Temp/Oil Pressure Gauge Exchange

[zates]

Maybe some of you techie backyard mechanics can answer this question for me. My 76 S has a Fuel Gauge and red idiot lights for oil pressure and engine coolant temp. If I were to pick up an Olds Rally Gauge, is it an easy replacement install - pull out the old, connect the new? Or, is there a different oil sending unit and temp sending unit on the engine side? Okay... have at it!!:p

Pete

[Hurstolds1973]

This subject has been talk about a few times. This should be all you need to fixer up! Let us know how you make out. Good Luck!
http://www.73-77olds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=893&highlight=gauges

[zates]

Great! Got a chance to pick one up. I don't have it yet, but the thread seems to offer good suggestions. Glad I don't have to remove the dash!!

[zates]

Well OK... it sounds as if this is the sequence of events to follow:


Remove right dash bezel.
Unscrew and remove fuel gauge with idiot lights.
Pull off wiring harnesses on rear of old gauge.
Snip off female wiring harness from dash to expose wire ends.
Attach wire ends by color to appropriate screws on back of new oil/temp gauge according to color of wire.
Reinstall new gauge and bezel.


I have the Service Manual with the appropriate illustrations. It seems to be fairly easy. Just don't want to tear apart my dash and cut wires without checking with some of you real mechanics out there!! :D

It appears that I need to find a different oil sending unit as well. Does anyone have a quick source for these? According to the post cited above, the temp. sending unit doesn't need changing.

Much obliged for any advice from those who've done this before.

[MrRocket]

Don't cut anything! The wires can simply be rearranged to work for a guage package. Just press down in the side of the wire you want out (with a small wire, toothpick or tiny screwdriver)and it will release then get a wiring diagram for your car and re wire it acording to the U21 ( I believe) option. The wires are all the same they just go to a different place for the lights and the guages. Good luck.

You will need a new temp. unit and a oil sending unit. Both can be had from a local parts store. You will also need a brass elbow for your oil sending unit to allow it to work. The temp sending unit ( not switch) will have a button instead of a spade. Your wiring harness end will accept the spade and the button just push it on sideways for the button type.

[zates]

Thanks Paul. When I took another look at the back of the replacement gauges, I see that they are pin type jacks. So I get the idea of not cutting wires. Much obliged!

It will be interesting to see whether the local parts stores will carry the sending units.

[wazoo]

Hey Peter...This will be one of the best upgrades to your car. You will find that your eyes will be drawn to the gauges more than you ever imagined.

Good luck!...Jerry

[Hurstolds1973]

It will be interesting to see whether the local parts stores will carry the sending units.

If not at local parts store Fusik and RockAuto carry em.....

[zates]

Thanks Jerry & Joe. I have a set of SunPro gauges that I had planned to install this summer. But this seems so much easier and fits the appearance of the dash. I located both the oil and temp sending units online - so, I'm set to go. If I run into problems - I'll know who to call on!! :p