My camaro tach cluster-done! - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

edman87 · 02-29-2008, 02:22 AM

This one is somewhat better

rfmaster · 02-29-2008, 11:40 AM

Edman

Thank you very much for additional info. I'll try take additional photos and draw a proper diagram for future reference sake...

//RF

edman87 · 02-29-2008, 06:51 PM

that is the kind of diagram I wanted to do, but the pics came up real fuzzy in paint.

1969stepside · 06-15-2008, 10:41 PM

i might have miss read but how did u get the oil pressure gauge out of the tach?

rfmaster · 06-17-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969stepside

i might have miss read but how did u get the oil pressure gauge out of the tach?

Just unbolt three nuts that secure it to the PCB and slide out from the back of the Tach.

//RF

COMP · 06-17-2008, 05:02 PM

i'm REALLY liken this

spoff99 · 07-06-2009, 12:20 PM

EDman87 thanks so much for the great info. I have built an instrument setup from your write up but have added an extra temp gauge where the clock used to be for trans temp gauge. I have an 87 Jimmy w/TBI the cluster that is in it has the idiot lights w/only speedo and fuel gauges. when I took the cluster out I noticed the printed circuit boards and 16 pin main harness were wired differently. for example pin 3 in idiot light printed circuit board traces over to oil pres light, in donor it traces to volt gauge location. Only 4 of the 16 pins are the same my printed circuit board to the donor printed circuit board. My question is can I move the pins around so they are in the correct position for my donor printed circuit board cluster? The reason I am worried this will not work is because the on off nature of the old temp, oil pres, volt. They just turned on a light when it reached a high temp, low oil, low volt. I would assume the signal to the gauges is an analog volt increase as temp, oil pres goes up, ect. Do I need a computer out of a vehicle that came from the factory with gauges not lights? If so what year models will work? I would assume only 1987-1989 since after that they went to a electronic speedo and prior to that was carburetor. Thanks in advance for the help. I don't want to hook it up and fry something. I try and post pics tonight.

JohnC · 07-06-2009, 02:10 PM

This is a really cool mod. Very subtle. The bad part is I sold my 89 Iroc to buy my truck so now I don't have a cluster readily available like I did!

If I don't do aftermarket gauges I may do this. Thanks for all the info, and pics.

spoff99 · 07-07-2009, 08:08 AM

Here are a few pics of my cluster with extra temp gauge for transmission. I just welded a 3/8 bung into the trans pan and treaded a one wire water temp sending unit into it, Have not tested it yet but see no reason why it shouldn't work. Found out that the computer does read the engine temp but that the gauge does not have anything to do with that sending unit, and there is another sending unit in the drivers side head that is a one wire unit that sends to the gauge. all I need to do is rewire the 16 pin plug and buy a one wire send unit for a gauge and an oil pressure sending unit for a gauge. and I think I am set. will test it out this weekend.

grinch4om · 07-07-2009, 09:28 AM

very cool!!

Driveway Dreams · 07-07-2009, 12:44 PM

This is a great mod. Good thinking guys. I like it alot. Keeps it somewhat stock looking but gives us useful gauges. Would the speedo out of the same cars work to keep the fonts the same? I am a little goofy like that.

JohnC · 07-07-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

.... Would the speedo out of the same cars work to keep the fonts the same? I am a little goofy like that.

I would think it would. They are the same size if I remember correctly, and if you get one out of a IROC you can get a 145mph speedo!

olblue81 · 07-07-2009, 12:54 PM

Just curious why neither of you installed the Camaro speedo?

asphaltburner · 07-07-2009, 10:46 PM

Yo! Converted my "idiot light" gauge dash in my '76 Camaro several years ago and hard wired it to eliminate the "floppy circuit" and plug that are so prone to bad connections. This is NOT a difficult conversion. Here's a link of the stepwise conversion with pics:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/639261/3
Click on the pics for a larger view.
I had to use three Autometer gauges, and a Z28 fuel gauge and tach with the stock speedometer. Hardwiring is easy once you've traced the plug conections.
Sure would like to replace FRANKENTRUCKs' big fuel gauge in a similar manner someday soon,...at least the trucks came with a proper oil pressure gauge instead of an idiot light like the Camaros!
Todd.

dan76 · 07-07-2009, 10:53 PM

As a side note: Was there a factory tach available in 80's C trucks? If so, anyone have a pic?

