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C3 Gauges - Different Years Interchangable?

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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 02:20 PM
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Default C3 Gauges - Different Years Interchangable?

Does anyone know if the different year gauges are interchangable. I have a temp gauge out of an early 70's car that I am looking to put into my 77.

Can anyone verify if this gauge will work OK in a 77 dash? I also have the other gauges as well from an early 70's car, so any knowledge on the compatibility of all the gauges would be much appreciated as well!

Thanks,
John.
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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 02:30 PM
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Looks like they have a 72-74, 75-76, and a 77 stand alone year gauge. I'm pretty sure they are all 2 5/8 in. You would probably have to get a new temp sending unit for the year gauge you have and a little modification to fit in the benzel. Looks like a 77 has a flat piece coming off the top right corner of the gauge as you look at it.

Others will chime in to verify.
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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by scottw
Looks like they have a 72-74, 75-76, and a 77 stand alone year gauge. I'm pretty sure they are all 2 5/8 in. You would probably have to get a new temp sending unit for the year gauge you have and a little modification to fit in the benzel. Looks like a 77 has a flat piece coming off the top right corner of the gauge as you look at it.

Others will chime in to verify.
Thanks for your input. I am more concerned with functionality than originality. I'm hoping the gauge will at least work right so I can be done with this cooling problem all together.
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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by USMuscle
Thanks for your input. I am more concerned with functionality than originality. I'm hoping the gauge will at least work right so I can be done with this cooling problem all together.
Do you have a legit cooling problem or a GAUGE problem??

you can prove that for maybe 30 bux at Harbor Freight tools for a Infra Red temp gun, boil some water on the stove good and hot...turn flame down, and measure the pot real quick better say 212 or damn close....

then you know that gun is accurate with your readings on engine components, like the t-stat housing, or the temp gauge fitting on the head....

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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by mrvette
Do you have a legit cooling problem or a GAUGE problem??

you can prove that for maybe 30 bux at Harbor Freight tools for a Infra Red temp gun, boil some water on the stove good and hot...turn flame down, and measure the pot real quick better say 212 or damn close....

then you know that gun is accurate with your readings on engine components, like the t-stat housing, or the temp gauge fitting on the head....

I have a legit cooling problem. Already fixed the problem (radiator & old hoses), but the gauge broke after the car overheated and is done...

I need to have a gauge in there today and want to see if the earlier 70's model (that I have in the garage) will work before I take it to my mechanic today to finish the job...
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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 03:47 PM
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I doubt that the gauge broke from an engine overheat. Most likely the sending unit [in the cylinder head] was 'toasted'. But, that won't harm the gauge. To test the gauge, pull the signal wire off of the sending unit. With the ignition switch in "ON" position (engine does not need to be running) and the wire removed from the sending unit, the temp gauge should show a full scale (to the right) reading. If you now touch that signal wire to chassis ground [engine block, etc.], the gauge needle should go all the way to the left (cold reading). If the gauge works as described, the gauge is fine. You need a new sending unit.
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Old Feb 16, 2012 | 07:54 PM
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And, the temp gauge on a 77 read 200 top dead center just like the 1975-1976 gauges. The temp gauge on 1968-1974 cars read 210 top dead center.

If you replace the 77 gauge with one from a 1968-1974 you are going to be showing a hotter temperature. The required input on both gauges is the same to reach top center.... 79 ohms.

Will it work, yes... will it be accurate.. it will read 10 deg hotter.

Big question is did you test the dash unit to see if it's not working. Do this by grounding out the wire on the sender and see if the gauge reads full hot with the key on. If yes, then let the wire hang and not touch anything, it should read cold.

Does the gauge deflect or do anything when you turn the key on?

Willcox
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