One of the best ways to make your car stand out among its peers is to increase the number of "factory options." Now there's a new conversion kit that will allow anyone with the standard, non-gauge dash to upgrade to Super Sport gauges for '66 and '67 Chevelles. They're designed to fit the existing openings in the dash and come with everything necessary for installation, including the temperature sender and mechanical oil pressure line and fittings. What we'll do for you here is provide a thumbnail sketch and outline your steps to a finished installation.
Retrofitting your car is easy. After disconnecting the battery, you can drop the steering column and unbolt the entire dash from the body. That will allow you to move the whole dash assembly towards you, and the gauges will be much easier to remove. In fact, some people prefer to remove the entire dash so the project can be done on the workbench.
Starting with the fuel gauge, remove the two hex-head retaining screws and mounting plate. The clock also has hex-head fasteners, but remember to remove the knob before attempting to pull the clock out.
When installing your new gauge assemblies, you'll need some 14-20-gauge wire (and terminal ends) to complete the installation. Orient the new fuel gauge into its proper position, but insert the bottom edge of the black plastic cap first, stopping before the faceplate. Then, tilt it up and push it in, past the top lip of the metal housing. This is a very close fit, so be patient. Finally, move the gauge up and into position and re-install the screws on the mounting plate. Then, make a jumper wire and install it on the positive (red) terminal. This is the same terminal used by the pink wire on the plug. Now, it's time to re-install the plug and cluster lamp.
Working on the ammeter, connect a wire from the charge (C+) terminal to the horn relay, and also connect a wire from the discharge (D-) terminal to the junction block. Have no fear: a diagram is provided in the kit.
Moving to the temp and oil gauges, connect the tubing to the back of the oil pressure gauge, and attach the jumper wire from the fuel gauge to the temperature gauge. Once again, orient the gauge into its proper position, insert it into the housing, and re-install the screws. On the temperature gauge, remove the existing temperature sensor on the engine and be sure to replace it with the new sender supplied in the kit. However, when installing the sending unit, do not use any thread sealant, as it will interfere with the grounding of the unit.
Next, connect your jumper wire from the fuel gauge to the positive (red) terminal and the wire from the sensor to the other terminal. Then, install the cluster clamp. Working with the oil gauge, remove the existing warning light switch (located at the rear of the engine, behind the distributor). This is where your new mechanical gauge tubing and fitting will be installed. If you'd like to retain the old oil pressure warning light, you can purchase a "T" fitting to accommodate both.
Like we mentioned earlier, this retrofit kit can be installed easily, just by working methodically and patiently-all for under $200. The kit is manufactured in the USA and made by Shiftworks. Call for a dealer near you.