GMC gauges

[BK'66Step]

Do the GMC trucks just use the 60-63 Chevy gauge cluster all the way through '66? I just noticed today that it doesn't look like all the other '66 Chevs out there. I saw on Brothers that the 60-63 gauges are for Chevy applications only, but I can't find any GMC gauges anywhere. Just hoping for some insight on the whole thing. I'm not real crazy about the gauges, but if it's rare/authentic then I might keep them.

[64fleetside]

GMC used different gauges than Chev, and were the same 60-66.

[Surfdaddy]

The instrument panel is the same from 60 through 66. Some people have use panels from the C50-80 series trucks that have a vacuum gauge and a tachometer. They look real nice when there done up like that. The one pictured is from a deluxe or custom cab I think since it’s chrome and not the flat black. Mine came with a plain one and was changed out with a chrome one like yours in 63 by the original owner.

[newbe351]

60 - 61 are different than 62 - 66. All are different they Chevy....

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/cluster.htm

[BK'66Step]

Wow, great link!! Thanks!! I haven't taken it apart yet, but i wonder how hard it is to remove the two big outside holes and put gauges there. I might be able to live with that if I can throw some nice Autometers in there. If I do change, will the clusters from the '60-'63 Chevys fit in there?

[1963c-10]

No. If you want chevy guages, you'd have to swap the entire dash. The GMC's will not except Chevy guage clusters. It would probably be easier to remove your existing cluster and install some aftermarket guages.

[athan66]

Originally Posted by BK'66Step

Wow, great link!! Thanks!! I haven't taken it apart yet, but i wonder how hard it is to remove the two big outside holes and put gauges there. I might be able to live with that if I can throw some nice Autometers in there. If I do change, will the clusters from the '60-'63 Chevys fit in there?

Good question --- How do those blanks on the left and right come out? Are they screwed in from behind or do you need to cut them out? I'm looking to add a tach to my '66 GMC and was wondering what I'll be up against.

[1963c-10]

Chevys have delete plates on the back of the guage cluster that has screws on it. The GMCs are molded in. To remove the cluster, there will be screws on the bezel that will need to be removed from the front. Disconnect the speedometer cable form the back side and the cluster will push out. You will need to disconnect the cluster harness from the main harness. Fairly simple job, just take your time as your dealing w/50 year old parts and you wont have any issues.

[newbe351]

Originally Posted by athan66

Good question --- How do those blanks on the left and right come out? Are they screwed in from behind or do you need to cut them out? I'm looking to add a tach to my '66 GMC and was wondering what I'll be up against.

Remove the cluster as described by 1963c10. The two round areas are molded in but can be easily drilled for a tach.

I had a factory installed oil gauge in the left circle area and I cut the right one out for a tach.

[forcedinduction]

Yep... The whole panel is molded as one piece. A hole saw makes quick work of it though.
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[BK'66Step]

Alright, so I've taken it apart and I feel fairly comfortable cutting out the outside hole and putting aftermarket gauges in there. However, the circuit board on the back of the cluster has seen better days. Does someone sell this or does anyone know someone who makes them??

[1963c-10]

Nobody repops the circuit boards for the 60-66, so be carefull w/it.

[BK'66Step]

Haha alright then... thanks for the input, everyone!!

[jbgroby]

Originally Posted by athan66

Good question --- How do those blanks on the left and right come out? Are they screwed in from behind or do you need to cut them out? I'm looking to add a tach to my '66 GMC and was wondering what I'll be up against.

The best way is to scribe cut them, IF you try to drill and nibble them out you'll probly crack the housing.

[BK'66Step]

So as much as I would like to keep this truck mostly original, and the fact that I'm gonna want some more gauges due to the motor I'm gonna be putting in it, I'm now leaning towards cutting out the whole gauge backing from the outer framework of the cluster and attaching a whole new piece so I can put all the gauges that I need/want. I know they make inserts for Chevys, but it looks like I'm pretty much on my own on fabricating what I want. Not sure when I might start this project, but I will definitely post pictures when I do.

[jbgroby]

BK,

I too faced the same issues when I wanted to upgrade from idiot light to analog. In the pictures below, IF you can find a 60-62 dash insert, you can have or (I can have made for you locally) a thin aluminum plate made to hold new gauges. I decided to go as close as possible to the white on black face, adding two rare options that I was able to collect over the years.

The Clock and Tach. are OEM correct for the 1960 model , the positions and layout of the gauges follow the original layout from GMC.
Just a thought for you IF you wish to keep the general design.

[1963c-10]

Those guages and the front plate look great. I like the milling work on the fron also. Looks very clean.

[jbgroby]

He followed the original lines from the dash incert. The plastic insert does not have those lines. The guy in in Mississippi, close to my home and I can drop off yur plate if you need one done.


BTW I just restored on the the plastic backing plate for another member (painted and trimedit out) nothing special. I build models and have the airbrish and trimming brushes - traded a cigar for it.

[newbe351]

Another option, Bose Engineering makes them. This is the way I went...


http://www.boeseengineering.com/sear...&btnSearch.y=8

Edit: I do like Jake's option better though. I had an amp meter factory installed in the dash to the right of the insturment cluster that I had to fill, so I put a clock in that hole and went with the 6-gauge Bose insert (with gauges).

[kieth]

Originally Posted by BK'66Step

Wow, great link!! Thanks!! I haven't taken it apart yet, but i wonder how hard it is to remove the two big outside holes and put gauges there. I might be able to live with that if I can throw some nice Autometers in there. If I do change, will the clusters from the '60-'63 Chevys fit in there?

The original gaues were a sun tach and a sun batometer, here is what mine looked like after I jazzed it up a little. Kieth

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...8658&k=X8WmmMg


in the truck
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...GkFPB&lb=1&s=A

what it looked like to begin with

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...S2PgR&lb=1&s=A

the sun gauges are stock.......items it makes a pretty good looking dash if I do say so myself. Kieth

[BK'66Step]

@ jbgroby & keith: Those are some nice looking gauges!! Glad to see that people have had success with improving their clusters!! It gives me a little hope... :-)

@ newbe351: That is EXACTLY what I've been looking for!! DO they give you a way to attach that to your existing cluster or are you pretty much on your own for that? I'd like to see some pictures if you have any!!

[newbe351]

[QUOTE=BK'66Step;5641576 DO they give you a way to attach that to your existing cluster or are you pretty much on your own for that? I'd like to see some pictures if you have any!![/QUOTE]

The Bose insert replaces your dash insert. They supply clips that attach to the back of the insert and you tighten down against the back of the dash. You supply the gauges (they also have gauge options) and wire the gauges up independently. The stock gauge cluster harness will not work. I don't know how to post photos, but I could e-mail you a couple...

[BK'66Step]

I'm not too worried about any wiring issues because I need to get a whole new wiring harness for the truck anyways. Pretty sure most of them are set up for any aftermarket accessories including gauges if I'm not mistaken... sounds like that might be the route I end up going. Thanks so much!!

[forcedinduction]

If you need another stock gauge cluster with the circuit board, shoot me a PM and we can work something out. I have the set out of my 65 that Im willing to part with.
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