1979 corvette. Does anyone know?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 286
Likes: 11
From: LA CA
1979 corvette. Does anyone know?
I wanted to replace the clock with the oil temp gauge in my 1979. I came across a 1981 small gauges cluster and I am wondering if I can just install the whole thing in the car and if I would have any problems in doing so.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I did exactly what you asked about 25 years ago on my 78. I bought an oil temp gauge and it's sending unit from GM for an 80 -82, removed the gauge cluster, took out the clock, and wired the oil temp gauge into the cluster with a wire for the sending unit to the oil temp temp sensor to the gauge, and jumped a wire to one of the adjoining gauges for power. It has worked perfectly ever since. I did have to remove and reinstall the oil pressure sending unit from above the oil filter to behind the distributor at the top of the block where on the corvette there is a plug. I bought some fittings from a local hardware store (no home depot back then) and installed the oil pressure sending unit. I installed the oil temp sending unit above the oil filter since I believe that is where GM originally mounted their units. Hope this helps!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I did exactly what you asked about 25 years ago on my 78. I bought an oil temp gauge and it's sending unit from GM for an 80 -82, removed the gauge cluster, took out the clock, and wired the oil temp gauge into the cluster with a wire for the sending unit to the oil temp temp sensor to the gauge, and jumped a wire to one of the adjoining gauges for power. It has worked perfectly ever since. I did have to remove and reinstall the oil pressure sending unit from above the oil filter to behind the distributor at the top of the block where on the corvette there is a plug. I bought some fittings from a local hardware store (no home depot back then) and installed the oil pressure sending unit. I installed the oil temp sending unit above the oil filter since I believe that is where GM originally mounted their units. Hope this helps!
The hardest part is finding the sending unit. They have been discontinued by GM for some time and the aftermarket does not have an exact replacement.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Run a search, someone just did this step by step about three weeks ago. I worked with him on this but for the life of me can not remember who the OP was.
Willcox Inc.
Willcox Inc.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Added oil temp gauge when it came out & changed to the later panel several years ago.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 286
Likes: 11
From: LA CA
I have everything. The only thing I am having problems with is the wiring. I do not know if where each wire plugs in the back of the gauge. I do not have a plug So I had to run the cables up to the gauge myself.. Thanks for the help
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 3
three prongs on back of gauge send- grd -power/ing. Ground to ground, 12v to send prong and ing prong to send unit. Dont ask me why the are reversed but that what it took to get mine working back in about 81 . Bench tested before install with hot water and a battery.
