GM B-Body Forum, 77-79 Caprice/Impala Forum

Join Now If Your A 1977- 1979 Caprice or Impala owner or other GM B-Body owner!!!
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BBodyForum?ref=hl

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

GM B-Body Forum, 77-79 Caprice/Impala Forum

Join Now If Your A 1977- 1979 Caprice or Impala owner or other GM B-Body owner!!!
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BBodyForum?ref=hl

GM B-Body Forum, 77-79 Caprice/Impala Forum

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
GM B-Body Forum, 77-79 Caprice/Impala Forum

A forum for the owners and enthusiasts of General Motors B-Bodies from 1977-1990, but dedicated to the owners of 1977-1979 Impalas and Caprices. Join up now!


5 posters

    6 gauge Cluster Install

    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sun Oct 26, 2014 6:13 pm

    My original 80mph speedometer died about 3 weeks ago started bobbing and bouncing then nothing RIP.

    I saw this about a month ago and though ooh a cheap dash panel

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/DASH-GAUGE-PANEL-KIT-CAR-REPLICA-STREET-ROD-STEEL-TRIM-RAT-DUNE-BUGGY-NO-RESERVE-/221350018639?pt=Race_Car_Parts&hash=item33897d3e4f&vxp=mtr


    I then picked up a piece of diamond Plate Aluminum 1/8" thick I cut this to fit the cluster space of the original

    and will mount the trim panel over it. Like this below, 1/8" Aluminum sounds easy to cut but not with Wiss use a jigsaw

    makes for a cleaner cut.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_DSC01469


    I am installing this Speedometer, Fuel and tach. I know not a perfect match but they will all be black and white with

    Chrome.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_DSC01472

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_DSC01470


    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_DSC01471

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_DSC01474

    I have to order some Chrome guages for the rest the black Sunpros I have are not very modifiable. But triple Guage

    sets are very reasonable. Tomorrow I will start the wiring and take some snaps of that with details.

    I ordered these they are close match to the fuel unfortunately not exact as I didnt know that retro line is

    discontinued and chasing them separately can get pricey whereas this 3 pack is 25 shipped!

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_sunpro1
    Sweet Seventy9
    Sweet Seventy9
    *Senior Moderator*
    *Senior Moderator*
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 973
    Join date : 2013-11-03
    Location : Upstate NY

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Sweet Seventy9 Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:28 pm

    Fantastic Bro!

    I have some stainless steel sheet pieces you can have if you want them.
    solo79
    solo79
    *Senior Moderator*
    *Senior Moderator*
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 458
    Join date : 2013-02-06
    Location : Kentucky

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  solo79 Mon Oct 27, 2014 7:22 pm

    Man, I'm really liking that. That should look pretty sweet in the dash.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Mon Oct 27, 2014 8:25 pm

    Oh Sweet now you tell me. I have what I need though however I won't say no just yet. Yeah it's coming together

    ok however I hit a snafu this afternoon.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141027_145630

    As you can see here we have a technical problem I forgot the adapter for the cable. That's ok though I ordered it

    from Jegs today they ship pretty fast so few days. This will give some time to get it all right the first time lol.

    Here's the wires I butted on from the wires of the old GM connector

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141027_134147

    I should be ready to get all the gauges going later this week. And yes unfortunately I had to bust through the factory

    plastic as there isn't enough room for a Speedo or tach unless they stick way far out,I want mine pretty much where

    the original cluster sits.
    Sweet Seventy9
    Sweet Seventy9
    *Senior Moderator*
    *Senior Moderator*
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 973
    Join date : 2013-11-03
    Location : Upstate NY

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Sweet Seventy9 Mon Oct 27, 2014 10:19 pm

    Myloth wrote:Oh Sweet now you tell me. I have what I need though however I won't say no just yet.

    Makes a great top for a floor console !!
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Wed Oct 29, 2014 11:11 am

    Oh right I do need a console I have Hurst Quarter Stick going in soon.


