Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dropanddrag71 · 11-07-2012, 08:38 PM

I am wanting to change my gauge cluster (70) with one of those completely restored units. I did some searching here and found a few differant views on installing them. Is it nessacery to drop the steering column to swap out a new unit? I am hoping that i just have to undo some wires, disconnect the oil and speedo and it's out.. Any pics of this being done?
I'm trying to pick some projects i can handle without sending it off to the shop.

69GWC · 11-07-2012, 08:50 PM

Yeah you need to drop the column down but its very easy just a few bolts out will allow it to drop enough to pull the dash out.
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jaros44sr · 11-07-2012, 09:36 PM

Dont think youll have to undo wires, just the main rectangular plug into the cluster, maybe a ground

Its difficult to tilt the cluster out, with out dropping the column...as said above

weever82 · 11-07-2012, 09:38 PM

With the two bolts out under the column you can get the extra few inches that you need to easily pull out the cluster. You can drop the column and have the whole cluster out in 10min.

Weev-
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**Daddy Brim** · 11-07-2012, 10:12 PM

I have taken mine out several times with out dropping the column, no problems.

69GWC · 11-07-2012, 10:44 PM

Does yours have the factory gauges in it .. ? I know mine would not come out with out the column tilted down because I tried thats for sure..lol
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67chevy1series · 11-08-2012, 12:41 AM

i have a tach dash and i can take my guages out without dropping the column. and without struggle really, the only time i struggle a little is if i forget to hold the curcuit board close to the back of the guages, other then that itcomes out fine.

Coley · 11-08-2012, 12:59 AM

Drop the column...you'll have a better day!!

...particularly if the dash bezel is new and you want to keep it looking that way.
I've installed and removed dozens of these clusters both tach and standard and can do it in about 15 minutes on average....I even did up a (2 page) instruction sheet on the tools needed and the entire process for buyers of the units I sell...works out great.
Good luck...and remember, drop the column.
Coley

Square_78 · 11-08-2012, 01:28 AM

I didnt have to drop the column in my 70. The column was no where near getting in the way. I dont have a tech dash cluster tho. Without the tach, you dont need to drop the column. My custer came right out in 2 seconds after i disconnected the speedo, elec plug and the oil pressure feed line. Easy.

krue · 11-08-2012, 02:48 AM

I've always dropped the column, makes it easy to do.

Square_78 · 11-08-2012, 06:19 AM

Maybe the trucks have different tolerences or the columns mount slightly different in each vehicle. My steering column is no where near being in the way of removing the gauge cluster. It woud be like saying its easier to remove the tire if you take off the fender first. There is absolutely no point taking the fender off if you know what I mean. I'd be interested to know why there is such a difference in tolerance between non-tach cluster/column spacing and why some people need to drop the column to get it out. My truck is a GMC if that makes any difference?

69GWC · 11-08-2012, 09:14 AM

Thats crazy because you are not getting my gauge cluster out without dropping the column. In my truck believe me I tried.
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Square_78 · 11-09-2012, 11:29 AM

Weird. I really wonder what makes the difference.
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dropanddrag71 · 11-09-2012, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Square_78

Weird. I really wonder what makes the difference.
Posted via Mobile Device

Are only the people with factory tachs having the install problem where the column has to be dropped?

nate_g_2003 · 11-09-2012, 01:54 PM

I don't have a tach dash, and I had to lower my column a little bit to get mine in/out...

c10monkey · 11-09-2012, 07:35 PM

Question guys....
Can I put the factory gauge cluster in place of my basic gauges and just install the correct sending units or is there something else I need to do?
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aventur1 · 11-09-2012, 07:41 PM

Mine has tach and pulled mine around 6 times, it is tight fit not to damage circuit board but can be done.....

