Move Stock Speedo.....Possible?

[trustyrusty]

Got thinking about other ideas to update the dash in my 91 K5 after way too much use of the search function here and at other sites. Got thinking about other ideas to update the dash in my 91 K5 after way too much use of the search function here and at other sites.
The recent post by "warwgn""My new Gauges" here sent me down the right avenue I believe.
Aside from awkwardness of my 91 (vss on back of speedo) and other engineering F/U's made by GM, I love my K5.
Anyway, what I am thinking (have to go tear the cluster out again and check for sure) is there might be enough room for the speedo with the vss in the fuel gauge slot, freeing up a place to install a factory tach from older HEI ignition chevy and add small factory fuel gauge to the far left side where I have an opening.
I know this will require some re-pinning of the printed circuit or possibly some other type of mod to get power & signal to the gauges. Also some modification for securely mounting everything up.
My question is....Has anyone here tried to do something similar. or maybe think it is a bad./good idea in general. I understand the coolness factor of aftermarket gauges, but I lack the funds to purchase said items, even used. Plus I don't want to give up my cruise control.
Let me hear what ya'll think.
Thanks

 

[tRustyK5]

Why move the speedo over? I installed a factory tach from a '78 in the fuel spot, and the small fuel guage down in the lower corner on my 90 with VSS.

I manually pinned the fuel gauge, and had to do some creative carving to make the fuel gauge work down there. The backlighting is so-so right now for the fuel gauge. It's about the only thing I need to re-visit.

Rene

 

[Blue85]

Why does adding a tach require moving the speedometer? Can't you just put it where the fuel gauge is now?

 

[trustyrusty]

I have been told......(haven't tried) Won't fit as the VSS gets in the way.
You're telling me it does fit.....Did you have any clearance issues with the tach?
Did they change in 91 as compared to a 90?
Are the tach's all the same throughout the years or did they change them up also?

 

[tRustyK5]

I don't have any pics of the back of the speedo, but fitment isn't an issue at all. The back of the VSS speedo is just a squared off plastic area where the cable would go on an older speedo. Nothing would have changed between 90 and 91.

It sounds like you got some incorrect info. It's not terribly hard. I just had to find which wires that go to the cluster were for the fuel gauge...then manually pin the smaller fuel gauge. The tach is a stand alone deal anyways, and has a three wire plug on the back. If you get a donor without a plug you can just use spade connectors there. The tach wiring is pretty standard too, keyed hot, ground and tach signal. That is also marked on the backside of the tach.

The 'hardest' part I found was carving the area for the small fuel gauge. if your cluster has a clock in that corner it'll be really easy. Mine had idiot lights there.

Rene

 

[trustyrusty]

Thanks tRustyK5
Will have to make a run to the boneyard and pick up the pieces.

 

[wazzabie]

Why move the speedo over? I installed a factory tach from a '78 in the fuel spot, and the small fuel guage down in the lower corner on my 90 with VSS.

I manually pinned the fuel gauge, and had to do some creative carving to make the fuel gauge work down there. The backlighting is so-so right now for the fuel gauge. It's about the only thing I need to re-visit.

Rene

Cool that was the only year for that style tach. some what rare

 

[tRustyK5]

What makes the '78 version different? I have another one here for my buddies truck...it's identical.

Rene

 

[trustyrusty]

Ok, on a side note....
Does anyone know what year/make/model had the fuel gauge located in the lower portion of the tach face?
This one I found for sale online. Stated it is an 81[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] GMC, Chevy Truck Tach with Fuel Gauge

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[Cornfield creations]

I just saw some of those. I believe it was in the c-60's. That's what I saw them in in.

 

[tRustyK5]

Ok, on a side note....
Does anyone know what year/make/model had the fuel gauge located in the lower portion of the tach face?
This one I found for sale online. Stated it is an 81[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] GMC, Chevy Truck Tach with Fuel Gauge

[/FONT][/FONT]

Any tach dash for our trucks (up to one tons anyways) will have the small fuel gauge in the lower corner. LMC does sell the small fuel gauge...

Rene