    Here's the adapter I needed not cheap at $29 but the Speedometer won't do you

    much good without this little adapter.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141029_110633


    Here it is assembled, I just received parts today and mocked it up this evening.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141029_194100

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141029_194112

    The plate below the steel cutout was cut roughly 16x9 to fit the spot where the OEM cluster sat.

    That's why I needed the rear plate and aluminum is light, cheap, it doesn't rust and I like the diamond pattern over

    plain metal. It's depends how you want it to look. I though about painting etc but decided metal on metal is best.

    I also chose a simple 6 gauge layout with just three Leds for L&R signals and the High Beam Indicator.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:41 pm

    Got some work done have all the wires laid out and ran the Speedometer Cable

    Which fortunately on these cars is a snap. Just disconnect both ends and pull it out

    in my case I removed the cruise as well. The connector on the trans is reachable without a jack as

    seen here .

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_142048

    The coolant gauge comes with the line and sensor I plan on putting this into the manifold and putting

    the sensor for the fan into the block you can do it other ways but I prefer the fan have the block temp

    and the gauge let's me know if it's hot or not. I ran the line right above my battery line for the amps

    perfect run straight from the back of the gauge to the front of the manifold. If you look to the left of

    the booster you see the hole pretty big too I used a 1/2 and had to "round" it out.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_140423

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_150840

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_150831

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_140447

    I also am upgrading the gauge lights to blue leds here they are side by side.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_152605

    Hoping to wrap this mess up tomorrow with more pics!
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:55 pm

    Everything is working except the Fuel level Sunpro actually recommends going straight to the tank with new wire

    now I see why, can't seem to get a proper reading from it as I think it's not the right wire. Also Ground and

    ground again don't use the factory ground on the gauges that have power like voltage as it cause an erratic

    reading run a ground from the frame or body.It also will prevent radio interference.
    Sweet Seventy9
    Sweet Seventy9
    *Senior Moderator*
    *Senior Moderator*
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 973
    Join date : 2013-11-03
    Location : Upstate NY

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Sweet Seventy9 Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:19 pm

    The blue LED's are gonna look great!
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sun Nov 02, 2014 5:28 pm

    They do on the small gauges I haven't touched Tach(need diff bulb) and the speedo I wanted to test out first

    but seems ok now.Been busy installing Rearend today (see my share thread for pics)no time to touch it.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Blue Leds

    Post  Myloth Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:40 pm

    Waited till it was pitch black outside to take a few snaps. I have to install the floor shifter the column shifter is

    in the way dammit.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141107_211422

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141107_211409


    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141107_211357
    Sweet Seventy9
    Sweet Seventy9
    *Senior Moderator*
    *Senior Moderator*
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 973
    Join date : 2013-11-03
    Location : Upstate NY

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Sweet Seventy9 Fri Nov 07, 2014 10:43 pm

    Nice! Much cleaner looking than having the tach mounted on the column.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sat Nov 08, 2014 6:54 am

    Thank you this is actually the first time I have done a full cluster. I've had my share of steering column mounted

    tachs this is really well SWEET. I thought I might have to crack the speedo to get bulbs but they just use a

    pressure fit lock since it holds two bulbs it's the brightest gauge. The hardest part is navigating all the bulb wiring

    into something reasonably clean and getting good grounds.(Shoot for at least one chassis ground) Many thanks to

    admin for the information without it would have been a PITA. I'm still not 100 percent on the fuel level gauge

    though when I get it sorted out I will post any useful information I find out.
    GM B-Body Forum
    GM B-Body Forum
    Admin
    Admin
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 755
    Join date : 2013-01-14
    Age : 31
    Location : Flint/Detroit, MI - Charlotte, NC

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  GM B-Body Forum Sat Nov 08, 2014 8:38 pm

    Looks mighty good, love the Blue leds!

    The solid pink wire is the only wire from the fuel tank sender, it will be a negative ground signal coming from it
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sat Nov 08, 2014 9:35 pm

    Thanks I believe I have it hooked to the solid pink but it says 3/4 to 7/8 full and I know there maybe a 1/4 of tank.

