Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I know just how it is when you're depending on a supplier and they fall behind schedule for whatever reason. I'm not worried about it. I appreciate you keeping us up to date on what's happening.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

thanks for the update Eric i'm in no hurry lol.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Well I FINALLY got them! They will be going out first thing in the morning. So according to my list these are the people who will be recieving them. If I missed anybody, let me know.

Cjohnson6772..........1
1970 c10 MJW..........1
67c10rustbucket.......2
Chuck MC8...............1
Captainfab...............2
HarleyT...................1
Mcbassin.................1
Wgeyer88................1

Thanks again for everyone's patience.
Eric

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

PM sent

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I just wish I knew how/where to pick up on the VSS signal... so I can get my new electric speedo working...

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

There should be an output from the PCM. Do you have the pinouts for your particular PCM? That should tell you which pin to connect to if there isn't already a wire there.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Looking at your sig, you're running GenIV engines. There isn't an output for speedometers in those PCM's. that said, there 'may' be a solution but I have not personally looked into it much. Dakota Digital is making a CAN BUS 'module' of sorts that allows you to use their aftermarket gauges, it plugs into the ALDL connector. Whether or not it would allow you to use it with other brands of gauges I can't say. Also if you just want gauges Speedhut also makes a line of CAN BUS gauges that will work.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Too late for other gauges...already invested in a set of AutoMeter's.

http://www.lsxtrucks.com/gallery/alb...G_2965%7E0.JPG

http://www.lsxtrucks.com/gallery/alb...l_IMG_3006.JPG

and temporarily using my AeroForce scan gauge for speed and tach...but would rather use it for other things and have speedo and tach working. I know about some of the $$$ solutions...was looking for the free (or nearly free) ones. :lol:

I'm sure I'll love it when everything is complete....but my LSx/carb setup was a whole bunch easier then dealing with the various issues of moving to efi in a non-efi vehicle.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I did not realize that. How is the speedo driven in the OEM applications then?

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Beetle and I are looking to be in the same boat soon, I think. I'll be interested in one of this kits, but only if I can hook up the speedo "directly" to the output plug on the trans. I'm most likely using a NV3500, I know there are two types of plugs that come in them. One type works with an ABS computer and the other doesn't. I'd also be open to using a "breadboard" kit and some resistors, etc to change the signal to what the speedo is used to getting from a computer.

My initial take on this was to get one of the aftermarket gauges that are programmable and work off the tailshaft signal. Then I learned about a few options I might find in the junkyard that seem to be petering out.

So, what I'm asking is, could you check to see what voltage, amperage, resistance, and how many pulses per "mile" the signals are on your transmission's tailshaft output, then on the signal the computer sends to your speedo setup?

If it looks feasible, I'll probably put in for a decal from the next batch. I might even do that if I have to resort to an aftermarket speedo anyway.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I got my decals and templates yesterday.....looks good. Thanks Eric :)

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

i did as well, now correct me if I am wrong, the numbers are just so I can paint the numbers on the back of my bezel, then the black face plate wants to get put inbetween the needle and plastic gauge mount, then cut out the trip, and odometer holes, then drill the hole for the trip reset, the two drawings, the one is a template for the cover for the speedo back what is the other one for? also how do i reset my odometer to read 000000.0? I have it tore down to just the speedo/odometer gauge, and the plastic face

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I honestly have no idea how you would go about making something to do this, this level of electronic stuff is way over my head. I believe the VSS puts out an AC current and the PCM changes it. I do know that it's a 4000ppm signal out of the PCM that runs the speedo.

Thanks for letting me know!

