There are a bunch of options when it comes to instrumentation for the ’66-67 Novas in today’s market. Just about everything under the sun is available. There are simple dual or triple under-dash gauge units, dash inserts that make it a snap to install round-style gauges, and direct replacement clusters with upgraded gauges. The most budget-friendly gauges are the double-/triple-gauge under-dash units, which range from $35 for the simple ones up to $350 for the high-end gauges. While they are functional and do the job intended for, they still look added on to the interior. 1. This is what we have to start with, pretty much an untouched dash in a ’67 Nova—stock gauges, original dash pad, and so on. The faded needles and cracked and discolored dash pad really look bad with the rest of the redone interior.1. This is what we have to start with, pretty much an untouched dash in a ’67 Nova—stock Even with all those cool things available there was still a missing segment on the market, which is a stock-looking upgrade. To fill in that gap in the market, Shiftworks now offers a new gauge conversion that upgrades the factory cluster by replacing the single fuel gauge and clock (or block-off plate) with dual gauge sets on each side of the cluster like that found in the ’66-67 SS Chevelles. These gauges are designed to fit the existing openings in the back of the dash and include all fittings necessary to hook up the gauges, including the temperature sending unit and the mechanical oil-pressure line and fittings. We found a very clean ’67 that had a new interior kit in it, but the dash hadn’t been touched. We set forth to add the new needles and also freshen up the rest of the dashboard by changing out the cracked dash pad and cluster bezel. We picked up all the parts and pieces from Chevy II Only, and the work can be accomplished in a single day with simple handtools with no need to cut or modify your stock components. 2. In this close-up you can see our original dash pad had a few cracks in it from years of sun exposure. It was also very discolored. It was originally bright blue like the rest of the interior.2. In this close-up you can see our original dash pad had a few cracks in it from years o 3. These are the original gauges and bezel. Faded from the sun, and let’s face it, who trusts the idiot lights anymore?3. These are the original gauges and bezel. Faded from the sun, and let’s face it, who tr 4. This is a common sight in these Novas: a couple of gauges hanging under the dash. They serve their purpose but are definitely not appealing to the eye.4. This is a common sight in these Novas: a couple of gauges hanging under the dash. They 5. We need to start by getting the original dash pad off. That requires removal of the glovebox and door. You will need a short Phillips screwdriver to get these screws out.5. We need to start by getting the original dash pad off. That requires removal of the gl 6. Next we move on to the removal of the gauge cluster. To get it out, it’s required to drop the steering column by removing the two nuts holding the strap to the dash. Make sure to wrap the column with a rag or something to keep from scratching the paint when you pull the cluster out.6. Next we move on to the removal of the gauge cluster. To get it out, it’s required to d 7. Now you can remove the screws surrounding the gauge bezel. There are eight altogether. Then, unplug the wiring harness from the back.7. Now you can remove the screws surrounding the gauge bezel. There are eight altogether. 8. Now that the cluster is out, you can access all of the nuts for the dash pad and remove it.8. Now that the cluster is out, you can access all of the nuts for the dash pad and remov 9. Here’s the dash without the pad. Like a lot of cars, the dash pad had never been removed, even when the car was repainted.9. Here’s the dash without the pad. Like a lot of cars, the dash pad had never been remov 10. And the new pad is on. Installing one of these is pretty self-explanatory. They have studs molded in, and you just need to put on the nuts. You can see the difference in color now compared to the weathered original.10. And the new pad is on. Installing one of these is pretty self-explanatory. They have 11. With the gauge cluster removed and on a bench, you can take it apart. We decided to replace the bezel and lens with new ones we got from Chevy II Only11. With the gauge cluster removed and on a bench, you can take it apart. We decided to r 12. There are a few small 1/4-inch screws that hold it all together. 13. Here is basically what we’re replacing. The original fuel gauge gives way to the fuel/voltmeter, and the clock becomes a temp/oil gauge. The fuel gauge is made to work with your factory 90-ohm sending unit, so it will be as accurate as your stock gauge.13. Here is basically what we’re replacing. The original fuel gauge gives way to the fuel 14. Start by removing the original gauges. There are two 1/4-inch screws apiece and they just pull out. The face of the gauge is a bit larger that the hole in the cluster so a little jockeying might be required to get them out.14. Start by removing the original gauges. There are two 1/4-inch screws apiece and they 15. The new gauges go in place of the originals by sliding them in. Again, jockey them around until they go in.15. The new gauges go in place of the originals by sliding them in. Again, jockey them ar 16. Once the gauges are in, you’ll need to run the supplied jumper wire from the fuel gauge to the temp gauge. This is what you should have when you’re done.16. Once the gauges are in, you’ll need to run the supplied jumper wire from the fuel gau 17. As mentioned before, we decided to replace the original bezel and lens. You will need to reuse the black bezel though. We just cleaned ours up as it was in pretty good shape.17. As mentioned before, we decided to replace the original bezel and lens. You will need 18. Make sure when you’re putting everything back together you use the original ground strap. If you forget it, your gauges will not work correctly.18. Make sure when you’re putting everything back together you use the original ground st 19. Here is the finished product ready to go back in. And just as easy as it came out, it’s back in. replace the eight screws (make sure to reuse all of the little clips/nutserts from the original bezel) and plug in all the lights and plugs in the back. The gauge panel is stamped with the color designation telling you what wire goes where.19. Here is the finished product ready to go back in. And just as easy as it came out, it 20. Now we just have the underhood stuff left. You’ll need to install the supplied temp sender. This can go in a few different places, the intake or the cylinder head. We opted to install ours in the intake. Once you have it in (do not use any thread sealant), run the supplied wire into the car and hook it up to the temp gauge.20. Now we just have the underhood stuff left. You’ll need to install the supplied temp s 21. Next we need to hook up the mechanical oil-pressure gauge. Our car already had a mechanical gauge so the line was already there and we just reused it and hooked it to the back of the new gauge. If you don’t have a line already run then simply uncoil the provided copper tubing and route it. Make sure to keep the line away from the exhaust.21. Next we need to hook up the mechanical oil-pressure gauge. Our car already had a mech 22. Here is the finished product, and as you can see the conversion looks great. Unless you really know your Novas, you’d think it came that way from the factory. Now the entire interior of the car looks good, and the new needles look and perform much better than the idiot lights.22. Here is the finished product, and as you can see the conversion looks great. Unless y What It Is And What It Cost PartPart NumberPrice SS Gauge Conversion KitS507-V$205.00 Dash pad, bright blue71046C-2-3$199.95 Speedometer dash bezel plastic21031$89.95 Dash bezel lens21032$39.95 Total:$534.85 SOURCES Chevy II Only Inc. PO Box 985 Mt. Washington KY 40047 502-239-8487 www.chevynova.com By Calin Head Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
