So I have a question about my gauge cluster. I have a 1980 with the manual clock, but I have another cluster that came from a 79 that has a digital clock. They look the same but the fuel level and water temp are angled a little different. So my question is would this still work if I put the 79 in the car.
Thanks

 

Your 79 is out of a Limited special model. Some extra electronics were used in running the digital clock but I believe these are attached to the cluster. They swap out no problem, harnesses should plug-and-play.
-2 screws under the top lip of outside trim hood insert; 2 clips on bottom corners of same
-then 2 more screws up under dash hood, visible after the trim hood is pulled
-2 final screws back/rear bottom that you get at from underneath - need a l-o-o-ong phillips to get up under dash.
- remove ign cover so you can pull cluster out front easier
- then you have access to the 2 harness connections
-speedo cable best released from below, tho can reach around with cluster partially pulled. Need to squeeze nylon fastening clip at cluster-end of the cable to release

79 cluster will give some clues how all the hardware attaches-
enjoy the 120MPH speedo! One of the first things I swapped into my 80 as well

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Yeah i have it removed =) I was just worried that it wouldn't hook up. I like the 79 cluster better... Do you know of any way to test the digital clock out before i hook it up all the way?

 

nope - really just have to install and see - I'd be leery of trying to wire up the clock and cooking it by mistake. never known one of these to fail...

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Shouldnt it come on without having to be wired in?

 

??
powered via car harness so where do you expect the power (& grounds too) to come from? Its not like it powered by its own battery.

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

I think STU was trying to tell you that he recommends NOT attempting to wire the clock seperately just to test. Just use the harness and see what happens. There are only three connections to the back of the cluster. (1) The speedo cable, which is mechanical, (2) A round white 8 wire connector that plugs in closest to the speedo, and (3) A black 11 wire connector tword the opposite (drivers left) side.

Although the standard analog clock with hands, is different than the Limited's digital type Quartz display, I'd assume Stu is correct that they both operate off the same vehicle supplied power source. Their is no difference in the harness or its connection to the rear of the cluster between the standard S/GS/LE models. Yes, there are differences, but not how they connect to the cluster. Same harness, the differences are how the clusters themselves are configured.

I've never had reason to try a limited cluster in a GS, but I'd assume it would work just fine. No glaring reason it wouldn't.

 

Ok I will give it a shot. Thanks

 

wot he said

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska