I have a 1984 plain Camaro with the standard cluster(idiot lights).Have a cluster out of 1985 plain camaro with optional gauge cluster(gauges). I would like to put this in my 84,Anyone done this swap that might offer some detailed instruction on how to do this and what I will need to change or take from the doner car other than the panel and how to take it out? I read the tutorial on this site but it was obviously for a later model as it mentioned checking a wire on the coil pack which my car does not have, I think that feature came a few years later. Thanks for any help you might have.
Wiley

 

Just plug the cluster in and change the oil pressure and coolant temperature senders.

 

What about the tach?

 

It is where the gas gauge is in the old cluster,is the plug going to be the same for the tach so I can plug it right in?

 

Doesn't matter, all the wiring is there behind the dash, only the cluster is different.

 

You can simply install the whole cluster into your existing dash. Then you need to change the "switches" ( oil pressure/temp ) out of the engine and install "sending units" for the gauges to work. The trick is to use the correct replacement cluster !

The 85-89 cluster is not "plug and play" on an 82-84 dash. If you plug the 85 Cluster into your 84 there will be a problem with the clusters backlighting and the BRAKE warning light. ( The printed circuit on the back of the cluster changed in 85. )


Installing an 84 Gauge cluster is the easiest way for you to go!

 

Before I installed my 92 dash into my 84.

I had installed an 87 cluster into my 84 and just switched out the sending units for the coolant and oil, and everything worked fine.

 

I'm not sure how you pulled that off - The BRAKE warning light isn't even on the same side of the cluster........ ??

 

If you retain the black plastic trim piece and transfer it to the new gauges, then the warning light lenses are in the right place. Correct???

 

Not exactly !!

 

It's been a long time since I did that swap, but I know I didn't have to change any wiring besides swapping out the sending units. Everything else worked OK.

I think the harnesses that the clusters connect too were basically the same for all those years, and they modified the circuit traces to work with those harnesses when they moved the brake indicator over.

 

Hello friend,
Sorry I havn't replied but have had pneumonia. Am I to understand that 84 will plug right in and work with no further mods? You said change oil and water temp switches I assume on the engine,but you also said change sending units. Are all these on in the same or are their seperate sending units and if so where are they? Will 82-84 panel work or just 84?
Thanks
Wilhay