USSkoval · 07-07-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblue81

Just curious why neither of you installed the Camaro speedo?

That's what I was thinking too. I have several extra Camaro clusters, so I feel it is my duty to try this, lol.

asphaltburner · 07-07-2009, 11:23 PM

Yo! Gosh, I can't imagine needing a 130 or 145 mph speedo in a truck,...especially on public roads. Even my 350hp Camaro has only been to 135+ twice,...for a short distance, and only to prove itself just after I built it in 2006.
FRANKENTRUCK has 4.11:1 rear gears, 33" tires, TH400, and engine revs at 80 mph are pretty high. It'll never need more than a 100 mph speedo.
In addition, the 145 mph speedo will be fairly difficult to read at speeds under 50 due to it's sweep,...
Todd.

USSkoval · 07-08-2009, 12:08 AM

Yeah, the 145 seems like overkill. The 115 or even just the common 85 would be a good choice.

Driveway Dreams · 07-08-2009, 12:36 AM

To me, the top speed on it would not make a difference. I just, like I said, would have to have matching faces.

**N2TRUX** · 07-08-2009, 10:20 AM

Actually if you look and compare the fonts do match. It's the register marks that make them look different.

dan76- Yes they did offer a tach in the 73-87 trucks. Here's a pic of mine.

pokethesmot · 07-08-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Actually if you look and compare the fonts do match. It's the register marks that make them look different.

dan76- Yes they did offer a tach in the 73-87 trucks. Here's a pic of mine.

wait so this means if im real lucky i can go to the junkyard and just find me a complete plug and play tack dash?

79gmcc15 · 07-08-2009, 01:53 PM

yes poke. there out there. Ive seen a few on craigs too. just never had the money to get one.

JohnC · 07-08-2009, 03:33 PM

I wouldn't want the 145mph speedo to actually attempt to hit it, just thought it would be cool to have that speedo. You know some people would look at it, and say " Hey that truck is fast it has a 145mph speedo in it"

There is a crew cab at the local Pull-A-Part that has a factory tach gauge set in it. I'm hoping to pick it up Saturday.

Don't know if I will be using it, or just hanging on to it until the time is right.

asphaltburner · 07-08-2009, 05:32 PM

Yo! I also found that similar year speedos and tachs (and other gauges) WILL look like they go together. They're quite easy to swap back and forth.
Todd.

cjracing15 · 07-08-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoff99

Here are a few pics of my cluster with extra temp gauge for transmission. I just welded a 3/8 bung into the trans pan and treaded a one wire water temp sending unit into it, Have not tested it yet but see no reason why it shouldn't work. Found out that the computer does read the engine temp but that the gauge does not have anything to do with that sending unit, and there is another sending unit in the drivers side head that is a one wire unit that sends to the gauge. all I need to do is rewire the 16 pin plug and buy a one wire send unit for a gauge and an oil pressure sending unit for a gauge. and I think I am set. will test it out this weekend.

I never thought about doing that with the temp gauge but I really like the idea. My clock has not worked in years so I might just try this mod if it works for ya. Be sure to keep us updated. I will be sure to keep a watch out.

Oh by the way The tach looks awsome to. If I can find one on the cheap I think I might try that also. GREAT work and, thanks for sharing your ideas.

