Gauges

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 31, 2008 | 12:05 PM

emgee

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 399

Likes: 1

From: Winnipeg Canada

Gauges

I'm refurbishing the instrument cluster on my '80 F100 Custom. The truck came without working temperature and oil gauges (they're dummies without needles-WTF?). I have another cluster from a junkyard and I'd like to install those 2 gauges. Will they just fit in onto the printed circuit on the backside of my existing cluster and then be able to work? I'm guessing the wire connector is set up to accommodate the 2 gauges without modification. Am I right?

Mar 31, 2008 | 12:33 PM

ri_truck_guy

Posting Guru

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 2,091

Likes: 3

From: Suffolk, VA USA

It sounds like you have the idiot light dash. If so, gauges will not plug and play with your setup. In order to install factory gauges you'll need to change the printed circuit as well as the in-dash wiring harness. Your best bet would be aftermarket gauges. The factory gauges aren't that good to begin with.

Mar 31, 2008 | 01:15 PM

uncle.stosh

Postmaster

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,658

Likes: 5

From: Out of here

I would just swap the whole cluster. You could swap in your speedo if you want to keep the miles original.

Factory gauges while not the best, are better than idiot lights and look way better than after market IMO.

Mar 31, 2008 | 01:22 PM

ri_truck_guy

Posting Guru

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 2,091

Likes: 3

From: Suffolk, VA USA

Just swapping the clusters won't work. The idiot light clusters use a 14 pin plug. The gauge clusters use an 18 pin plug. the wires are in different places. That's why you need to also swap out the dash harness.

Mar 31, 2008 | 01:39 PM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,992

Likes: 2,741

From: Virginia

The alternator wiring is different too. So part or all of the engine harness would need replaced also.

Mar 31, 2008 | 02:58 PM

uncle.stosh

Postmaster

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,658

Likes: 5

From: Out of here

Wow, didn't know that. So it's not so easy to swap in the later clusters then....

I've never seen an "idiot" cluster in all my travels.

Mar 31, 2008 | 03:02 PM

emgee

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 399

Likes: 1

From: Winnipeg Canada

OK... looks like I'm stuck with the idiot lights for now. Thanks guys.

Trending Topics

Odd knock/rattle at idle only after fully warmed up

27

373
This is prolly a 1 page thread at most

110.3k

6M
Another Crank no start -- sorry

18

217
Automatic and Manaul TPS the Same?

16

217
My 1976 F-250

3.9k

263.1k

Apr 3, 2008 | 11:23 AM

cletus_the_red

Cross-Country

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 91

Likes: 0

Gauges

I have installed aftermarket gauges in my trucks, and it really isnt that hard to do. i say you should just go to autozone and get some Sunpro gauges (i think they are better then nothing personally). it should only take you 20 mins to install if you know where to mount them, if you have to drill holes in your cab, or if you have rubber gromets, But if you want to stick to the dummy lights that cool too.