Yes, the number one is a stencil that you use to paint the numbers on the INSIDE of the lens, just like the factory did. The "face" you will put directly onto the S-10 face, then you're correct, you cut out the odometer and trip holes with a sharp, preferably new, X-Acto knife blade, that's what I found works the best. One template is for the back cover, the other one is what mounts the S-10 speedo parts to your 67-72 back dash tin. You need to cut out the original speedo mounting area. I'm going to do another one, and take a bunch of pics so everyone can see exactly how it's done, but it might be a week or two before I can get around to it.
As for resetting the odometer, the right side of it just pops into the plastic piece, take it out, carefully remove the plastic part on te underside that holds all the numbers in line, and start rotating it until the are all to 0. It takes some playing with it to get it done, but you can do it. After you're done put the plastic piece back on and pop it back in.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

After popping the odometer out of the speedometer, be VERY CAREFUL when removing the small plastic piece holding the tabs together. Without the piece the odometer will not work correctly again. I used a small screwdriver and slowly pushed it off going back and forth across all the tabs. It takes a while to figure out how to get all the numbers to read 0000000, but once you do it's fairly simple.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Do you have any of these templates left?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Yes, I have 6 left, but am going to use one in my upcoming tutorial, so I actually have 5 left to sell.

On a side note, did you get your cruise control going yet?

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Actually I'm having troubles getting that cruise going. I have it hooked up per your instructions on another post and it still won't work. Been reviewing my schematics and getting ready to test wires from tac module to the wires I pulled into cab just to make sure they are correct. Funny thing I was getting ready to ask for help on that other ls cruise post. My drive train is 06 ls out of a Tahoe with a 4l60e and been driving it since last July of 2011 it has the new style brake switch and the brake lights are connected and working. I will pm you for one of those templates thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

bump for an update, also curious what kind of metal you used for the speedo backer plate

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I apologize if I've missed this: how did you wire this to the truck's harness? Did you cut the male end off of the original underdash harness? I would prefer to leave the original harness in tact with the male plug that goes into the factory cluster. Is this possible?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Well....I installed an Autometer GPS unit for my electric speedometer, and a Painless GM/genIV tachometer driver that feeds off the crank sensor. My diagnostic port stays free this way....and will remain hooked to the Aeroforce scan gauge.

testing tomorrow!

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Money sent for two speedo kits

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I'd like to get one of these, if they're still available.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I haven't worked on my truck much lately, just too cold, and I need it to be done before I can do the detailed write up, but I will do it. I did hook the speedo I just made for my beater truck up to my car, an '03 Sunfire, and put about 50 miles on it, and it's dead accurate up to at least 85 MPH, with the exception of between 0 and 5 MPH, as the needle needed to be put on at around the 2 MPH mark, but at the angle it's mounted in the truck, it looks like the needle is at 0 when stopped.

The metal is just 18-20 gauge sheet metal.

Yes, I cut the male end off of the truck harness. I tried using part of the printed circuit at first, but it wasn't looking like it would be a very reliable way of wiring it. Also, I couldn't find a female plug that would plug into the factory harness. And since you'll have to add some wires for the speedometer (and in my case, a check engine light too) anyway, I just went to the junkyard and found a connector assembly and wired it in on both sides so it does unplug and you can remove it easily. It's wired just like you would wire any aftermarket guages.

PM sent

I have 3 left, I'll send you a PM.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

I also want one
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Eric,

Are you still planning on doing a tutorial on this? I've been putting my cluster on hold until I see more details on how it's done. Don't want to mess up the cluster and have to start all over again... I think I've got everything figured out except mounting plate in the rear.

Thanks
Will

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Yes, I still plan on doing a more detailed write up, but have to find the time. The weather around here has been completely stupid, and I haven't been in the garage as much as usual.

But if you think you have it figured out, just ask any questions on whatever you may not be clear on, and I can answer them. What is it you're unsure about on the mounting plate?