02-29-2008, 02:22 AM	#26
edman87 junk collector Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: above Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 693	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! This one is somewhat better __________________ '87/89/76 K5 in progress '99 K2500 short crew '91 camaro rs '98 jeep tj '52 willys cj3a

02-29-2008, 11:40 AM	#27
rfmaster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: OC CA Posts: 1,374	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Edman Thank you very much for additional info. I'll try take additional photos and draw a proper diagram for future reference sake... //RF Attached Images __________________ "The Beast" 1975 Chevrolet C20 longbed 350/700R4! with 3inch body lift Dual Flowmasters Super 40's! TBI retrofit completed (2007-07-29) New 383CID (+030) 08-304-8 9.5:1CR x36,005 (2012-12-17) Last edited by rfmaster; 02-29-2008 at 12:22 PM.

02-29-2008, 06:51 PM	#28
edman87 junk collector Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: above Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 693	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! that is the kind of diagram I wanted to do, but the pics came up real fuzzy in paint. __________________ '87/89/76 K5 in progress '99 K2500 short crew '91 camaro rs '98 jeep tj '52 willys cj3a

06-15-2008, 10:41 PM	#29
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,176	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! i might have miss read but how did u get the oil pressure gauge out of the tach? __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

06-17-2008, 05:02 PM	#31
COMP Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Eville IN. Posts: 365	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! i'm REALLY liken this

07-06-2009, 12:20 PM	#32
spoff99 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 3	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! EDman87 thanks so much for the great info. I have built an instrument setup from your write up but have added an extra temp gauge where the clock used to be for trans temp gauge. I have an 87 Jimmy w/TBI the cluster that is in it has the idiot lights w/only speedo and fuel gauges. when I took the cluster out I noticed the printed circuit boards and 16 pin main harness were wired differently. for example pin 3 in idiot light printed circuit board traces over to oil pres light, in donor it traces to volt gauge location. Only 4 of the 16 pins are the same my printed circuit board to the donor printed circuit board. My question is can I move the pins around so they are in the correct position for my donor printed circuit board cluster? The reason I am worried this will not work is because the on off nature of the old temp, oil pres, volt. They just turned on a light when it reached a high temp, low oil, low volt. I would assume the signal to the gauges is an analog volt increase as temp, oil pres goes up, ect. Do I need a computer out of a vehicle that came from the factory with gauges not lights? If so what year models will work? I would assume only 1987-1989 since after that they went to a electronic speedo and prior to that was carburetor. Thanks in advance for the help. I don't want to hook it up and fry something. I try and post pics tonight. __________________ 1987 GMC Jimmy 4x4, mostly stock for now 305ci, 700R4, NP208, 10bolt front and rear 4:10 3" body lift (on it when I bought it) 35" mudders parts accumulated to build up Jimmy 383ci stroker w/ big block TBI, bowtie overdrive level 3 700R4, NP 205 cast iron gear drive case w/PTO, dana 60 in front 4:56, GM 14 bolt rear detroit locker 4:56, 4 core big block radiator w/ ford taurus electric fan, hydra boost brakes Last edited by spoff99; 07-06-2009 at 12:34 PM.

07-06-2009, 02:10 PM	#33
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! This is a really cool mod. Very subtle. The bad part is I sold my 89 Iroc to buy my truck so now I don't have a cluster readily available like I did! If I don't do aftermarket gauges I may do this. Thanks for all the info, and pics. Last edited by JohnC; 07-06-2009 at 02:11 PM.

07-07-2009, 08:08 AM	#34
spoff99 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 3	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Here are a few pics of my cluster with extra temp gauge for transmission. I just welded a 3/8 bung into the trans pan and treaded a one wire water temp sending unit into it, Have not tested it yet but see no reason why it shouldn't work. Found out that the computer does read the engine temp but that the gauge does not have anything to do with that sending unit, and there is another sending unit in the drivers side head that is a one wire unit that sends to the gauge. all I need to do is rewire the 16 pin plug and buy a one wire send unit for a gauge and an oil pressure sending unit for a gauge. and I think I am set. will test it out this weekend. Attached Images __________________ 1987 GMC Jimmy 4x4, mostly stock for now 305ci, 700R4, NP208, 10bolt front and rear 4:10 3" body lift (on it when I bought it) 35" mudders parts accumulated to build up Jimmy 383ci stroker w/ big block TBI, bowtie overdrive level 3 700R4, NP 205 cast iron gear drive case w/PTO, dana 60 in front 4:56, GM 14 bolt rear detroit locker 4:56, 4 core big block radiator w/ ford taurus electric fan, hydra boost brakes

07-07-2009, 09:28 AM	#35
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! very cool!!

