I need some info on switching from idiot light to guage on my 1973... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**57NAPCO** · 01-10-2019, 11:52 AM

...on my 1973 El Camino, 383, automatic. Sorry for asking here but our forum has such a wealth of knowledge I thought I’d ask.

I’m starting out on a long road trip with a new to me truck (yes, El Camino was considered a truck

)

I’d like to have a couple of gauges to look at on the drive. Thought I’d buy a cheapo set at NAPA and install em. Do I need to change the sending units also to go from light to guage?
Any help, tips or opinions are appreciated, thanks!

Andy4639 · 01-10-2019, 02:13 PM

Yes they come with sendor most of the time. You can add a oil gauge by buying a tee fitting and run both. The water temp can be put in any hole that see's water.

**VetteVet** · 01-10-2019, 03:03 PM

I used the tee behind the distributor like Andy said for the oil pressure, and I plumbed the water temperature gauge into the hole in the right cylinder head between the no.6 and no, 8 cylinders. The gauges are mechanical with the senders using no wires except the lighting for the gauges. They work great. I got mine from Pep boys.

The voltage gauge is electrical, but it is easy to wire into the circuit between any negative and positive points.

You won't need to wire into any of the light gauges in the cluster.

01-10-2019, 11:52 AM	#1
57NAPCO F’B’D guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas/Maine Posts: 2,208	I need some info on switching from idiot light to guage on my 1973... ...on my 1973 El Camino, 383, automatic. Sorry for asking here but our forum has such a wealth of knowledge I thought I’d ask. I’m starting out on a long road trip with a new to me truck (yes, El Camino was considered a truck ) I’d like to have a couple of gauges to look at on the drive. Thought I’d buy a cheapo set at NAPA and install em. Do I need to change the sending units also to go from light to guage? Any help, tips or opinions are appreciated, thanks!

01-10-2019, 02:13 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: I need some info on switching from idiot light to guage on my 1973... Yes they come with sendor most of the time. You can add a oil gauge by buying a tee fitting and run both. The water temp can be put in any hole that see's water. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-10-2019, 03:03 PM	#3
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,703	Re: I need some info on switching from idiot light to guage on my 1973... I used the tee behind the distributor like Andy said for the oil pressure, and I plumbed the water temperature gauge into the hole in the right cylinder head between the no.6 and no, 8 cylinders. The gauges are mechanical with the senders using no wires except the lighting for the gauges. They work great. I got mine from Pep boys. The voltage gauge is electrical, but it is easy to wire into the circuit between any negative and positive points. You won't need to wire into any of the light gauges in the cluster. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.



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