Changing Gauge Clusters

[Speeding Dakota]

This may sound crazy to some, but electrical stuff is not my strong suit.
Any how, can I take a gauge cluster (non-tach) out of an '83 with the mechanical speedometer to replace a '87 gauge cluster (non-tach) that had the electrical speedometer? Will all the rest of the gauges work correctly?
Of course I will need to run the speedometer cable to the transmission.

Thanks

[TBONE1964]

You are going to have to check the wiring schematics for the cluster connector on both years and see if they match up. It is very likely but not 100%.

I believe that the temp gauge and fuel gauge should work the same. The question is do they connect through the connector the same.

If they both have volt gauges, those should also work on the same principal.

To answer your question with a yes or no, I cannot do.

Hope this helps and good luck,
Tom

[Speeding Dakota]

Thanks Tom for the information.

I was looking at the 2 wiring harnesses side by side and the newer one has additional wires not to mention some of the same color wires in the different pin locations.
So in short I don't think I will be able to make it work.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Speeding Dakota

Thanks Tom for the information.

I was looking at the 2 wiring harnesses side by side and the newer one has additional wires not to mention some of the same color wires in the different pin locations.
So in short I don't think I will be able to make it work.

I wish I could help you more but I am not as familiar with the 73 and up clusters and how and when changes were made. Leave it to GM

What you may want to look at is if you can just swap the speedometer head from the 83 to the 87. Not sure as I am not familiar with the differences.

I am however going to get educated in these clusters as I am sure there is a want/need for them and to help answer questions.

Good luck any way,
Tom

[motornut]

there are some changes just not sure when
my batt meter and temp changes spots (78 idiot to gauges)
the wires move spots in the plug,actually a neg becomes a pos.
turn signals move wires too.
the idiot light oil wire is bigger then a gauge wire.
and the speedo head clip changes too