Stock gauges are funked... need options..
Thread Starter
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: El Paso, Texas
Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
Transmission: 700R4
Stock gauges are funked... need options..
Alright gents, my stock gauge cluster on the 87 IROC is pretty much fubar. The biggest problem is that piece of plastic with copper running through it that lines the back of the Cluster. I guess you could call that 80's PCB, gotta love 80's tech.
I've already run an external digital fuel gauge (it died just like everyone else's does), and upon completing that installation and attempting to reinstall the Gauge cluster, I am having problems that I don't think I want to sit around and diagnose. ( plug in the cluster, all the lights on the cluster become active, and the tach jumps to redline...im sure its a short, but im tired of these gauges)
Im in need of temporary solutions. Funding does not allow me the cash needed to pickup a Covans setup (which I intend to do in the future) currently. I need a temporary solution for the time being. I don't want to toss the gauges in lieu for another set as I have the coveted "145 mph speedo", and because it is coveted, I do not expect to get one cheaply. I am sure (I hope) that the "PCB" solution that GM had the audacity to slap in the back of these gauges no longer exists. Has an alternative to this been made? Anyone have suggestions for a temp solution while I build fundage for the Covans Classic gauge assembly ?
I've already run an external digital fuel gauge (it died just like everyone else's does), and upon completing that installation and attempting to reinstall the Gauge cluster, I am having problems that I don't think I want to sit around and diagnose. ( plug in the cluster, all the lights on the cluster become active, and the tach jumps to redline...im sure its a short, but im tired of these gauges)
Im in need of temporary solutions. Funding does not allow me the cash needed to pickup a Covans setup (which I intend to do in the future) currently. I need a temporary solution for the time being. I don't want to toss the gauges in lieu for another set as I have the coveted "145 mph speedo", and because it is coveted, I do not expect to get one cheaply. I am sure (I hope) that the "PCB" solution that GM had the audacity to slap in the back of these gauges no longer exists. Has an alternative to this been made? Anyone have suggestions for a temp solution while I build fundage for the Covans Classic gauge assembly ?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin Dells, WI
Car: 1987 Camaro
Engine: 2.8 Turbo Charged V6
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: Uh....
I have the same sort of problem. My entire gauge cluster is screwy with the exception of my gas gauge. I have no idea what it could be. Not that I've really checked, figured I'd see if anyone had any ideas first.
You know, to shorten the amount of time I have to work my tail off digging around.
You know, to shorten the amount of time I have to work my tail off digging around.
Thread Starter
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: El Paso, Texas
Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
Transmission: 700R4
take out your gauge cluster (very easy to do) and the stone age technology they used to route everything will be evident... Copper "plating" substituted for wiring or even PCB under the guise of ??
Has anyone ever tried to make a PCB style setup for the gauges ?
Has anyone ever tried to make a PCB style setup for the gauges ?
Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: USA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8 LB8 HO
Transmission: 700R4 with OD
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 7.625 open-factory 3.42
Actually it was wiring that was last used in the 1960's dash clusters that was thought to be stone age. The mylar backed instrument panel printed circuit has pretty much been standard in everything built since the 1970's. Their weakness is their fragile, and the copper tends to corrode. OEM, and reproduction printed circuits are available from many sources.
Thread Starter
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: El Paso, Texas
Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by oldschool
Actually it was wiring that was last used in the 1960's dash clusters that was thought to be stone age. The mylar backed instrument panel printed circuit has pretty much been standard in everything built since the 1970's. Their weakness is their fragile, and the copper tends to corrode. OEM, and reproduction printed circuits are available from many sources.
Actually it was wiring that was last used in the 1960's dash clusters that was thought to be stone age. The mylar backed instrument panel printed circuit has pretty much been standard in everything built since the 1970's. Their weakness is their fragile, and the copper tends to corrode. OEM, and reproduction printed circuits are available from many sources.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Car: 91 formula converted to ws6 ta
Engine: 350 chevy
Transmission: 5spd
gauge box
I have a 86 ta gauge box that you may have if you pay shipping just pm me and i will arrange it. the front cover is cracked but you can use yours. and your gauges. I took the 145 mph speedo and put it in my 91 worked great after modding the prom for the propper pulses per mile.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Car: 91 formula converted to ws6 ta
Engine: 350 chevy
Transmission: 5spd
not sure I know it will work with omnipotentgoku
87 but not sure about the 92 I think th pcb on the back is different. I removed the 145mph speedo and put it into my cluster box. so I don't know if the boxes are swapable.
87 but not sure about the 92 I think th pcb on the back is different. I removed the 145mph speedo and put it into my cluster box. so I don't know if the boxes are swapable.
Thread Starter
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: El Paso, Texas
Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
Transmission: 700R4
PM sent, your a life saver... Old school, im stil curious about those sources for these new skins..
Thread Starter
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: El Paso, Texas
Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
Transmission: 700R4
Does anyone know anything about those OEM replacement "skinz" for the back of the gauge cluster (they would probably consider it a PCB of some sort). Oldschool mentioned that they were readily available, but i've not the foggiest idea where one would look for this.
Thread Starter
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: El Paso, Texas
Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
Transmission: 700R4
Okay folks, I need to know if this entire thread is BS... I am really in need of gauges and cannot afford to build a new cluster at the moment. I need to know.
1 - is their an aftermarket PCB/mylar board/replacement that Old school spoke of? I've not been able to find such a thing, yet was led to believe that it was a common thing.
2. I never heard back from the guy who offered the gauges, so does anyone else have a cluster they can part with, even if it is just for the pcb/mylar backing ?
1 - is their an aftermarket PCB/mylar board/replacement that Old school spoke of? I've not been able to find such a thing, yet was led to believe that it was a common thing.
2. I never heard back from the guy who offered the gauges, so does anyone else have a cluster they can part with, even if it is just for the pcb/mylar backing ?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ghettobird52
Tech / General Engine
16
Jul 5, 2024 11:18 PM
ambainb
Camaros for Sale
11
Apr 25, 2016 09:21 PM




