[70vert]

I removed a sweep dash from my 70 with the plan to install aftermarket gauges/Covan insert. To that end I also bought a Painless harness that is somewhat set up for GM cars. Now I've decided not to use my Covan stuff and to go with an SS dash with gauges. Looking at the back of the SS dash I see the factory setup uses the Printed circuit sheet. Can I wire directly to the various gauges and lights so as to eliminate splices and the printed circuit or do I have to cut behind the big main plug (flat brass blades on both sides) and splice into that? I've checked about a 100 posts on here and am still confused.

 

[Jim Streib]

If the flexible circuit board is good, I would get a plug off of a donor car (who knows the plug may be the same on some other GM car models that you could use) and then solder the wires off of your new harness onto that plug end and before you solder the connection, slide on some shrink tubing to where when it's done the tubing will cover the connection. If you retain the plug it would make it easier to install or remove the dash later.
I wonder if you could possibly buy the plug and the connectors seperately and unassembled from companies that sell direct replacement harness' and then crimp on the new ends, insert them into the plug and there would be no inline splices.
Jim

 

[70vert]

Thanks Jim. You made some very valid points. I do have an SS harness that I can snag the plug and leads off of. I'm still trying to decipher the wirng diagrams in the manuals I have. I feel pretty stupid because I can't even make out where the gauges are and where the plug is in the diagram in the Chassis Manual.

 

[70ss427]

70vert, I got a diagram from steve one of the tech guys on here! I don't have it saved on my computer but it is easy change over from idiot lights, to gauges alittle more stress to convert sweep dash, anyway steve has the diagram i think you need? If you need the pins for the master pin connector you can buy them at the local chevy dealer, package of 10 for about $5:00. if you want the part # let me know.. Good Luck

 

[540cutlaSS]

Yes you can hard wire each gauge. I did the same thing you are doing, but I did it back in 1982 so I cant remember the step by step. Its not to hard to do. (if I did it)

 

[70vert]

Thanks guys. I'm going to check and see if chevy sells just the bulkhead plug. I'd rather not cut my SS harness just for the plug.

 

[Steve S]

Here's a link to info on gauge conversion:
http://www.azendrud.com/gauges/
Good instructions but be aware that the bulkhead connector pin out for a 72 is different than 70/71
Any 70's model Camaro, Nova, Chevy truck and other A body GM cars used this 12 pin conncector. The wire colors may not match the Chevelle but you just want a short length to splice into or if you buy the new pins from GM it won't matter.

 

[70vert]

Steve, That was exactly the information I was looking for. You guys saved me a lot of grief I'm sure. Thanks.

 

[Steve S]

I wish I could take credit for it but another Team Chevelle member did all the hard work putting this together.