tach & guages

[PSU442]

three questions...

1.) A few years ago my tach stopped working after having my turn signals repaired (i can't remember exactly what was wrong with the signals but it was one of the switches.) To make a long story short, I think the shop either snipped a wire or pulled something loose. Since the car wasn't being driven then, I didn't really care. now I care. I actually installed the tach myself (amazing, I know) but can't remember where all the wires were ran to, nor have I really looked. Can you remind me where to look? If it makes it easier, I don't think the tach lights up with my headlights...

2.) What got me thinking about the tach was that I remembered that long ago, before college, I purchased a guage pack for my car (temp, oil, and something else -- I'd look but the guages are at my parents) but never got around to installing it. Since I really won't know how to hook all of that up, do you think it'd be easier to have a shop do it? How much labor time would that take?

3.) where have you guys mounted similar guages? i remember wanting to mount them right under the ash tray but don't think it's feasable. Thought and suggests?


Dumb questions, I know but your help is appreciated!

[RocketMan]

Are you talking about a Hurst digital tach or a conventional aftermarket tach?

As for the gauge cluster, you should be able to do it if it came with instructions. Its really not that tough. Just take your time & go slow - check, double check.

Good luck

[PSU442]

it's just a conventional aftermarket tach.

[ragz442]

Chris, I'd just run the factory rallye pac gauges [IMO], you won't have an amp/volt gauge but you'll have a light if there is a problem. If you currently don't have gauges, you'll need to switch some pins around in the connector [no biggie] and you'll need to install a oil pressure sending unit for a gauge [big bell style] and a brass elbow for clearance. You'll need the proper temp sender also. Don't change the terminal end on the temp signal wire, it will fit the new sender. On the tach, one wire goes to the distributor [tach] terminal [usually a green wire], one wire goes to ignition +, and the other to ground [IIRC].

[PSU442]

unfortunately i don't have the rally gauges like you do, all I have is a fuel gauge and an assortment of idiot lights.

[ragz442]

unfortunately i don't have the rally gauges like you do, all I have is a fuel gauge and an assortment of idiot lights.

Chris, it's real EASY to put a factory rallye gauge in that right pod and they are real easy to come by for cheap.

You'll need to switch some pins around in the connector [no biggie] and you'll need to install a oil pressure sending unit for a gauge [big bell style] and a brass elbow for clearance. You'll need the proper temp sender also. Don't change the terminal end on the temp signal wire, it will fit the new sender.

Trust me, you can do it, and I'll help you out if you have any problems.

[PSU442]

you sold me, I'll start looking for the rally gauge...

:D

[PSU442]

yikes!!! this one is buy it now for $139....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/75-77-Cutlass-442-Dash-Gauges-Rally-Pac-Hurst_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10076QQihZ015QQit emZ250045835240QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V



i was probably going to skip carlisle this weekend but maybe i'll reconsider...

[ragz442]

I got a nice set off ebay [w/speedo] for $25 plus shipping. They use to be on there all the time? I think Ken had a few in his pics of parts for sale. I added them to the 76 Supreme about 5 years ago, I converted to buckets from bench, so I installed the floor shift speedo also. the 77-442 already had them, and the set I recently got off ebay is going in the '76 H/O. You can find a nice gauge for alot less than $140.

[2blu442]

Chris, I'm pretty sure I have a set of those in the garage. It may be the weekend before I can dig around but if you don't come up with something in the next few days I'll send you some photos when I find them. John

[2blu442]

If your not watching it already there's an ebay auction of the single pod with the gauges in it. Less than 16 hours left and only one bid at $9.99 Auction number: 170121808465

John

[PSU442]

argh... i totally missed it... how the heck didn't i see this post? thanks anyway john... i have a good lead on another one though...

[sumrof75]

will this work?

[PSU442]

yes, perfect!

[bigredddaddy]

Thanks a bill PSU442 for posting this! I'm having the same problem, bought a ralley gauge pack off ebay and I checked the wiring diagram and the wires were the same but when I went to put it in the car, the plug's wiring were different. My only question is how do you pull the pins from the plug without smashing them. Just wondered if there was a trick to it. Also does anyone have a black gauge pod with a chrome edge? This stuff is why I love this site!

[ragz442]

Thanks a bill PSU442 for posting this! I'm having the same problem, bought a ralley gauge pack off ebay and I checked the wiring diagram and the wires were the same but when I went to put it in the car, the plug's wiring were different. My only question is how do you pull the pins from the plug without smashing them. Just wondered if there was a trick to it. Also does anyone have a black gauge pod with a chrome edge? This stuff is why I love this site!

You can use a small paper clip or a pick. There is a little tab that you have to release in order to pull the pin out of the connector. You do know the new order the wires go in the connector and have the correct sending units right? I believe I have an extra bezel, I can check tomorrow.

[bigredddaddy]

Cool, the gauges from ebay came with the plug so I'll just match the car's to it!

[gmkarguy]

Chris, it's real EASY to put a factory rallye gauge in that right pod and they are real easy to come by for cheap.

You'll need to switch some pins around in the connector [no biggie] and you'll need to install a oil pressure sending unit for a gauge [big bell style] and a brass elbow for clearance. You'll need the proper temp sender also. Don't change the terminal end on the temp signal wire, it will fit the new sender.

Trust me, you can do it, and I'll help you out if you have any problems.


Ragz; count me in on this mod/upgrade too as soon as I acquire the rallye gauge at a resonalble price. Will probably ping you for tips.:)

[ragz442]

No problem. FWIW, it's alot easier and cleaner, to switch the pins around instead of cutting and splicing the wires, IMO. [sorry, I may have misread your post bigred]

Your going to end up with a ground with nowhere for it to plug in, it's been about 5 years since I did mine, and my memory is getting bad. I think I just installed it on a metal bracket behind dash, I can look and find out for sure though.
Anybody remember........Dennis? Where are ye?

[bigredddaddy]

No I'm switching the pins in the car's plug. I HATE hacking stuff, I alrady had to drop $95 to replace the radio dash insert 'cause it was choped for a cd player! As far as the ground, I'm puting a cd player in the glove box(like on Overhaulin) and I'll hook the ground for the gauges at the same point. I've got a 8-track coming for the dash, both radios are gonna work, one at a time of course.