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Eric, I'll take one of those kits too. I'll get to the post office today for the check. PM you on the address. Thanks. Jim

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

How about a close up pic of the back where it wires into the new speedo please. Thank you in advance.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Sure thing. There are 7 pins on the back of the circuit board, but you'll only use 3. They are labled on the board, IGN for ignition power, GND for ground, and SPD for the speedometer input to the gauge. In the pic, the pink is ignition, black is ground and green is speedo input. Also, when you take the original printed circuit off the back of the cluster, if you save a few of the square push on connectors that the gauges hook to, you can solder a wire directly on to them and then the wire will just push on and will be a good connection without having to solder straight to the circuit board.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

EXACTLY the information I was looking for! Thank you. This may be a silly question but when I go to put the needle back on the gauge how will I know where to reinstall it? Should I just reinstall at 0? Will the gauge pre-sweep and fix itself? Do I have to put it back on exactly where I removed it?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

That's not a silly question at all. It DOES matter where you put the needle. If you put it on in the wrong spot, the speedo will be off by that much through the whole range. You can't put it back on where you took it off since on the 72 0 MPH is lower than the S-10, so if you put it back on where you took it off it would be at roughly the 10 MPH mark. When you go to put the needle back on, you need to power the speedo up, this will put the driver at the 0 MPH mark. Then put the needle on. It may take a couple of tries, as they tend to want to move when pressing it on. If you have a GPS, you could go for a drive and make sure it's in the right spot (provided your tune is correct). I hooked mine up to my car (03 Sunfire) through the cruise control plug and made sure it was accurate that way. On mine, the needle when the truck is stopped, is actually at about the 2 MPH mark, but it's not noticeable because of the angle you view the speedo.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Finally got the time and stamps to send the money order. Had to get layed off to do it, but... started right back to work as soon as I got home, so no more time to work on the truck again. But at least I'm home. Thanks again. Jim. Money sent Saturday.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Thanks Eric, got the kit in the mail last night. Now gotta get some descent weather and a day off at the same time to find me a donor speedo at the yards. Jim

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Ok guys, here's the long over due 'how-to' write up. This is going to take a while to do since I can't type, and making the parts and photographing the steps then putting it all on here is time consuming. So here's the first installment.

First up is the tools I used to do all this.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8974052e.jpg

This is what you'll start with.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2476bc4e.jpg

Cut out the template and trace it on to a piece of 22 gauge sheet metal.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psb76e7ee5.jpg

Cut it out.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps544f7567.jpg

Cut out the middle, I did this with a cut off wheel and a die grinder.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3c260ca6.jpg

Should look like this.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psbe967140.jpg

Cut out the holes and drill the 3 small mounting holes.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps20b6365e.jpg

Make sure the speedo fits it, you may have to do some trimming for a nice fit.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4e8c2595.jpg

Back side

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...pse8acef05.jpg

Put the template in the back tin and mark what needs to be cut out.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psc33f33e9.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7fbec24f.jpg

Cut it out.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9bcd9440.jpg

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Next we'll move on to the face. I can't stress enough here how important it is to TAKE YOUR TIME, and make sure it's positioned correctly.

Start by pulling the whole S-10 face off the clear plastic part, it comes off easily.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psb0a7b9af.jpg

Then cut out the center hole in the speedo decal, I use an X-Acto knife for this.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8bcf2e9e.jpg

Center the decal on the S-10 face, on the back side center the small hole in the larger hole.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5174b080.jpg

Then make a mark at the 50mph mark on the S-10 face, and the 60mph on the new decal, and tape it on so it doesn't move.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9c3852a4.jpg

Make sure it's centered side to side also, and tape the top as shown.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3813366a.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps54e70d6c.jpg

With it taped in position, carefully flip it up, and peel just the backing off the sticker. Make sure that the S-10 face is CLEAN, any dirt under the sticker will leave bumps in it, you don't want that.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps05e7857a.jpg

Then starting at the top and working your way down, slowly press it on, working out any bubbles as you go. Don't try to put the whole sticker on at once.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9602b06d.jpg

Once it's on, carefully remove the backing, Don't pull straight up as that will lift the sticker, pull back on it's self, flush with the face. Go slow!

