Using '37 instruments with 12 volt & 4L60E

[Mutt's37Buick]

Working on a '37 Buick and the drivetrain and electrical will be from a '95 Buick.
My original plan was to use the '95 instruments as well, but it is really too wide.
1) Can anyone tell me if '37 Buick original instument cluster can be adapted for use on a modern 12 volt electical system and speedometer hooked up to a 4L60E transmission?
2) Can someone recommend a donor car, or aftermarket instrument, with a similar rectangular configuration? (9.75" wide x 5.75" tall, probably 10 x 6 dash opening)
Thanks
Mutt

 

[goose-em]

you can run 6 volt gauges on a 12 volt system but you do need to use a volt reducer for each gauge

 

[Mutt's37Buick]

Thanks goose-em.
Do you know if there is way to hook up the speedometer?

 

[goose-em]

Not sure on the speedo. I am not super familiar with that tranny.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Your trans uses an electronic speed sensor, so you will need a conversion kit to run a mechanical speedo.

A couple examples here...

http://www.classicindustries.com/nova/parts/cl5000.html

http://www.abbott-tach.com/cablex.htm

 

[Mutt's37Buick]

Thanks for the info.
Not the cheapest options, but would keep the original look.

 

[Sam_Fear]

The fuel gauge needs the voltage regulator. The temp gauge will also if it's not a capillary type. The oil gauge is probably capillary. The amp gauge will not need one.

BUT, if you hook them up to new sensors, they won't read correctly. You will likely need to put a potentiometer in line.

 

[Mutt's37Buick]

Thanks for the additional info.
The original '37 instrument cluster is (9.75" wide x 5.75" tall), in case someone knows of a modern instrument cluster that may fit.

 

[sneakysnake]

You could modernize it or cut up the dash and use something newer.

http://www.egaugesplus.com/37-38-buick-auto.html

 

[Krooser]

Are you using the '95 wiring harness?

I'd keep the original gauges and adapt them to 12V OR build your own gauge cluster... keep the gauges as they have value to restorers or other hot rodders.

 

[Mutt's37Buick]

I am using the '95 Buick Roadmaster wiring harness.
The original '37 dash opening is about 10" wide x 6" tall, but the '95 instrument cluster is 17" wide x 7.5 tall.
Hoped to find a different GM instrument cluster that would connect to the harness, but so far they all have different connectors.
The only one so far that appears to have similar connectors is a 96-97 Cadilac Eldorado, or Seville.
1) Does anyone know the dimensions of the instrument panel on a 96-97 Cadillac Eldorado?

 

[Krooser]

Save yourself a headache and buy a new hot rod harness. Painless, Kwik Wire and Rebel are good. Kwik Wire will custom build what you need for TBI if that's what you are using. Will cost you about $200.00 or so.... well worth it IMHO.

I have installed 3 KW deals and they are ez to install with great customer support.

www.kwikwire.com

 

[Willowbilly3]

I think there are places you can send your old cluster off to and it will come back with compatible gauges, and restored original faces.

 

[Mutt's37Buick]

I remeasured the '37 Buick inst cluster and I had made an error.
The exposed glass dimensions are 9.75 wide x 4.75 tall so the e-gaugesplus at 9.9 x 5.3 is probably a match.
New instruments, or upgrading the existing for compatable gauges are options.
One of my motivations to using the '95 Buick wire harness is to have the system failure lights. Also will be using the '95 steer column which has a cable attachment showing gear the trans is in.
I noticed that 90's chevy 1500 trucks have a narrower and taller instrument cluster and some also have the gear indicator cable attach point. Chevy S10 trucks may also be an option.
1) Does anyone know what years Chevy 1500 (or S10) have this cable attach point.
2) Does anyone know if any of the Chevy 1500 (or S10) instruments have two wire connectors, as labeled 70 & 71 on the attached picture of '95 Roadmaster cluster?
Thanks