    The manual says something like you will have to run a wire to the sender directly. It's pretty cryptic stuff though lol.
    GM B-Body Forum
    GM B-Body Forum
    Admin
    Admin
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 755
    Join date : 2013-01-14
    Age : 31
    Location : Flint/Detroit, MI - Charlotte, NC

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  GM B-Body Forum Sat Nov 08, 2014 10:29 pm

    the only thing is the pink wire is directly from the sender unit, there are no interruptions, was the old gauge working fine? Are there any settings to switch from on the new gauge or does it just say for GM? I cant remember what Ohm range our sender units use.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sun Nov 09, 2014 9:37 am

    I found this it's informative

    http://www.chevyclassicsclub.com/the-gm-fuel-gauge-mystery-1965-newer/

    They talk of a tan wire going into the fuse box?

    the ohms is 0-90 I know I read that, it says full the gauge maybe set for less ohms maybe

    that's why it reads full have to read up on the SunPro information to about my speedo.


    ___________________

    It's the gauge I just went and found out (on Amazon no less) that the Sunpro gauge is 240ohms

    empty and 30ohms full if the GM sender is 90 to 0 and the sender is putting out say oh 27ohms(close to 1/4)

    it would read close to full on the Sunpro Rofl. I'm gonna buy the Equus for GM and call it a day!

    This one here

    http://www.amazon.com/Equus-7362-Fuel-Level-Gauge/dp/B000EVYI4E rate 0-90 ohms.
    HeavyChevy77
    HeavyChevy77
    Freshman Member (Tier 3)
    Freshman Member (Tier 3)
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 243
    Join date : 2013-07-03
    Age : 31
    Location : San Diego, Ca

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  HeavyChevy77 Tue Nov 18, 2014 7:04 am

    Hey MyLoth nice build 
    I wish I woulda waited 2 days before I bout my 77 caprice 4 door because I saw a 77 coupe for same price ready for paint with rims ...sigh ...
    But anyways I was hoping u can list what kinda bulbs us use for high beam /turn signal/ dash lights 
    I seen the Equus set for $200 all 6 gauges which is a deal plus bulbs/wiring/adapter for speedo ($25) and a metal plate to hold it all 
    Now you got me thinking I can do it in mine since the summit digital panel is $300 plus $100 bezel plus adapter for speedo and its not a direct fit like the Dakota digital ($600) 
    I liked how it looked with the blue lights and black face gauges it would go perfect with my interior black and blue
    Thanks again man
    HeavyChevy77
    HeavyChevy77
    Freshman Member (Tier 3)
    Freshman Member (Tier 3)
    10th Year Anniversary
    10 years of being a member on our forum!


    Posts : 243
    Join date : 2013-07-03
    Age : 31
    Location : San Diego, Ca

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  HeavyChevy77 Sun Nov 30, 2014 9:26 pm

    Myloth wrote:Got some work done have all the wires laid out and ran the Speedometer Cable

    Which fortunately on these cars is a snap. Just disconnect both ends and pull it out

    in my case I removed the cruise as well. The connector on the trans is reachable without a jack as

    seen here .

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_142048

    The coolant gauge comes with the line and sensor I plan on putting this into the manifold and putting

    the sensor for the fan into the block you can do it other ways but I prefer the fan have the block temp

    and the gauge let's me know if it's hot or not. I ran the line right above my battery line for the amps

    perfect run straight from the back of the gauge to the front of the manifold. If you look to the left of

    the booster you see the hole pretty big too I used a 1/2 and had to "round" it out.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_140423

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_150840

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_150831

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_140447

    I also am upgrading the gauge lights to blue leds here they are side by side.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141030_152605