07-07-2009, 12:44 PM	#36
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! This is a great mod. Good thinking guys. I like it alot. Keeps it somewhat stock looking but gives us useful gauges. Would the speedo out of the same cars work to keep the fonts the same? I am a little goofy like that. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

07-07-2009, 12:54 PM	#38
olblue81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 189	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Just curious why neither of you installed the Camaro speedo? __________________ Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me.

07-07-2009, 10:46 PM	#39
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Yo! Converted my "idiot light" gauge dash in my '76 Camaro several years ago and hard wired it to eliminate the "floppy circuit" and plug that are so prone to bad connections. This is NOT a difficult conversion. Here's a link of the stepwise conversion with pics: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/639261/3 Click on the pics for a larger view. I had to use three Autometer gauges, and a Z28 fuel gauge and tach with the stock speedometer. Hardwiring is easy once you've traced the plug conections. Sure would like to replace FRANKENTRUCKs' big fuel gauge in a similar manner someday soon,...at least the trucks came with a proper oil pressure gauge instead of an idiot light like the Camaros! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK! Last edited by asphaltburner; 07-07-2009 at 10:52 PM.

07-07-2009, 10:53 PM	#40
dan76 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Posts: 441	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! As a side note: Was there a factory tach available in 80's C trucks? If so, anyone have a pic? Last edited by dan76; 07-08-2009 at 12:06 AM. Reason: clarity

07-07-2009, 11:23 PM	#42
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Yo! Gosh, I can't imagine needing a 130 or 145 mph speedo in a truck,...especially on public roads. Even my 350hp Camaro has only been to 135+ twice,...for a short distance, and only to prove itself just after I built it in 2006. FRANKENTRUCK has 4.11:1 rear gears, 33" tires, TH400, and engine revs at 80 mph are pretty high. It'll never need more than a 100 mph speedo. In addition, the 145 mph speedo will be fairly difficult to read at speeds under 50 due to it's sweep,... Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK! Last edited by asphaltburner; 07-07-2009 at 11:24 PM.

07-08-2009, 12:08 AM	#43
USSkoval Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Jefferson, OH Posts: 999	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Yeah, the 145 seems like overkill. The 115 or even just the common 85 would be a good choice.



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07-08-2009, 12:36 AM	#44
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! To me, the top speed on it would not make a difference. I just, like I said, would have to have matching faces. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

07-08-2009, 10:20 AM	#45
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Actually if you look and compare the fonts do match. It's the register marks that make them look different. dan76- Yes they did offer a tach in the 73-87 trucks. Here's a pic of mine. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-08-2009, 01:53 PM	#47
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! yes poke. there out there. Ive seen a few on craigs too. just never had the money to get one. __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby

07-08-2009, 03:33 PM	#48
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! I wouldn't want the 145mph speedo to actually attempt to hit it, just thought it would be cool to have that speedo. You know some people would look at it, and say " Hey that truck is fast it has a 145mph speedo in it" There is a crew cab at the local Pull-A-Part that has a factory tach gauge set in it. I'm hoping to pick it up Saturday. Don't know if I will be using it, or just hanging on to it until the time is right.

07-08-2009, 05:32 PM	#49
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: My camaro tach cluster-done! Yo! I also found that similar year speedos and tachs (and other gauges) WILL look like they go together. They're quite easy to swap back and forth. Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

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