65-67 Guage Cluster.

[Richard S.]

I'm about to start a winter project. I'd like to restore a Guage cluster I found at a swap meet. It's from a 65 and is in good condition. I'm going to replace all the guages. (I've done two clusters before and they both turned out perfect). My question is: I don't know what year (65 to 67) or what configuration I should choose to build. I believe I can turn this piece into any of the 3 years and either big or small block configuration. I'll probably put it up for sale when it's done. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Wayne M.]

Go for "LB" sticker config. -- will fetch most

(IMO)... as it will be correct in the appropriate solid lifter (high $$$) cars for '65 thru '67.

Or, build to the other solid lifter variant of 1967 (ie. w/speed warning).

Rick -- I'd start by surveying what the bottom cluster case cut-outs and holes indicate. You may be limited with what you can do without filling the unwanted.

[Richard S.]

Re: Go for "LB" sticker config. -- will fetch most

Wayne,

Thanks for the reply....it's always nice to hear from you. I hope you are doing well so far this winter. Can you elaborate a little on the bottom cut outs and holes. I thought they were pretty well all the same unless someone had made some changes. This is a good learning experience for me.....thanks.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Go for "LB" sticker config. -- will fetch most

Hi Rick -- cold snap out west that keeps hanging around. Here's a link to a thread back on 8th November 2007 where I walk through the holes and cut-outs on the bottom of '65 instrument panel housings (the pot metal part).

https://www.ncrs.org/forum/archive34.cgi?review=308000

Reasons that this could vary between '65 MY and '67 is elimination of rear blower at EOP '65 MY. Also,'67 MY RH kick pad vent operated from RH center console panel on non-C60 cars (rather than from cable under instrument panel). So holes and cut-outs may be simplified after '65 MY.

But then I also think that the LB sticker applied both to when the temp gauge ended at 240 degrees ('65) as well as the '66-up version (250 deg. with coloUred zones). So maybe the sticker defined just the cluster, with the 6 dials, and the complete assembly just fell out of whatever model year was in production.

[Barbara S.]

I agree with Wayne

I sent my dirty old original cluster from my '65 BB car to the rebuilder and he told me that the best part of my cluster was the LB label. LOL. There are differences with some of the gauges from the LB cluster vs. the LA cluster, but it isn't hard to figure out the differences.

There have been many LA cars being converted to LB cars since the big money is with the LB cars. I'd say that there is good demand for LB clusters.

JMO.

Tony

[Wayne M.]

LB sticker on very late 396

On back of cluster is an ink stamping:

"PACKED BY
July 26_1965_02"

The cluster # on the tag agrees with item # in AIM UPC L84, Sheet 2. AIM UPC L78, Sheet A2 says to use same instrument carrier panel as for L84. Strange, but UPC L76 sheets are silent on this, although this engine option should also use this cluster and oil gauge.

Notice that the sticker does not list the oil pressure gauge or the temperature gauge (the latter of which will be different for '66 and 67).

The part #s shown for the tach and speedo are those found in GM parts catalogs, Gr 9.750 and 9.761, respectively.

[Donald T.]

My 65 L79 Also Has An LB Sticker

This may cause more confusion, but my 65 L79 (350 HP) has an LB sticker on the cluster.

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne...7052838&size=l

It has the 60 oil, 240 water temp, and 6000 redline tach. All of which is correct for a late 65 L79. Since the gauges differ from solid lifter applications, how is it that it has the LB sticker? I guess it is possible that the backing plate with the sticker was swapped at some point, but I would be very surprised if that is the case.

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne...7052838&size=l




LB Sticker

[Barbara S.]

Re: LB sticker on very late 396

Wayne. Here's my LB sticker from my July 29, 1965 L78 car. This is a "before restoration" photo.

Tony

[Wayne M.]

L79 6000rpm redline is # 6412522

That's strange -- maybe AC stuck on wrong label. Don't know L79 code (LC ?)

My first car, purchased April 1968, was '65 convert # 04835; had a 80lb oil gauge w/6000 rpm redline (contrary to '65 TIM&JG). Have all dealer work orders; show no R&R on instr. panel. I was pretty green back then so I wouldn't have known where the sticker (or even the VIN or trim tags) were located .

[Donald T.]

Re: L79 6000rpm redline is # 6412522

Thanks Wayne. It's possible my backing plate was swapped at some point. It's just a strange part to swap out. I would be interested in hearing what label other 65 L79 owners have, particularly late 65 with the 6000 redline tach.

Thanks!

[Rick S.]

Re: L79 6000rpm redline is # 6412522

My 1967 L79 has the LC sticker on the back and an interesting side note it has a date stamp similar to the old style rubber stamps. The date is May 18, 1967. My build date is June 19,1967

[William H.]

Re: L79 6000rpm redline is # 6412522

Hi Don my Nov 20 350hp w ac coupe has the LA Sticker 6000 redline tach The cluster has a stamp packed by oct 30 1964 06 on the LA tag cluster 6455363
Speedo 6455367-w Tach 6412222-w and AC- MAde in USA

Hope this helps
Bill