How to destroy/modify a 63 cluster

[Free Candy Inside]

I decided to modify my 63 instrument cluster to work with my newer drivetrain. I'm running a tbi 350/4l80e out of a 95 G30 van. I didn't want to spend $ on a digital dash or a converter to make the original speedo work. I noticed the speedo out of the donor vehicle looked very similar in shape and size to the original 63.

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I cut the back of the cluster to allow the newer speedo to fit.

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If you look at the first pic you'll see two screws on either side of the speedo face plate. After pulling off the needle I took the two screws out and swapped over the 63 speedo face plate. The needle on my original speedo had broken off. I glued it to the newer needle but low enough where you can't see it.

[Free Candy Inside]

Overall it worked great. I then just had to wire it up. Ground, positive, and then the signal wire that comes from the DRAC which was light blue with a black strip. ChevyTech(another board member using on the 88-98 section) helped out with some questions I had.

It works good but as the speed increases it becomes less accurate. I compared it to a speedo app I had on my phone. Now I know it seems kind of dumb to have a speedo that isn't 100% accurate but all I wanted was something to reference. When it reads 35, I'm doing 35. When it reads 85, I'm doing 70. I at least have an idea what I'm doing and it cost me $0 to make it work.

Thought I'd share if anyone was trying to make a speedo work in their dash that is running a 4l60 or 4l80

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Also I decided to modify the rest of the cluster. I cut out the temp gauge from the donor cluster and made it fit the 63.

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I also did the same for the gas guage as the newer sending unit is 90ohms so the original guage wouldn't be accurate.

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My 63 only had one turn signal light so I drilled a hole and added another light. I also decided I liked the high beam indicator too much and that I wanted it to light up all the time so I wired it up. I debated not running any high beam indicator but then I remember I had a spare cluster from a 60 which had a red high beam indicator. I decided to swap it for the generator light.

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So I ended up with a modified cluster that still looks pretty factory and functions exactly how I want with $0 spent. I know it's not for everyone but I'm pretty happy with it. Hope maybe it will help someone out.

[Captainfab]

I have also thought of using a van cluster in a similar way. I have a 2000 Savana parts van.

I'm thinking you may be able to correct your speedo with a DRAC that has had the DIP switches installed. I'll have to see if I can find a link or two that shows how to do that.

[aerotruk63]

0$ and it looks that good! Nice transformation.

[Mathew21]

Nice job. As I'm wrapping up my 5.3/4l60e swap in which cost about as twice as much as I thought it would. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do for gauges.

[65sub]

How you want it for $0. Hot Rodding in it's truest form

[HappyHooligan]

I like it!!!
I've been thinking of doing something like this instead of sending Speedo out for rebuild.

Hooligan

[LVPhotos]

Over the years trucks got "slower" apperently. Note the 100 mph in our trucks and newer ones at 85. Got ticket in Nothing, AZ after officer noticed the needle was twisted off my '81 short bed(85). "Heard ya comming 5 miles down the canyon! " As I was passing a motor home well over 55

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by Free Candy Inside

My 63 only had one turn signal light so I drilled a hole and added another light. I also decided I liked the high beam indicator too much and that I wanted it to light up all the time so I wired it up. I debated not running any high beam indicator but then I remember I had a spare cluster from a 60 which had a red high beam indicator. I decided to swap it for the generator light.

Here's a simple way to improve the light transmitted through those cardboard tubes. Just in case you want to improve that too. A simple way to improve gauge cluster lighting.

[Mathew21]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Here's a simple way to improve the light transmitted through those cardboard tubes. Just in case you want to improve that too. A simple way to improve gauge cluster lighting.

Cool tip, Thanks for sharing.

[joedoh]

awesome work man! I am guessing you lined up the zero and the scale is slightly off which would give your exponential error. just put a dot on the lens for gps reference speeds and call it good, which it is!

except you seem to be overheating on that road. haha.

[Free Candy Inside]

Thanks guys. Glad a few of you liked it!

[Free Candy Inside]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Here's a simple way to improve the light transmitted through those cardboard tubes. Just in case you want to improve that too. A simple way to improve gauge cluster lighting.

Funny part is while I was doing it I was thinking I read somewhere how someone made them brighter by putting a liner in the tubes. Almost did it. Might go back and do that next time I'm in there.

[Free Candy Inside]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I have also thought of using a van cluster in a similar way. I have a 2000 Savana parts van.

I'm thinking you may be able to correct your speedo with a DRAC that has had the DIP switches installed. I'll have to see if I can find a link or two that shows how to do that.

That would be great.

[Mackie]

That's exactly the speedo head mod I planned since I swapped in my electronic drive T5. I was thinking of using DRAC and needle gear parts from an early 90s C/K1500 or S10 that has close to the same 180* needle sweep. I talked to user ChevyTech who offered assistance on calibrating the DRAC with jumper changes. Dip switches would make it easier.
I had already added oil and volt gauges to my cluster by cutting "windows", that mimic the shape of the existing temp and fuel gauges, putting them where the idiot lights were.

[Captainfab]

Here's a couple links.

http://www.tbichips.com/drac/

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313815

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273621

[Free Candy Inside]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Here's a couple links.

http://www.tbichips.com/drac/

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313815

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273621

Awesome info. Thanks

[Jeff La]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

0$ and it looks that good! Nice transformation.

My thoughts exactly. Great job. No need to spend a whole lot of money