My New Truck

[Factory Guy]

Ok in going through my gauges (1973) I have come across what I would call an anomaly. My temp gauge looks like this, it goes from 100 to 250. Yet every other 1973 temp gauge looks like the C/ H temp gauge seen in the bottom photo. The font (of the 100-250 gauge) matches my trucks other gauges and it DOES NOT match the font of the newer trucks, plus we have owned the truck since it was 2 years old and the gauge cluster has never been apart.

Has anybody else seen a stock 1973 temp gauge going from 100 to 250?

All other gauges in the truck match the other 1973 gauge clusters I have seen.

[Palf70Step]

Gauges by years. This is what they came with.

They interchange. MY 81 currently has a #2 style since I had it and it was working

[Joesjunk]

My 73 has numbers just like yours.

[MJN]

FWIW- my '74 has the C/H gauge. I'm the second owner and PO didn't change or update anything before I got it.

Per the GM parts catalog '73 temp guage is # 6490371 and 74-78 used #6490792 which would explain the differences. The copy of the parts book I have only goes to '78.

[TKCR]

I came over to check on your progress. I loved the Grille Restoration video. You did an awesome job on that!

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by TKCR

I came over to check on your progress. I loved the Grille Restoration video. You did an awesome job on that!

Thanks, I appreciated it. Sent you a PM.

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Gauges by years. This is what they came with.

They interchange. MY 81 currently has a #2 style since I had it and it was working

Interesting all of the responses of others having a 100-250 gauge. I had never seen another one.

[Corts60]

My old ‘73 c20 also had the numbers on the temp gauge.

[93M6Formula]

If there's one thing i've noticed over the years, it's that GM didn't quite have a rhyme or reason to how things ended up. I've noticed things like depending on what factory the truck was built. For instance the fuel gauge in my super original 82 diesel built in Janesville is different than my other 82 diesel built the exact same month but in St Louis. No indication they've been swapped.

[MJN]

Here is a nice NOS 1973 ONLY temp gauge with numbers.
https://autopartsobsolete.com/1973-C...M-6490371.html

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by MJN

Here is a nice NOS 1973 ONLY temp gauge with numbers.
https://autopartsobsolete.com/1973-C...M-6490371.html

For somebody who needs that I think that is a great price!

[Factory Guy]

Since the days are getting shorter, maybe I can spend more time in the shop. (with less daylight)

To start this fall off I ceramic Coated the Truck this weekend. After doing Tons of research I realized I have to first wash the Truck then clay-bar the entire truck before I could put down the ceramic coating.

I am hearing a bunch of very positive reviews on the Ceramic coating offered by Turtle Wax and their "Hybrid Solutions" which is what I chose.

[Factory Guy]

Ceramic Coating now applied.

[TKCR]

Wow that looks awesome!

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Wow that looks awesome!

Thank you!

[ShortHaul]

Still my favorite truck on here...! looking sharp as always!

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by ShortHaul

Still my favorite truck on here...! looking sharp as always!

Thank you for the kind words, your truck doesn't look so bad itself!

[LEEVON]

This is a cool truck with great history. I love the street pics...I grew up in a house at 77th/Lamar and most of my childhood memories are of those tree lined streets and the cool cars and trucks that were parked in them.

[Factory Guy]

A more recent photo of the GMC Truck!

[rodstored-72]

factory guy,
That looks really nice. beautiful truck!

[Factory Guy]

So the old A/C finally gave up the ghost, it was converted to 134a back in the 1990's. Truck is getting repaired as we speak. Probably going to be a little pricey. $$$$

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

So the old A/C finally gave up the ghost, it was converted to 134a back in the 1990's. Truck is getting repaired as we speak. Probably going to be a little pricey. $$$$

It will be worth it though.

[LT7A]

I know that the truck is probably not seeing much in the way of weather, but I'll be interested to hear what you think of the turtle wax ceramic product as time goes on. Good luck with your AC system. Always a deep breath when you take it in and ask them to make it work.

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by LT7A

I know that the truck is probably not seeing much in the way of weather, but I'll be interested to hear what you think of the turtle wax ceramic product as time goes on. Good luck with your AC system. Always a deep breath when you take it in and ask them to make it work.

Yes the truck spends little time outside unless it is being driven or a show. Prior to me it sat it the Denver sun for 25+ years. I will keep you posted on the ceramic coat. Probably will complete the second ceramic coat this fall.

[77Blue]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

Ok in going through my gauges (1973) I have come across what I would call an anomaly. My temp gauge looks like this, it goes from 100 to 250. Yet every other 1973 temp gauge looks like the C/ H temp gauge seen in the bottom photo. The font (of the 100-250 gauge) matches my trucks other gauges and it DOES NOT match the font of the newer trucks, plus we have owned the truck since it was 2 years old and the gauge cluster has never been apart.

Has anybody else seen a stock 1973 temp gauge going from 100 to 250?

All other gauges in the truck match the other 1973 gauge clusters I have seen.

Factory Guy,
Do you have an updated pic or video of this new gauge set up? I have a 77 and I am curious if I should do something similar. I do not like not having a Tach.
Thanks!
Sven