C0UCH · 11-09-2012, 08:22 PM

No tach in my 67, but I need to drop the column.
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jaros44sr · 11-09-2012, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10monkey

Question guys....
Can I put the factory gauge cluster in place of my basic gauges and just install the correct sending units or is there something else I need to do?
Posted via Mobile Device

Oil gauge is just a line running to the back of the motor

Vacuum gauge is just run to the intake

Tach is just 12 volts to the fuse block, negative is to the coil

Temperature is to the sending unit in the head

Amp gauge.....still confused on this, but the guys in the electrical section can give you straight answers

So, to answer your question, yes....just buy a 7 hole dash bezel, and start filling in the holes

c10monkey · 11-09-2012, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Oil gauge is just a line running to the back of the motor

Vacuum gauge is just run to the intake

Tach is just 12 volts to the fuse block, negative is to the coil

Temperature is to the sending unit in the head

Amp gauge.....still confused on this, but the guys in the electrical section can give you straight answers

So, to answer your question, yes....just buy a 7 hole dash bezel, and start filling in the holes

I want to go from factory basic to factory gauges...
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jaros44sr · 11-09-2012, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10monkey

I want to go from factory basic to factory gauges...
Posted via Mobile Device

What is in your dash now...just idiot lights

c10monkey · 11-09-2012, 10:29 PM

Yes.... just idiot lights in the dash
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jaros44sr · 11-10-2012, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10monkey

Yes.... just idiot lights in the dash
Posted via Mobile Device

That is a bit more complex....what i did, since my fuse box was rusty and had some splices, i bought a harness and fuse box from the classifieds for a hundred bucks. If after you do that, make sure your wires coming into the fuse box from the engine and headlight harnesses are of the correct color wire

Its not that hard just time consuming

c10monkey · 11-10-2012, 12:26 AM

So are you saying that I can't just buy a used factory gauge set and plug it In. Plus change the senders ?

I had a 71 Camaro. It had the idiot light gauges. I installed a used gauge set from a different Camaro. It plugged in but the gauges didn't work until I replaced the senders. Plus I had to run one wire to the distributor for the tach.

Can't I do that on my c10?
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jaros44sr · 11-10-2012, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10monkey

So are you saying that I can't just buy a used factory gauge set and plug it In. Plus change the senders ?

I had a 71 Camaro. It had the idiot light gauges. I installed a used gauge set from a different Camaro. It plugged in but the gauges didn't work until I replaced the senders. Plus I had to run one wire to the distributor for the tach.

Can't I do that on my c10?
Posted via Mobile Device

Drop down to the electrical forum, look at the colored diagram at the top, compare those colors with your plug on your idiot light plug. IIRC, they are totally differant colors.

You can physically plug it in, but you have good chance of setting your truck on fire, unless you make sure the gauges are wired correctly
Only one sender to replace for thr temp gauge, and you still have to run one wire for the tach....but, the amp gauge, just dunno

11-07-2012, 08:38 PM	#1
dropanddrag71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central florida Posts: 178	Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 I am wanting to change my gauge cluster (70) with one of those completely restored units. I did some searching here and found a few differant views on installing them. Is it nessacery to drop the steering column to swap out a new unit? I am hoping that i just have to undo some wires, disconnect the oil and speedo and it's out.. Any pics of this being done? I'm trying to pick some projects i can handle without sending it off to the shop. __________________ " You are only coming threw in waves,... Your lips move, but i can't hear what your saying"

11-07-2012, 08:50 PM	#2
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Yeah you need to drop the column down but its very easy just a few bolts out will allow it to drop enough to pull the dash out. Posted via Mobile Device

11-07-2012, 09:36 PM	#3
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,421	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Dont think youll have to undo wires, just the main rectangular plug into the cluster, maybe a ground Its difficult to tilt the cluster out, with out dropping the column...as said above __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

11-07-2012, 09:38 PM	#4
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 With the two bolts out under the column you can get the extra few inches that you need to easily pull out the cluster. You can drop the column and have the whole cluster out in 10min. Weev- Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne

11-07-2012, 10:12 PM	#5
Daddy Brim Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 632	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 I have taken mine out several times with out dropping the column, no problems. __________________ I'm sorry I called you stupid. I thought you knew already. 67 C-20 Custom Camper 68 Nova 396 it does wheelies 2005 Buick Century the one the wife drives 1989 Toyota Tercel to drive when I can't put gas in the first 2.

