Instrument cluster swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KMC3420 · 01-13-2019, 01:04 AM

I have a 79 K10 that has the idiot lights. I have purchased 77-79 gauge cluster that has the actual gauges. Does anybody know if the senders are the same regardless of idiot lights or actual gauges? Also, is the pin out the same or should wires be changed to make the swap work. Thanks.

Dead Parrot · 01-13-2019, 08:01 AM

Senders ARE different. Idiot light senders are basically on-off switches. Gauge senders are variable resistors. There are different gauge senders depending on max sweep on oil pressure and year of temp gauge. Chances are high that you have some cluster connector pin moving/adding to do.

If you are swapping clusters, good time to swap to LED back lights.

Several threads on the forum on matching senders to gauge and cluster pinouts.

KMC3420 · 01-13-2019, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

Senders ARE different. Idiot light senders are basically on-off switches. Gauge senders are variable resistors. There are different gauge senders depending on max sweep on oil pressure and year of temp gauge. Chances are high that you have some cluster connector pin moving/adding to do.

If you are swapping clusters, good time to swap to LED back lights.

Several threads on the forum on matching senders to gauge and cluster pinouts.

Thanks DP. I will see what threads I can find. I am prepared to buy all new senders, if I can find what senders are needed. Just to make the swap smoother. I did see where LED’s were swapped in to most clusters while having them out. I will likely do the same.

**Palf70Step** · 01-13-2019, 02:49 PM

Double check the wiring pin-outs on the harness also. I believe the non-gauge cluster puts a couple wires in different positions.

kipps · 01-13-2019, 06:56 PM

The clusters are easy enough to check. Put both side-by-side, and visually compare the printed circuit boards. It's a good exercise anyway, just to acquaint yourself with the way the thing works.

KMC3420 · 01-14-2019, 01:23 PM

Thanks guys, I did clean up the new cluster and will pull both of them and compare side by side. I am sure I will have questions on the pin outs when the time comes.

**hatzie** · 01-14-2019, 02:14 PM

There are pinout sheets in the 73-87 FAQ

01-13-2019, 01:04 AM	#1
KMC3420 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Harrison, AR Posts: 1,065	Instrument cluster swap I have a 79 K10 that has the idiot lights. I have purchased 77-79 gauge cluster that has the actual gauges. Does anybody know if the senders are the same regardless of idiot lights or actual gauges? Also, is the pin out the same or should wires be changed to make the swap work. Thanks. __________________ Keagan 68 SWB C-10 original 350 A/C 503 Mean Green

01-13-2019, 08:01 AM	#2
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,611	Re: Instrument cluster swap Senders ARE different. Idiot light senders are basically on-off switches. Gauge senders are variable resistors. There are different gauge senders depending on max sweep on oil pressure and year of temp gauge. Chances are high that you have some cluster connector pin moving/adding to do. If you are swapping clusters, good time to swap to LED back lights. Several threads on the forum on matching senders to gauge and cluster pinouts.

01-13-2019, 02:49 PM	#4
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,223	Re: Instrument cluster swap Double check the wiring pin-outs on the harness also. I believe the non-gauge cluster puts a couple wires in different positions. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-13-2019, 06:56 PM	#5
kipps Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: North-central Virginia Posts: 1,104	Re: Instrument cluster swap The clusters are easy enough to check. Put both side-by-side, and visually compare the printed circuit boards. It's a good exercise anyway, just to acquaint yourself with the way the thing works.

01-14-2019, 01:23 PM	#6
KMC3420 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Harrison, AR Posts: 1,065	Re: Instrument cluster swap Thanks guys, I did clean up the new cluster and will pull both of them and compare side by side. I am sure I will have questions on the pin outs when the time comes. __________________ Keagan 68 SWB C-10 original 350 A/C 503 Mean Green

01-14-2019, 02:14 PM	#7
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: Instrument cluster swap There are pinout sheets in the 73-87 FAQ __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.



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