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1981 Gauge Cluster upgrade

Old Apr 24, 2018 | 07:58 AM
  #1  
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1981 Gauge Cluster upgrade

Hi, looking for help from more experienced restorers....can I (fairly easily) swap out a standard gauge cluster for a SR5 (tach included) gauge cluster. I've had the dash apart before and am not afraid to take on the challenge, I'd just like to know if it's harder than I think. If my truck (1981 Standard edition) didn't have the factory tach installed, will I be running new wires to the cluster?


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206Yota
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 07:11 PM
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From: Taos New Mexico
I've found in most cases the Early 80s trucks will often not be wired for the tach when upgrading to the SR5 style cluster , some do some don't . I had a couple that did not have a tach cluster but when I changed it out the harness actually had the wiring so it worked fine . if you've taken the cluster out before you might wanna try swapping one out
Good luck !
I've found gauge clusters for around 25-45 bucks at junk yards
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 07:18 PM
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From: Taos New Mexico
I can get an SR5 model cluster if you can't find one easily !
Just drop me a line
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Old Jun 9, 2025 | 08:24 PM
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1981 SR5 cluster

Originally Posted by 85camo
I can get an SR5 model cluster if you can't find one easily !
Just drop me a line
do you still have an SR5 cluster?
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Old Jun 10, 2025 | 06:31 AM
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From: Taos New Mexico
Good Morning 81 SR5....it's been a while , let me check in my storage . I'll get back to you in a day or two !
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