Replacing 'idiot' lights with gauges?

bgoodman · 09-16-2002, 10:11 PM

Anyone know if this is possible on a 1984 chevrolet caprice classic?

alan889 · 09-16-2002, 10:58 PM

Seems pretty easy to me if your going to mount some gauges external to the dash. I prefer to use autometer gauges, you'll have to change the oil and water temperature sender as well. All you need is water temp,oil pressure, and a voltmeter.

AL

eugenen · 09-17-2002, 11:26 PM

You can usually just replace the sendors for the lights for senders for the gauges. A 1984 probabally doesn't have fuel injection, but just in case it does, GM has the oil pressure switch going to the ASD relay and fuel pump relays so put a T connector and both the gause sender and the old switch. You could also go to a bone yard and pick up a cluster with gauges and then swap. If you do buy gauges don't buy cheap ones, a cheap temp gauge cost me and engine.

bgoodman · 09-18-2002, 10:24 PM

yes it's a carbed engine.

and AFAIK all of GM's various models of the caprice had idiot lights with the exception of the 1990 model.

hmmm, i'll look around.

eugenen · 09-18-2002, 10:31 PM

shouldn't be too much of a problem then since you shouldn't have to worry about computer sensors.

Seems funny doesn't it, we put a better computer in our cars to play mp3's than the ones that control the engines.

00CericaRuss · 09-20-2002, 02:01 PM

another thing you could do is get t fittings so you have both the idiot light, and the gauge.

as for oil pressure gauge, i suggest you get an electric one, unless you want to run an oil line to your gauge

bgoodman · 09-20-2002, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 00CericaRuss
another thing you could do is get t fittings so you have both the idiot light, and the gauge.

as for oil pressure gauge, i suggest you get an electric one, unless you want to run an oil line to your gauge

Thanks for the heads up on that.