Will a gauge cluster from a '79 work in a '76

[wesmigletz]

The printed circuit board on the back of the cluster on our 76 is no good. I found a '79 cluster for less than the cost of a new board. Will the '79 cluster work with in the 76 without having to modify the harness? Both trucks have gauges.

Thank you,

Wes

[Prong]

No. The 76 will have a mechanical oil gauge vs the electric on the 79. I also believe the pinouts on the cluster plug is different as well.

[wilkin250r]

I'm not an expert in the differences between each and every year, but another area to check is the voltmeter vs ammeter.

[wesmigletz]

Thanks for the information. I will pass on this cluster.

Wes

[Dead Parrot]

IF you are willing to re-pin your truck's cluster connector, the newer cluster can be made to work. As Prong said, you would have to swap the mechanical oil gauge for the electric, including removing the oil sense tube and replacing with a sender unit. Also, the amp gauge is likely replaced with a volt meter.

Doable but requires researching the differences between the two clusters. The good news is the cluster connector keeps the same physical properties for the entire 73-87 run, and even to 89 for suburbans. You just have to puzzle out the pin differences and make the truck's connector match the new cluster. Pulling a cluster connector from a picked over hulk in a yard is a good place to get spare pins.

[wesmigletz]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

IF you are willing to re-pin your truck's cluster connector, the newer cluster can be made to work. As Prong said, you would have to swap the mechanical oil gauge for the electric, including removing the oil sense tube and replacing with a sender unit. Also, the amp gauge is likely replaced with a volt meter.

Doable but requires researching the differences between the two clusters. The good news is the cluster connector keeps the same physical properties for the entire 73-87 run, and even to 89 for suburbans. You just have to puzzle out the pin differences and make the truck's connector match the new cluster. Pulling a cluster connector from a picked over hulk in a yard is a good place to get spare pins.

Dead, thanks for the suggestion. I went ahead and ordered a replacement circuit board. I just need to get the cluster working so I can get it to pass inspection and get it back on the road.

Wes