How to decipher the Insturment Cluster Sticker?

[Gary Wilkerson]

I was reading the post by Eric Blanchard regarding clues to a 390 or 425 horse car. The deciphering of the cluster sticker intrigued me.
Is there publishing information for what PN's mean what on a cluster

Mine has a large "LD" with:
Cluster 6457483
Speedo 645367-W
Tach 84?2222-W

The car is an early 66. 390HP

Thanks

[Michael H.]

New Reproduction, Coming Soon.....

Gary,

I don't know of anything in print that lists all the different cluster code labels. Clusters for different engines would have had a different code and two of the three part numbers on the label would change, depending on the engine option. Your "LD" code, for example, would indicate a low redline tack with an 80# oil guage. The cluster assy part number, 6457483, would also indicate the same tach/oil ga combination. The 6412222 tach is the low redline unit that was also used with the 300 HP 327 but the cluster assy number is different than that of a 300 HP because of the different oil guage. The 300 HP uses a 60 lb guage.

So, for the 66 model year, for example, there were four different cluster assemblies, one for each of the four engines available that year. 300 HP was low tach/60 lb guage. 350 HP was med tach/60 lb oil guage. 390 HP was low tach/80lb oil guage and 425 HP was high tach/80 lb oil guage. This means there would be four different two character codes, like your "LD".

The whole thing got a little more confusing for 67 with the 390/400 HP 427 using a mid range tach and 60 lb oil guage. This combination would have used the same cluster assy as a 350 HP 327.

These part number/code stickers haven't been talked about much in the last 30 years but now that these discussions are taking place, I bet there will be a lot of guys that won't allow anyone to look under their dash for a while. At least until they remove the sticker that shows a 300 HP 327 instead of the 435 that's now resting comfortably under the hood.

And just think! This should open up a whole new market for reproduction stickers. Who will be the first to offer the sticker with the 223 tach??

Now everyone has something to do this week. Compile a list of all the codes and part numbers from the known real honest to goodness big block cars and FI's. (I have all the codes and numbers going back to 1963 but I'm not tellin)

Michael

[Gary Wilkerson]

Re: New Reproduction, Coming Soon.....

Michael,

Thanks you do bring up an interesting question! I'm glad to know my cluster appears correct for my 390 BB
It does have a 5500 Readline (actually the redline starts at 5300)tach with 80lb oil gauge
I think I'll pull out my ol printing press!!

Gary

[Richard S.]

Re: New Reproduction, Coming Soon.....

Gary,
There is information in the archives on this subject, including helpful identification from someone who IS willing to share the information.

[Michael H.]

Re: New Reproduction, Coming Soon.....

Rick,

If you search the archives on this subject, you will find that I WAS more than willing to share. I've answered every request for info on this "letter code" subject for the last few years and, obviously, answered Gary Wilkersons question in the post above. However, I refuse to post the entire list of codes/numbers because the last thing that I want to see is more bogus phony paperwork and stickers documenting these "new" big block cars. I won't be a part of it.

I received two emails this AM from well known Corvette parts dealers that want to reproduce all of the different stickers if I would be willing to give them the information. I'm not.

If someone has a real car, then they already have the correct sticker. If they have a phony and are trying to make it look real, I don't want to be involved.

That info went back in the attic this afternoon so no need for any more repo parts dealers to email.

I already posted a critical part of the key to a real solid lifter big block for 65-67. It's the 6412223 tachometer. Any other tachometer number on that sticker is for "something other than a 425/435".

Michael

[Richard S.]

Re: New Reproduction, Coming Soon.....

Michael...

I must say that I admire your ideals and respect the reason you want to keep the information secret. You have responded and helped many posters and you are one of the experienced members others can count on for helpful information. I can understand your motives for not posting the information. On the other hand, I hope that fear of the bad guys won't influence others with important information not to share with their fellow Corvette enthusiasts. I understand that it's not that you are unwilling to share.....you're afraid the bad guys will benefit too. I only hope you are better at identifying them....the bad guys....than I am. The information on the gauge cluster stickers is interesting and useful to NCRS members and other Corvette owners and hopefully it will one day be included in the Judging guides.

[Wayne M.]

'67 Speed-warning doubled the sticker combo's *NM*