Instrument Cluster

[Demps]

I've done quite a few things with these cars. The latest that I've tackled taught me a bit. It is the instrument cluster. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures but can help if anyone needs it.

SITUATION: Dark Red car came with an LT1 instrument cluster (I will keep my comments to myself but it was taken to a dealership with an inoperable oil temp gauge). With DJ's help, I found the only available 94-95 LT5 cluster in the world. Put it in and guess what--the d@mn oil temp gauge was broken. Well I've lived with it for a year but I have decided to enjoy this car--find some headers and drive the fool out of it. The gauge was driving me crazy.

SOLUTION: Re-remove the instrument cluster and take it apart. Here's what I learned:

Knowing the analog gauges are not very accurate ,nor linear, I decided to cannibalize the LT1 individual instruments and replace into the LT5 cluster. Well, the part number was the same so no issue. A few screws to remove the face and a gentle pry the cover was off. It involved removing the needle indicator(s). The LT1 parts were in better shape so I used its needles for the LT5. Put it all back together and guess what...worked.

LESSONS LEARNED:

I've followed these cars for a while and have read all of the old Registry magazines. There are some tachometers that are off. Guess what-->just remove the needle and replace at the correct place. You must pry the needle gauge from beneath so as not to break the black cover.

Disclaimer: I followed the service manual to R&R the instrument cluster. The rest is not written anywhere. Use at your own risk. My risk was looking at a ~$400 repair. I overcame that in about 20 minutes.

Ted

[-=Jeff=-]

so the needles are not keyed? I would love to have a plug in cluster with more accurate gauges..

thanks for the write up on the cluster R&R..

[Demps]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

so the needles are not keyed? I would love to have a plug in cluster with more accurate gauges..

thanks for the write up on the cluster R&R..

Not keyed for the "shaft" of the gauge but limited in sweep by a notch in the back-board and an extension off of the needle that fits into that notch to only allow it to swing the area of the back-board marking.

I started to fabricate a DC reostat to plug into the back of the instrument cluster but figured it would be overkill for my single fix.

Ted