GM Parts Experts??

Are the diagrams in the Fisher Body manuals or GM shop manuals?

You might try Autozone's Repair Guides. They have diagrams too.

 

id have to find a manual for the thing. im not sure if our library has them or not, i know the senders are all the same, im just wondering now if there is a module under the dash that i missed. the wires didnt look like they went to a module, but who the hell knows now, i guess i need to go out there before they crush it and study some more. maybe it wont rain tomorrow. its pouring here, first rain weve had in months

 

Just found this on GM ammeters:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/ammeter-install-79131.html

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/ammeter-hook-up-help-82571.html

You have to register but there is a diagram in this list:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-217154.html

 

The fusible links and resistor wire are usually outside of the passenger compartment, because they are made to blow. Those mid-80s GM wagons might still be listed with an older dealer too. Maybe they could give you a photocopy?

 

Typically, there are unused connections in the wire harness that sit inside the dash. Plug and play. But....you should have some schematic to show which goes where or take another one apart in the yard.

 

Jase! I found you an Expert! This guy knows stuff about GM instruments!

http://www.novaresource.org/rpo_U17.htm

Heck, it seems he knows a lot about GM's Novas and Camaros!
http://www.novaresource.org/new.htm

And good links:
http://www.novaresource.org/links4.htm

His home page doesn't work though. So use the Sitemap:
http://www.novaresource.org/sitemap.htm

 

Even GM Speedo recalibration!
http://www.novaresource.org/speedo.htm

 

You've gotta love this guy's completeness. He's divided his links into 4 pages: Nova, Non-Nova, Automotive and Non-Automotive. The Automotive links page is for everyone. Awesome, and I say that as local link-infester.

http://www.novaresource.org/links2.htm

 

lot of good information to go thru. i still want to make the swap, but havnet had time. ill get around to it one day.

 

Swapping Instrument Panels

I did this swap in my 1977 Pontiac Safari. I found a panel from a newer wagon that I believe was a 1981. The sending units on the engine are different between lights and gauges so those have to be swapped. The harness may have to have a wire or two moved around but GM shop manual will have the best info. Once everything is hooked, you will then find out that without the warning light for the GEN/AMP/VOLT, the altenator will not kick in. This is due to GM using the lamp to "excite" the altenator on startup. You can recreate this by running a wire from the altenator to ground but you must have a lamp in this wire to make it work. This light should only light when the key is turned to start and goes out once engine is started.

 

may have to let that project go, i only wanted to switch out so id have a trip odometer. i feel naked without one. gotta pic the battles

 

I'll bet all you need is the cluster and the oil and temp senders.

 

I'll bet you're right too. GM doesn't change the main instrument back plastic casting that much. So the speedo/tripmeter head might fit right in. Haul out the dremel or a plastic bit drill and the trip reset should fit fine.