Auto meter gauge cluster questions

[jdurant]

I have been thinking of doing an autometer gauge cluster. My truck is an 87 with tbi350 and 700r4. Here are my questions.
1. So if I use an aftermarket speedo, will I loose my cruise control (according to SwervinErvin: they make an Autometer with the right speed sensor to get around that problem on his 86.) But I'm not carbuerated
2. And more importantly, will I lose my lockup. The speed sensor sends a signal to the computer that controls lockup in my tc, right?
3. What about the other dummy lights?
What have you guys done about these problems?
Thanks,
Joseph

[jdurant]

This isn't a stupid question is it?

[streetstar]

i'm waiting for a response as well --- my '88 Blazer has an earlier cluster in it that i would like to throw in the lake

(it occasionally rings up a "choke on" idiot light-- but its TBI -- weird -- but all the 4wd stuff lights up right)

[Bri87swb]

You may give Covan's Classis a call since they sell the complete dash packaged with autometer guages. Good Luck!

[jdurant]

I looked on their website and they make no provision for it. It seems to be the same dash for everything 73-87. Maybe I am overthinking this.
Hasen't anybody done this for their tbi chevy?

[ocbaud]

i think i'm the only other one to do it like mike so far.



i followed his directions partially. once you have everything its really not that hard to figure out what needs to be done.

i bought ALL electric gauges. my electric speedo had to have an autometer sending unit. that unit has a place to hook up a cruise control cable, but mine is an '86. not sure what differences there would be with your efi. and i removed ALL of my cruise control equipment.

[gchemist]

The dummy lights are easy to keep. Install led lights to the original wires. The TC is not a problem. The lockup sensor is located under the hood. It has a vacuum line conneced to it. The sensor is on the firewall near the heater box.
Call Autometer on the cruise. You do lose cruise control if you install a mechanical speedo. The factory speedo uses an optical sensor plugged into the rear of the stock speed. A mechnical signal generator can be installed.
I removed the stock cruise for an aftermarket cruise. I used a Rostra unit. A lot of hot rodders use Rostra units. http://www.rostra.com/cruise-control.htm
The 87 steering column should accept the Rostra control lever.

I'll be doing the Autometer guage swap too!! Pictures of installation comming too.

[softballnrd27]

ocbaud,
is that a stock plastic dash w/a billet cover or is it completly aftermarket? Do you have a write up or details on how you installed them? Your setup looks clean.

[ocbaud]

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

ocbaud,
is that a stock plastic dash w/a billet cover or is it completly aftermarket? Do you have a write up or details on how you installed them? Your setup looks clean.

its a new oem dash with billet overlay on it.

i dont have a write up, but if you follow the one at 73-87.com , its pretty much the same way. i just used lots of hot glue instead of epoxy to hold them in place.

[boatpuller]

hey o.c looks great........if you don't mind sharing.i'm curious on cost.i know a covans is like $640 something.i betcha you came in well under that?

[ocbaud]

Originally Posted by boatpuller

hey o.c looks great........if you don't mind sharing.i'm curious on cost.i know a covans is like $640 something.i betcha you came in well under that?

i forgot the exact prices of everything, but i think it was a little bit more than that.

4x 2 5/8" elec. gauges
1x 5" tach
1x 5" elec. speedo
1x speedo sender
1x wiring harness kit
1x new dash bezel


well worth the cost though, my favorite mod so far

[gchemist]

Costs for my setup from www.summitracing.com
PRF-30301 wiring harness $77.95
ATM-5154 Speedo mechanical $115.95
ATM-5160 Tach $124.95
ATM-5415 Fuel $39.95
ATM-5492 Volt meter $39.95
ATM-5421 Oil pressure $52.95
ATM-5437 Water temp $46.95
Total: $498.62 + speedo cable cost

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by boatpuller

hey o.c looks great........if you don't mind sharing.i'm curious on cost.i know a covans is like $640 something.i betcha you came in well under that?

Covans are near the $700 range.

A cluster like Erics or mine will run approx $600 if you buy everything new (at full price) and do it yourself...at least that is what I have in mine, including the alum panel.

[jdurant]

Thanks guys all good info.
Gchemist--I sure can't find the sensor that you are talking about. Could you describe it or it's location a little better. Thanks.

I know it says this is my first post, but I used to post on here a little a few years ago. I couldn't remember my name or password or my old email for that matter, so I created a new account. I often lurked and browsed here though. I always find answers and everyone is normally positive and helpful, and I belong to a few different boards in the mustang and turbo buick online community.

ocbaud--Most of my friends and car buddies normally don't see what I see in my truck. They just don't get it, or can't appreciate the body style. I normally show them a picture of your truck--to help them understand.

[streetstar]

post up a pic of your truck if you can -- welcome to the board

[jdurant]

This picture is from 04. It doesn't look as good anymore. Since then, I've gotten married and had a kid+was working on other projects. But now I won't be driving my truck everyday(just most of the time). And for Christmas my wife surprised me by getting my spare seat reupholstered. This has resparked my interest--besides I can't put this beautiful seat in a beat up truck, right?

[gchemist]

[QUOTE=jdurant;2512411]Thanks guys all good info.
Gchemist--I sure can't find the sensor that you are talking about. Could you describe it or it's location a little better. Thanks.
[QUOTE]

The lockup sensor or speedo? The lockup is pictured here. Top right corner above the red transmission oil dipstick.

[jdurant]

I have a sensor there, but it has no vaccuum line attached. It is all electronic.

[Captkaos]

You will need the Electronic speedo to keep the cruise, If you call Autometer they will tell you what you need for the ECM, but the Speedo should send a signal you can tap into...

[Mr79C10]

Originally Posted by ocbaud

i think i'm the only other one to do it like mike so far.



i followed his directions partially. once you have everything its really not that hard to figure out what needs to be done.

i bought ALL electric gauges. my electric speedo had to have an autometer sending unit. that unit has a place to hook up a cruise control cable, but mine is an '86. not sure what differences there would be with your efi. and i removed ALL of my cruise control equipment.

That dash looks SOO yummy!!
That going to be one of my add ons. Just haven't decided if I want the gauges flush like yours or with the ring showing

[knightlife]

ocbaud... where did you get your hub for your steering wheel breh?~!

[87Bob]

Originally Posted by ocbaud

i think i'm the only other one to do it like mike so far.



i followed his directions partially. once you have everything its really not that hard to figure out what needs to be done.

i bought ALL electric gauges. my electric speedo had to have an autometer sending unit. that unit has a place to hook up a cruise control cable, but mine is an '86. not sure what differences there would be with your efi. and i removed ALL of my cruise control equipment.

One sweeet loooking dash! More photos please? More details on the install please?

[Captkaos]

Originally Posted by 87Bob

One sweeet loooking dash! More photos please? More details on the install please?

As posted above the complete instructions on how to do this is located here:
http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/inte...s_recessed.htm

[ocbaud]

Originally Posted by knightlife

ocbaud... where did you get your hub for your steering wheel breh?~!

it is the universal kit that grant sales for their wheels. i forgot the part number but i got it through jegs a while back

[ocbaud]

Originally Posted by 87Bob

One sweeet loooking dash! More photos please? More details on the install please?