well I put the Garmin in the truck and went for a little drive. The GPS speedo was spot on. I know they get the signal from the same satellite but I wondered about the conversion from digital to the analog output. Also no problem with the crappy, rainy, drizzly, foggy, overcast conditions we had today. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 09-19-2010 at 08:57 PM.

09-19-2010, 09:11 PM	#21
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: GPS Speedometer Install good to hear __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

09-19-2010, 09:51 PM	#22
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Re: GPS Speedometer Install And the good part is, burnouts don't add to your mileage __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's

09-19-2010, 09:53 PM	#23
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: GPS Speedometer Install I noticed that some of the Speedhut GPS units had high beam and turn signals built in. That would be real handy for a clean custom dash. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

09-21-2010, 01:48 PM	#24
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Just called Speedhut and found out they have a 4 1/2" speedo to! Also when you order there other gauges they come with everything you need to make them work. Cool! I have to get my Christmas list done now! Just what the Doc ordered!!! __________________ 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.

09-21-2010, 03:29 PM	#25
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,139	Re: GPS Speedometer Install Very nice upgrade Leon! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

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