    Hoping to wrap this mess up tomorrow with more pics!
    I am getting some equus gauge set (speedo,tach,oil press.,volt,water temp, gas) and would like a cheat sheet before I takle this job
    The check list
    - run speedo cable 
    - run water temp line
    - cut wire from harness and route accordingly to respective gauges
      I wanted to use spade connectors that I use for my audio installs for easier install/removal. I plan to cut a few inches behind the harness place spade connectors. On the gauges I plan to have wires (2-5" long) already attached with spade connectors for a easy "plug and play" install.
    - install and enjoy
    Am I missing something?
    **MyLoth BIG question on the gauges only the glass off the gauges lights blue which looks awesome but wouldn't the bulb u put light the whole dash? 
    Where/ what kind of bulbs did you use for the turn signal light, temp light,seat belt, high beam. 
    Also, you said to shoot for one ground on the chassis..what about using and audio ground distribution block to the chassis?
    Any more info would be great thanks again.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Mon Dec 01, 2014 9:53 am

    As far as the connectors that's about what I did trimmed the original harness and added spade male\female or O-ring

    connectors depending upon gauge/ground. I discombobulated the entire factory cluster though it exists no more in mine.

    The only lights are the gauge lights themselves and three lights I purchased separately that are chrome with lock collar.

    two are left\right turn signal and the center is the high\low indicator. May I be struck by lightning if I had any urge to

    hook any other factory indicator light. But that's me if you can easily add the seatbelt indicator or such with different

    colors they make the lights I used in varied colors I just used all green as it was easier to get and the color is really not

    significant as it's only three indicator lights separate locations.

      Now as far the ground I should say yes I used a common ground for everything and as long that ground is a solid body

    ground you can run it anyway you want. I just drilled into a spot in the body and used a 1/4" bolt. Small yes but

    for this you don't need a huge one it works fine everything in the dash is low power. For my trunk ground that's different

    I have a 3/8" bolt for a ground to ensure the Cap and amps are well grounded but nothing like this is needed for the

    cluster I think.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Mon Dec 01, 2014 10:06 am

    The best advice is follow this road map here that the B Body Admin posted

    10 Lt Blue- Front LH turn sig
    11 Dk Blue- Front RH turn sig
    12---
    13---
    14 i only see pink, with no white stripe- fuel gauge from the tank
    15 2 brown(tan) w/white- brake light, one comes from the ignition switch to light up when starting and the other is from the parking brake switch and the combi valve
    16 Brown (you said: dark brown)- gen light, comes straight from the alternator
    17 Black w/white stripe- ground just for the seat belt light
    18 Yellow- seat belt light
    1 Tan(you said: brown) oil pressure switch
    2 Dk Green- Temp switch, up at the firewall at the junction block, one wire comes from the ignition to turn on when starting and the other comes straight from the temp switch, but you only see one wire at the connector (just an FYI)
    3 Light Green- Bright light indicator
    4 Black- there are two blacks one is for the ground for the ints lamps and the other is ground from the ignition switch to turn the fuel gauge on etc.
    5 Gray- Power for the instrument lights
    6 Same as number 4
    7 Pink w/black stripe- there are two of these and both are positive from the ign, also for the gauges
    8 Same as number 14
    9---

    What I did was made a legend on a sheet of paper of all the wires here that I added wire\connectors to so I

    knew exactly where they went and in the end it works perfectly.
    Myloth
    Myloth
    Moderator
    Moderator
    Helpful and Responsive Member!
    Very active with responding and helping other members with questions and concerns.
    5th Year Anniversary
    Celebrating 5 years of being our member!


    Posts : 638
    Join date : 2014-06-09
    Location : At the base of the Mountain (NY) Adirondacks

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Myloth Sun Dec 07, 2014 6:13 pm

    The final product of my dash till the spring. The fit is great, the finish well the dash will be redone come the spring including

    a new top and repaint but for now it all works even my center map light\lighter lol. Oh except the shifter that

    will be going shortly to be replaced by the floor mounted Hurst Quarter stick I have.

    6 gauge Cluster  Install Th_20141207_145530

    Sponsored content


    6 gauge Cluster  Install Empty Re: 6 gauge Cluster Install

    Post  Sponsored content


      Current date/time is Thu Mar 28, 2024 8:50 pm