Gauge cluster
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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Gauge cluster
I have two questions:
1. I currently have the standard gauges (speedo, gas, and temp gauge) and I have acquired another cluster that has a full set of gauges. Is this just a direct swap, or is the wiring if the two clusters totally different?
2. On the gauge cluster surround, has anyone successfully re-chromed or found some other alternative that looks decent in restoring the surround? I would like to get back to the original black and chrome look or some other good looking color combination.
Any ideas?
1. I currently have the standard gauges (speedo, gas, and temp gauge) and I have acquired another cluster that has a full set of gauges. Is this just a direct swap, or is the wiring if the two clusters totally different?
2. On the gauge cluster surround, has anyone successfully re-chromed or found some other alternative that looks decent in restoring the surround? I would like to get back to the original black and chrome look or some other good looking color combination.
Any ideas?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,221
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From: Cow Town, CA
well first i dont think that there were any chrome on these trucks but you might be able to get the finish back. are you talking about stock gauge clusters? i never knew that there were anything other then the 5 gauge clusters.... the wireing might be there but the sending units for the other stuff might not be there and would be needed.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 149
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Blue Oval Truck Parts has some pretty pimp looking gauge clusters. polished aluminum and chrome, five hole and six. got full setups that include the gauges too. im looking at getting a full digital setup for my ride. dont know if that helps at all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,996
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
The wiring is different between the clusters but the swap can be done. You'll need wiring diagrams for both systems to see what changes are needed. You might try one of the sponsors here for the cluster surround. Dennis Carpenter reproductions makes them in both standard and woodgrain versions. The quality is very good. There may be other suppliers.
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I am not really looking at buying a new gauge cluster surround as I now have two of them (one is the standard black/chrome and the other is the woodgrain). I don't really care for the wood grain look and my black/chrome cluster was painted by previous owner and is in need of serious help. Both are in good shape... except for the finish so I can't see dropping almost $200 in another that has a "good" finish. So.....Has anyone successfully restored one of these to the original look.
As for the gauge cluster: I think I will just stay with the 3 gauge w/dummy lights and get a set of additional gauges that go under the dash for the rest of the trucks vitals. I don't see the benefit in rewiring the dash just to get gauges to work that are not all the reliable to begin with. If it was just a drop-on replacement (except for possible sending units) I would jump on it.
As for the gauge cluster: I think I will just stay with the 3 gauge w/dummy lights and get a set of additional gauges that go under the dash for the rest of the trucks vitals. I don't see the benefit in rewiring the dash just to get gauges to work that are not all the reliable to begin with. If it was just a drop-on replacement (except for possible sending units) I would jump on it.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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the surround best i can tell is just stamped aluminum. You could strip all the woodgrain off and polish the whole thing. You may be able to get away with some aluminum polish and a clean rag, and buffing wheels for a dremel.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
Matt some of the 67 - 69 trucks had stamped steel gauge surrounds. The rest are plastic. I have couple of both styles.
I have couple of both styles.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: london, ontario
i painted my plastic one up. looks ok. sprayed the silver then masked off and brushed the black.
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Both of the ones that I have are plastic.
Marks69: That is exactly what I was thinking of, but every past experience that I have with painting something silver or chrome has not turned out the greatest. The paint job that the previous owner did, did not adhere good at all. I know they have automotive plastic paint for your interior but the color choice is limited. Is there a primer out there you can use that will allow you to use standard paint?
Marks69: That is exactly what I was thinking of, but every past experience that I have with painting something silver or chrome has not turned out the greatest. The paint job that the previous owner did, did not adhere good at all. I know they have automotive plastic paint for your interior but the color choice is limited. Is there a primer out there you can use that will allow you to use standard paint?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
I used a product called adhesion promoter by Dupli Color as a base coat to paint the steering wheel for my 72. It worked very well. I scrubbed it with soapy water then scuffed it with steel wool. After the adhesion promoter dried I primered then painted it scuffing between coats with steel wool.
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Junior User
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I used a product called adhesion promoter by Dupli Color as a base coat to paint the steering wheel for my 72. It worked very well. I scrubbed it with soapy water then scuffed it with steel wool. After the adhesion promoter dried I primered then painted it scuffing between coats with steel wool.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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My mistake redcat. Ive got a 72 gauge set downstairs and just had the 71 gauges out
I guess i was thinking about the panel around the switches.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.