I dont like brand new gauges in the old dash, I think the original gauges look best. most GM since the early 90s have electronic gauges instead of analog gauges that work on resistance. they use a stepper motor, which is a DC synchronous motor that has precise degreed steps instead of continuous rotation, allowing the controller to precisely position a needle using pulses. this how to focuses on 96-03 S10 but the procedure is exactly the same for most modern cars. if you are using a drivetrain/harness from a modern donor, and dont have an endless budget for new gauges, or if you are like me and dont like to see perfectly good parts go to waste, this is your how to.
want to put the stepper motors in the speedo and quad gauges. The original GMC set has oil pressure, amps, fuel and coolant. the 99 sonoma gauges have the same, except the electrical gauge is voltage, which is better because amperage doesnt tell you much useful these days. It was nice in the old days when using the truck as a mobile power plant to power lights and whatnot out in the fields, and needing to know when you were approaching the point of current draw where the brushes would start to eat themselves. but nowadays, the alternator has easily over 120amps and monitoring voltage is a better way to look at the health of your charging system.
started by tracing out the size needed and marking to make perpendicular lines at the center.
cut on the lines and fold in half to make the quad gauge pattern
line up the fold with the center of the gauge, then use your finger to make sure the fold is also centered on the needle hole by pressing down and looking at the impression.
this is why you want it centered, on the back side is the stepper mount
want to put the stepper motors in the speedo and quad gauges. The original GMC set has oil pressure, amps, fuel and coolant. the 99 sonoma gauges have the same, except the electrical gauge is voltage, which is better because amperage doesnt tell you much useful these days. It was nice in the old days when using the truck as a mobile power plant to power lights and whatnot out in the fields, and needing to know when you were approaching the point of current draw where the brushes would start to eat themselves. but nowadays, the alternator has easily over 120amps and monitoring voltage is a better way to look at the health of your charging system.
started by tracing out the size needed and marking to make perpendicular lines at the center.






cut on the lines and fold in half to make the quad gauge pattern

line up the fold with the center of the gauge, then use your finger to make sure the fold is also centered on the needle hole by pressing down and looking at the impression.


this is why you want it centered, on the back side is the stepper mount