11-07-2012, 10:44 PM	#6
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Does yours have the factory gauges in it .. ? I know mine would not come out with out the column tilted down because I tried thats for sure..lol Posted via Mobile Device

11-08-2012, 12:41 AM	#7
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 i have a tach dash and i can take my guages out without dropping the column. and without struggle really, the only time i struggle a little is if i forget to hold the curcuit board close to the back of the guages, other then that itcomes out fine.

11-08-2012, 12:59 AM	#8
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Drop the column...you'll have a better day!!...particularly if the dash bezel is new and you want to keep it looking that way. I've installed and removed dozens of these clusters both tach and standard and can do it in about 15 minutes on average....I even did up a (2 page) instruction sheet on the tools needed and the entire process for buyers of the units I sell...works out great. Good luck...and remember, drop the column. Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

11-08-2012, 01:28 AM	#9
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 I didnt have to drop the column in my 70. The column was no where near getting in the way. I dont have a tech dash cluster tho. Without the tach, you dont need to drop the column. My custer came right out in 2 seconds after i disconnected the speedo, elec plug and the oil pressure feed line. Easy. __________________ #teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497

11-08-2012, 02:48 AM	#10
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 I've always dropped the column, makes it easy to do. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-08-2012, 06:19 AM	#11
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Maybe the trucks have different tolerences or the columns mount slightly different in each vehicle. My steering column is no where near being in the way of removing the gauge cluster. It woud be like saying its easier to remove the tire if you take off the fender first. There is absolutely no point taking the fender off if you know what I mean. I'd be interested to know why there is such a difference in tolerance between non-tach cluster/column spacing and why some people need to drop the column to get it out. My truck is a GMC if that makes any difference? __________________ #teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497

11-08-2012, 09:14 AM	#12
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Thats crazy because you are not getting my gauge cluster out without dropping the column. In my truck believe me I tried. Posted via Mobile Device

11-09-2012, 11:29 AM	#13
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Weird. I really wonder what makes the difference. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ #teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497

11-09-2012, 01:54 PM	#15
nate_g_2003 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gregory, TX Posts: 413	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 I don't have a tach dash, and I had to lower my column a little bit to get mine in/out... __________________ -Nathan- 1972 GMC K2500 Suburban "The Project" 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Z71 "The Daily Driver" 2005 Ford F150 Lariat SCrew 2WD "The Daily Driver" SOLD 1995 GMC Sierra C1500 SLE "The Daily Driver"SOLD 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 2DSC 2WD Flareside "The Daily Driver/Project"SOLD

11-09-2012, 07:35 PM	#16
c10monkey Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lebanon Ohio Posts: 187	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Question guys.... Can I put the factory gauge cluster in place of my basic gauges and just install the correct sending units or is there something else I need to do? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 Chevrolet C10 Inflation Fighter 1994 C3500 Crew Cab Dually 454



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11-09-2012, 07:41 PM	#17
aventur1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 676	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Mine has tach and pulled mine around 6 times, it is tight fit not to damage circuit board but can be done..... __________________ 1968 4x4 Frame, with a 67 Cab and Bed A Shorter Step 1999 Dodge 2500 Cummins Diesel

11-09-2012, 08:22 PM	#18
C0UCH Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 455	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 No tach in my 67, but I need to drop the column. Posted via Mobile Device

11-09-2012, 10:29 PM	#22
c10monkey Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lebanon Ohio Posts: 187	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 Yes.... just idiot lights in the dash Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 Chevrolet C10 Inflation Fighter 1994 C3500 Crew Cab Dually 454

11-10-2012, 12:26 AM	#24
c10monkey Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lebanon Ohio Posts: 187	Re: Installing a complete gauge cluster 1970 So are you saying that I can't just buy a used factory gauge set and plug it In. Plus change the senders ? I had a 71 Camaro. It had the idiot light gauges. I installed a used gauge set from a different Camaro. It plugged in but the gauges didn't work until I replaced the senders. Plus I had to run one wire to the distributor for the tach. Can't I do that on my c10? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 Chevrolet C10 Inflation Fighter 1994 C3500 Crew Cab Dually 454

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