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Jul 15, 2006 | 09:36 PM

matchframe

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From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas

Interiors

I am toying with the idea of replacing my '78 dash and console/gauge cluster with an earlier shark version like a 69-73 style.

As far as a physical fit, would this be just a straight out replacement?

I will be using a whole new wiring harness and autometer gauges so the stock wiring or connections will not be used.

Has anybody done this before?

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Jul 15, 2006 | 11:25 PM

Crazy81

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From: Baytown Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by matchframe

I have toyed with this idea myself. I don't think it would be a big problem. I had the interior out of my '69 a few times and now have it out of my '81. It's been a while since I had the '69, but from what I can remember of it, it's very close behind the dash. The autometers do look better in the old dashes. I'm also looking into what it will take to mount a C5 instrument cluster in it. I think that will take more than I want to fool with though.

Jul 16, 2006 | 08:22 AM

Ganey

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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS

As you both know the dash was redone in 78. Since there is no need for compatibility w/ the previous setup there is little.
77 was the last year of the original dash. The console gauge cluster & console was updated. The removable sides of the console is a plus for wiring changes.

You could use a 77 console gauge cluster & have very minimal changes there & use your console. The 80- console gauge cluster will work w/ the 68-77 dash w/ modification. Have one in my 77 so the added oil temp. gauge (in place of the clock) inset would be the same as the other gauges.
To use the previous gauge cluster the console would normally be changed also.

A 68-77 gauge cluster would need to modified to fit the pass side of your dash using 68-77 speedo/tach dr. side panel.

Jul 16, 2006 | 02:13 PM

matchframe

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Does the '77 gauge cluster use the printed circuit board like the '78?

If not then the '77 may be the better console gauge cluster to use. I like the glove box that showed up in the '78, but am willing to do without that in order to use the pre '78 dash. Is there a way to have the pre '78 dash on the driver’s side and keep the glove box of the '78 on the passenger side?

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Jul 16, 2006 | 10:45 PM

markdtn

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Chattanooga TN

There was a post on this about 2 years ago. I thought the consensus was it was a lot of work to make it fit. The steering columns are different lengths. There are some differences on the HVAC box (78-82 have an additional vacuum motor). Something about the way the dash and dash pad attach is quite different too I thought? My memory is a bit hazy on all the details.

Jul 17, 2006 | 12:07 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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My advice would be to purchase the '78 assembly instruction manual and an AIM for the year of your donor car, compare the two dash installations and make note of the differences. I would not be surprised to find behind dash brackets, braces, etc. all changed from 77 to 78. You will probably need an older year dash harness to match up with the older gauges.

Jul 17, 2006 | 02:57 PM

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Quote:

Originally Posted by matchframe

Does the '77 gauge cluster use the printed circuit board like the '78?

Yes.

Jul 18, 2006 | 08:21 AM

Ganey

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Joined: Apr 1999

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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS

It may be easier to modify 78- wiring for 75-77 el. tach & speedo than switch wiring & mod it.

St. column. 78- can be used w/ minor mod.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=934721
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=936257
See Jim Shea article.

78- wiper switch could be used.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matchframe

I like the glove box that showed up in the '78, but am willing to do without that in order to use the pre '78 dash. Is there a way to have the pre '78 dash on the driver’s side and keep the glove box of the '78 on the passenger side?

If you used the 78- console gauge cluster an ext. would need to be added to it on dr. side to fit to 68-77 tach/speedo panel.
If a 77 console gauge cluster was used the pass. side would need to be cut to fit to 78- glove box panel.

77 interior
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/CorIntPass_small.JPG