Want to add a factory tach.

[PavementPounder]

Rather new to the platform and have not seen or been in many other trucks of the same generation at all, so I apologize for n00bish questions.

I've been doing some searching and it seems that the threads I'm finding all deal with completely replacing all the gauges with aftermarket units. Well, my Suburban isn't nice enough for that just yet.

What I would like is to add a factory-style tachometer to the existing dash. The vehicle is a 1987 TBI 350/700r4/208. I have a speedo and big, stupid fuel gauge forward of the wheel and temp/oil/volt to the left with one blank gauge port.

1. Was a factory cluster configuration with a tach available?
2. Is it a matter of moving gauges around, or is it just simpler to swap the an entire cluster assembly?
3. What application/model/year should I be targeting which would be the simplest to swap in?

 

[DK5]

I forget which years but the '70s models came with a factory tach located where the large fuel gauge is on '81 and up.. maybe someone can chime in with the exact years. I only know because there is a '76-79 blazer here in town with the factory tach

 

[PavementPounder]

I forget which years but the '70s models came with a factory tach located where the large fuel gauge is on '81 and up.. maybe someone can chime in with the exact years. I only know because there is a '76-79 blazer here in town with the factory tach

That would be the ideal situation if the clusters are swappable. I take it the fuel gauge on such a model would then take up the 4th spot on the left, or is it integrated with the speedo?

 

[imiceman44]

That would be the ideal situation if the clusters are swappable. I take it the fuel gauge on such a model would then take up the 4th spot on the left, or is it integrated with the speedo?

You need to swap the guage cluster all in one piece.
We have a guy on our local boards selling one, let me see if he sold or not yet.
Will get back to you on this tomorrow or later today.

 

[dhcomp]

Its possible to swap in a factory tach cluster, but they are rare and expensive.

Props to you if you want to spend the money, but most guys on here decide its not often worth the cost.

Aftermarket tach's on the dash or column don't look too bad, and can be had for as little as 40 or $50

Good luck!

 

[Never Satisfied]

I just picked up a factory cluster for $73 shipped from a member on here. I installed it last weekend and it works perfectly. I have had several of these trucks with aftermarket tachs installed and having the factory is pretty cool. I had to make a couple modifications to make mine work. My '75 has a mechanical oil pressure gauge and the cluster I got was not (electric).

 

[dhcomp]

I just picked up a factory cluster for $73 shipped from a member on here. I installed it last weekend and it works perfectly. I have had several of these trucks with aftermarket tachs installed and having the factory is pretty cool. I had to make a couple modifications to make mine work. My '75 has a mechanical oil pressure gauge and the cluster I got was not (electric).

Nice. I'm jealous.

 

[PavementPounder]

I just picked up a factory cluster for $73 shipped from a member on here. I installed it last weekend and it works perfectly. I have had several of these trucks with aftermarket tachs installed and having the factory is pretty cool. I had to make a couple modifications to make mine work. My '75 has a mechanical oil pressure gauge and the cluster I got was not (electric).

Can you post a picture of this? I've set to actually see one.

Edit: Nevermind. Found the thread you bought from, as well as a pic in another old thread.

 

[sweetk30]

got this 80 k30 unit. its the first year of the newer font on the gauges from the 79 and older.

i got the pigtail from the harnness . as i have read you must swap a few wires around.

 

[b454rat]

You won't have to swap anything if its going in an 81 and up. Swapped a 79 cluster in my old 87, didn't change a thing. Worked prefect. Should have taken the cluster out before I sold the truck.....

 

[Never Satisfied]

The lone issue I had, was with my '75 having a mechanical oil pressure gauge. The cluster that I aquired had an electric gauge. I decided to incorporate my mechincal gauge into the newer cluster. It really only took me about 30 minutes to make the necessary changes that were needed.