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3e4eb59a.jpg

Once off it should look like this, notice it's centered in the old numbers on the old face.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8f1e899f.jpg

Using a BRAND NEW X-Acto knife blade, carefully cut out just the odometer holes, DO NOT cut the center hole out any more. Just the weight of the blade should be enough, any more pressure and you run the risk of cutting into the S-10 face. I didn't have a new blade, so in the pics it isn't done yet, but this gives you an idea.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psb8837f1c.jpg

Then just cut out the speedometer face.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps17718732.jpg

Put it on the clear plastic part and mark where it needs to be cut.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4dff33d6.jpg

Then cut the clear plastic part, it should look like this when done.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psa556319c.jpg

This is all I have at the moment, in the next couple of days I'll be posting more.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Thanks for the time and effort to show us how its done. Hope to get to mine soon. Jim

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

So... are there anymore kits available? I just found this thread.

Nice looking Install and great idea!

I have a 71 I'm doing a LQ9/4L60E swap into that could really use this mod!

-Brent

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

eric looks good so far and I like all the pics they help alot, one question how do you cut the clear plastic face that you showed in the last two pics? i figure tin snips or scissors would probably crack/break it?

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Not a problem. I hope it helps everybody get their's done.

I don't have any more at this time, but if there is enough interest after I get the 'how to' done, and I start seeing some that other's have finished I can see about having some more printed. I think it is, but just want to make sure that this is a feasible mod that the average guy can do first.

I cut it out with a cut off wheel and sanded the edges smooth with a DA sander. You're right, tin snips would probably be hard to use and would likely crack it.

Re: 67-72 Electric speedo
 

Getting back to the mounting part, trim the mounting plate so it fits nicely in the back tin.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2a98ad43.jpg

On the back side, mark where the dash light hole needs to be cut out.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psf676e430.jpg

Then cut it out, should look something like this.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psc1e5cbad.jpg

I usually tack weld this piece to the back tin, but if you don't have access to one, you can screw it on with some sheet metal screws. It may actually help to screw it first even if you plan on welding it since there will be some trial and error fitting required to get the speedo centered in the opening. Just drill the holes in the back tin a little bigger than the holes in the mounting plate so you can move it around.

Also in this pic, you can see where the new hole needs to be drilled for the other speedo light that got removed by the trip reset knob.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6d5a6f13.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3b53e0a0.jpg

Put the speedo and the clear plastic part on the mounting plate and screw it back on with the 3 original screws.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps16bab8ab.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psa9f5dec5.jpg

With it screwed to the back tin it will look like so.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps00bc83c0.jpg

Then you'll need to just kind of eyeball where the trip reset needs to come through the inner tin. You won't get it right on the first try, but it doesn't matter since it needs to be a little over sized anyway. Once you get the hole drilled, make sure that the reset button isn't rubbing the inner tin at all, it needs to be loose in the hole. Then make sure that the speedo is centered in the hole side to side.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psab56cfbb.jpg

Now would be a good time to put the gas gauge back in and make sure that the center of the speedo is level with the center of the gas gauge. The speedo is NOT centered top to bottom, it's closer to the bottom, but by comparing it to the gas gauge you'll see what I mean.

In the right spot.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psab56cfbb.jpg

Now mark around the reset with some tape, making sure that the reset isn't binding or rubbing on the inner tin.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psc5f8e7dd.jpg

With the hole marked exactly where it needs to be with the tape...

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6abc1252.jpg

Now put the lens in the bezel and put the tin back in.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6cda3567.jpg

Mark the center of the hole on the lens.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psc86107f2.jpg

Remove the lens and drill the hole. Try to use a drill bit the same size as the reset knob. It will be drilled out bigger later, but for now needs to be small, it's going to help with drilling the hole in the bezel later on.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psa6368616.jpg

Once drilled.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0349b0d9.jpg

Now we'll work on the lens. Start by marking the mph, 0, 50, and 100 marks with a sharpie on the OUTSIDE of the lens.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...ps27a84069.jpg

Then using some non-abrasive, silicone free polishing compound, start rubbing the numbers off the inside of the lens. It takes a little elbow grease, but it's not all that hard.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psec168ae3.jpg

Continue rubbing all the numbers until the lens is completley clear. Now is a good time to make sure the inside of the lens is nicely polished since you won't want to polish it after you've painted the numbers.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/...psdab4e9d3.jpg

This is all I have for tonight. Stay tuned for the painting of the lens next....