I would make sure the gauges work before you install the new dash. I would go for it, its always good to learn to do it yourself.

 

X2. Always bench test the gauges before the dash install. This will save alot of time and headaches. I can email you instructions on how to test the gauges.

 

Nothing like challenge! I'm in. Makes sense to do gauges first.

RealRed70, please email me the instructions on testing the gauges. I'd appreciate it!

please send to dubb57@hotmail.com

thanks again.

 

RealREd, I see you already sent them! THANKS AGAIN! I'll update you guys on the outcome.

 

They work very well and haved saved me counless hours of stress.

 

Did you check you fuse for gauges in the fuse block?

 

Hi Dan.
Can you post the gauge test procedures or Email them to me as well?
Thanks in advance.

I've found it easier to mount everything in the new dash, then install the dash as an assembly. Easier with the steering column/seats removed but not totally necessary.

 

If you have to do anything with your gauges after install, it will require removing the complete dash to get in there to work on them so in your best intrest you want to make sure all is correct before the install. As far as steering wheel, I just unbolt it and let it rest on the seat. Usually cover it with a towel and use it to lay the dash on when i start install.

 

Levon, they have been emailed.

 

Hi Dan. Received and THANKS AGAIN!!!!

 

Instruction request.
Me also, dwpoindexter@gmail.com
Thanks.

 

Here's the link and the text.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55742


Post #5 by Steve Strasemeier:

You will need a 12 v source such as a battery (fuse the pos lead), battery charger or power supply. It is easier if you have a mating connector for the gauge cluster but not necessary. Connect + (12v) to pin 5 (gauge power) or any of the terminals that pin 5 connects to (follow the traces from pin 5) and - (neg) to any clean metal surface of the cluster. To test the dash lights connect another + (12v) wire to pin 2 (Dash lights). To test the oil light (no oil gauge for ss clusters) connect a ground (metal case)to pin 6. To test the turn signal lights connect another +12v to pin 1 for left and pin 12 for right. To test the fuel gauge, connect one end of a 45 ohm resistor to pin 11 and the other end to ground (metal case).
This should registor 1/2. If you don't have any resistors, no connection will be past full and ground will be empty. To test the temp gauge, connect a 75 ohm resistor from pin 10 to ground, this should registor about 210 deg. 50 ohm = 250 deg, 75 ohm = 210 deg and 270 ohm = 100 deg.If you don't have a resistor, open will register far left and ground on pin 10 will register past 250 deg. To test the brake light connect a ground to pin 8. To test the high beam light connect +12v to pin 5. To test the amp gauge connect a AA battery + on pin 3 and - on pin 4, it will registor over 40 amps charge (depending on condition of battery), reverse the AA battery and it will register over 40 amps discharge. To test the tach you will need a pulse generator or a running car that has points or early (no computer) hei ignition. Hook the + from the car battery to pin 7 and - from the car battery to any clean metal surface of the gauge cluster. Hook the negative side of the coil (points ign) or tach terminal(hei ign) to pin 9. start car up and rev motor, tach should respond.
I have toyed with building a gauge cluster check out box and rent it out.