True Connections

Last month we talked about installing a 70-72 Chevelle & El Camino dash assembly and mentioned the SS gauge package. Basically there are two different gauge packages, 70 & 71-72. The differences were in the colors of the markings, 70’s had green numbers and letters with a black background while 71-72 had white numbers and letters with black backgrounds. The only other options are the different redlines for the tachometers. A 5000 redline was used with a small block engine, 5500 was used for the big blocks, and the 6500 redline was a 70 LS6 454.

In the past we were forced to find used gauge packages and restore them. For years we have had to have tachometers and gauges rebuilt, calibrated, and refaced as necessary. Clocks would be sent out to be converted to Quartz movement, the plastic housings were cleaned and repainted, and the lenses would have to be carefully polished to avoid damage.

Recently, there has been a surge in the reproduction market place and many of these decrepit original pieces simply get thrown away. We no longer have to hassle with epoxying the damaged original plastic housings, or spend time buffing the lenses, thanks to the new reproductions that are out. The clear lens and plastic housing are great replacement pieces, but now we also have the tachometers and gauges available which are complete with their steel backing plates. The only pieces we now have to wait for are the Speedometers and Clocks, but trust me, they aren’t too far behind.

To put the gauge package together, the steel backing plate of each gauge simply screws into the plastic housing with a total of 10 - ¼ inch head #6 screws. Putting on the lens can be a little tricky. It’s best to use a soldering iron to open the mounting holes of the lens first. Place the lens over the mount pegs of the gauge housing and use your soldering iron to melt the peg and mushroom the plastic over the lens to secure it in place. By melting every other peg, it usually does a good job of staying put. Next, place the printed circuit in place on the back of the cluster and secure it with the nuts on the studs of the gauges and the light bulb holders. It is also a good idea to replace your light bulbs with new ones, part # 194.

Now that we have a complete package ready to install, as we said last month, when your dash is out, now is the time to install them. There are only 7 screws with ¼ inch heads holding these gauges to your new dash bezel. While your at it you might as well replace your headlight switch also. Just make sure to attach the ground strap between the switch and the dash, otherwise it will drive you nuts trying to figure out why it doesn’t work.

So, once again we no longer have to wait several months for original pieces to be restored. It is now simply a matter of calling up your favorite parts house and having the pieces delivered, next day if you like. For this, we should all thank the reproduction manufacturers for some very fine pieces that will complement any restoration.